Lethal Liquor Part-2: Raisen’s Children with Melting Hands
Jul 4, 2024
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Explore the disturbing case of child labor at Som Distilleries, where minors worked in hazardous conditions. Learn about the failures of local authorities and the gaps in India's child protection laws. Uncover the truth behind this violation of children's rights with expert insights.
The case of child labor at Som Distilleries unveils the exploitation of minors in hazardous conditions.
Legal gaps in addressing child protection laws highlight the complexities and challenges in enforcing regulations.
Deep dives
Exploitation of Child Labor in Alcohol Distillery
Children, including Vinit and Sapna, were rescued from working in Som distilleries, enduring hazardous conditions and physical harm, revealing a significant case of child labor in the liquor industry under Som's management. The children were employed, deprived of education, and subjected to harmful substances, highlighting legal violations and the need for rehabilitation efforts. The government took action leading to license suspension and legal procedures, but challenges remain in ensuring child welfare and addressing systemic failures.
Investigation and Legal Actions Against Child Labor
Authorities, including the NCPCR, conducted rescue operations, filing legal cases against Som distilleries for employing children in violation of child labor laws. Efforts were made to provide compensation, educational rehabilitation, and legal recourse for the affected children. Despite the crackdown on child labor, gaps in enforcement and protection mechanisms revealed the complexities and inadequacies in addressing such violations.
Challenges in Rehabilitation and Legal Ambiguities
The case raised legal questions about defining a 'child' and the ambiguity in laws surrounding child labor and exploitation. Legal experts emphasized the need for a uniform age definition and amendments to strengthen protective measures for children's rights. Issues such as defining child labor offenses and ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation highlighted the complexities and gaps in the legal framework.
Government Response and Future Measures
India's efforts to combat child labor highlighted progress but revealed challenges in enforcement and rehabilitation. Recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee emphasized the need for stricter penalties, improved welfare schemes, and enhanced agency coordination. India's commitment to UN sustainable development goals to eliminate child labor by 2025 underscored ongoing efforts despite existing legal ambiguities and enforcement hurdles.
In the second part of this eye-opening episode of The Morning Brief, we delve into the disturbing case of child labor at Som Distilleries in Madhya Pradesh. Around 100 minors worked 12-hour shifts in hazardous conditions, disguised in school uniforms and exposed to harmful chemicals, until a government rescue intervened. Shockingly, operations resumed shortly after suspension. Why did local authorities fail to protect these children? What happens to the victims now? And what does this incident reveal about the glaring gaps in India’s child protection laws? Join Anirban Chowdhury as he investigates these urgent questions and uncovers the truth behind this egregious violation of children's rights with Manish Sharma, director, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, activist & lawyer Bhuwan Ribhu, Priyank Kanoongo, chairman NCPCR, and Abhijit Agrawal, excise commissioner of MP.