DC chairs Vigilance Committee meet, directs complete eradication of bonded labour

Deputy Commissioner Sushil Sarwan has directed the complete eradication of bonded labor in the district, emphasizing regular raids at brick kilns, dhabas, and other places. If any bonded laborer is found, appropriate action will be taken under various sections of the Bonded Labor Act. Sarwan presided over the meeting of the Vigilance Committee constituted under the Bonded Labor Act in the auditorium of the Mini Secretariat on Tuesday, where he reviewed the action taken on complaints of bonded labor in the district.

He instructed that senior police officers should accompany inspection teams to handle any situation effectively. Sarwan emphasized that member officers of the Vigilance Committee should personally conduct inspections instead of delegating to subordinate officers, submitting reports on the action taken.

Following this, the Deputy Commissioner chaired the meeting of the District Task Force formed to prevent cases of child labor in the district. He directed officials to take action on child labor complaints and conduct surprise inspections at places where children are forced into labor. Teams should be formed to rescue children involved in child labor, and strict action should be taken against those who force children into labor. Rehabilitation of rescued children should also be ensured.

He called for joint teams to raid and arrest gangs forcing children to work, sending a strong message to such individuals. Additionally, raids should target places where child labor and begging occur, raising awareness among children involved. Sarwan emphasized that both child labor and child begging are crimes.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that children and youth can play a positive role in preventing child labor, urging schools and colleges to raise awareness. He encouraged students not to give alms to begging children and to inform authorities if they witness child labor. The Deputy Commissioner sought suggestions to combat bonded labor and child labor, urging concerned officers to conduct maximum raids.

He appealed to residents to report any matters related to child labor on the child line number 1098. Assistant Labor Commissioner Anuj Sangwan, ACP Headquarters Aryan Chaudhary, Deputy CMO Dr. Sneha, Tehsildar Kalka, Kiran Verma, Rajendra Singh, Gurmel Singh, Hardev Singh, Tejbir Singh, and other members were present during the occasion.