11 child labourers rescued in Raj's Kota

Eleven child labourers were today rescued from various dhabas and messes in Vigyannagar area of the city.
In a joint raid by Anti-Human Trafficking Cell and NGO Childline, the rescued children, aged between 11 to 16 years, were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) that sent them to two different shelter homes after first phase of counselling.
Anti-Human Trafficking Cell in-charge Kaniz Fatima said that eleven child labourers were rescued from different messes and dhabas in Vigyannagar area.
The rescued children were forced to work for more than 12 hours and were paid Rs 3,000 per month, she said, adding, they hail from parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

A case against the proprietors of the eateries would be lodged in Vigyannagar police station under the relevant sections, she added.
CWC member Vimal Chand Jain said it came to the fore during counselling that three of the rescued children were suspected to be bonded labourers and they had been working and living in the messes for over a year and a half.
Once the counselling and investigation are complete, the CWC would recommend the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to record children's statements and take action under bonded labour law, Jain said.
The rescued children have currently been sent to shelter homes but decision on further action in the matter would be taken in the CWC meeting on Wednesday, he said.