NCPCR Orders Inspection of UP Slaughterhouses After Rescue of 57 Children in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD, July 17, 2024: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh following the rescue of 57 children from a facility in Ghaziabad. The Directorate of Local Bodies has been tasked to complete the inspections within a week, ensuring strict adherence to child labor laws.

NCPCR Orders Inspection of UP Slaughterhouses Points:

Event: 57 children, including 31 girls and 26 boys, rescued from a slaughterhouse in Dasna, Ghaziabad.
Directive: NCPCR mandates inspection of all slaughterhouses in UP to eradicate child labor.
Timeline: Inspections to be completed within a week, with detailed reports to follow.
Legal Action: Cases filed under Child and Adolescent Labour Act and Bonded Labour System Abolition Act.

Detailed Event Coverage

The NCPCR’s directive was prompted by a significant operation on May 29, 2024, which exposed a child labor ring at International Agro Foods in Dasna, Ghaziabad. Conducted by an NGO in collaboration with local authorities, the raid uncovered severe child labor abuses, necessitating a broader state-wide investigation to ensure compliance with child labor laws.

The children, found working in perilous conditions, were rescued during the raid, which highlighted the extent of the exploitation. The NCPCR’s commitment to child welfare has driven the urgent need to inspect all slaughterhouses in UP. Special Secretary Mahendra Bahadur Singh has ordered the Directorate of Local Bodies to execute the investigation swiftly and thoroughly.

Mahendra Bahadur Singh, Special Secretary of the Government, stated, “We are determined to eliminate child labor and ensure no child endures such inhumane conditions. The inspections will be comprehensive, and any violations will face stringent action.”

The NCPCR is not only focused on legal compliance but also on the psychological and social well-being of the children involved. The hazardous conditions in which these minors were found severely impact their development, requiring immediate and stringent measures.

NCPCR Data and Statistics

Date of Rescue: May 29, 2024
Children Rescued: 57 (31 girls, 26 boys)
Reported By: NCPCR to UP Government on June 26, 2024
Legal Sections Invoked: Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1956 (Sections 3 and 14); Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 (Section 16)

Child labor has been a persistent issue, particularly in sectors like slaughterhouses where minors are often subjected to grueling and unsafe conditions. Previous efforts to curb this practice have had mixed results, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and enforcement.

The results of this investigation could significantly impact labor practices and child protection policies across India. A successful crackdown on child labor in slaughterhouses may encourage similar actions in other high-risk industries, promoting a safer and more humane environment for children nationwide.

Impact

The primary focus is on completing the inspections and implementing corrective measures where necessary. This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to child welfare and legal compliance, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.

The rescue of 57 children from hazardous labor conditions in Ghaziabad has triggered a state-wide investigation into all slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh. The NCPCR’s swift action aims to safeguard vulnerable minors and eradicate child labor from this industry. With inspections underway, authorities are prepared to enforce strict measures to ensure the safety and well-being of every child.

For more information and updates on this investigation, visit the official NCPCR website www.ncpcr.gov.in. Readers are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or violations of child labor laws to local authorities.