Labour inspectors warned of strict action if child labour cases are not identified and such illegal practices are not curbed

Deputy Commissioner Harshal Bhoyar strictly warned the labour inspectors that action would be taken against them if they failed to identify child labourers and prevent such practices effectively.

Addressing a review meeting here on Friday, Mr. Bhoyar expressed dissatisfaction over the less number of child labour cases registered and penalties imposed. The officials brought to his notice that 3,919 surprise raids were conducted, and 102 child labourers were rescued, and ₹4.59 lakh fine was imposed in the last three years.

The Deputy Commissioner further said the labour inspectors and project directors of all three taluks have not performed their duties adequately and responsibly. The performance of the non-governmental organisation was also not satisfactory, he said.

For this, a notice would be issued against the inspectors, and a report would be submitted to the Labour Commissioner.

Mr. Bhoyar took the labour officers to task for their failure in supervising the operation against child labourers and directed them to submit daily and weekly progress report.

He told the officials to strictly adhere to the rules and guidelines in line with the Child Labour Act 1986. Mr. Bhoyar said that a progress report should be submitted on the Pan India Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign for Child and Adolescent Workers.

“The parents of minor children and landowners should be held responsible if they engaged children in fieldwork,” he added.

The labour inspectors should submit a report on the deposit of rehabilitation funds to the District and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund Scheme, he said.

Mr. Bhoyar said that the inspectors should conduct taluk-level task force committee meetings every month and submit a report on the proceedings of the meetings to the labour department officials.

Labour officer Srihari Deshpande, project director Riyaz Patel, and other officials were present.