CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Labour Department has successfully rescued more than 239 children engaged as child labour during the child labour eradication week observed in the state in the last week. Besides, 199 offenders were also challenged for their offence under the act. This year in July 408 children were released engaged in child labour.
Disclosing this here today Mr.Chuni Lal Bhagat, Labour Minister, Punjab said that during the week special teams were constituted by the Deputy Commissioners concerned, which conducted inspection in different centres across the state. He informed that during raids 239 cases of child labour were detected and 199 offenders were challaned for same offence.
He further said that challans would be submitted to the respective courts that could pronounce punishments ranging form Rs 10,000 fine to 6 month imprisonment. Mr.Bhagat said that the state government was committed to abolish the child labour in the state.
He added that during the observance of this week the inspection teams also organized special seminars for sensitizing general population so that the children belonging to the poor family could also enjoy their childhood.