MUKESH SHARMA
KALIMPONG, May 28:

In order to stop and prevent child labour in the town, the representatives of
various Government Departments and Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) will be
forming a Rescue team. Speaking about the prevalence of child labour, the
Assistant Labour Commissioner, TT Bhutia informed that those who force the
children of 14 years and below for labour depriving them of their childhood rights
shall be penalized strictly. He also mentioned that the Child Protection Campaign
has received much cooperation in the Kalimpong Sub Division. A National Child
Labour School has also been established at Thakurbari where these children are
imparted education.
He further informed that when a person is found guilty exploiting a child, then
he/ she will be fined Rs 20,000/-, the amount is then deposited in a bank at
Darjeeling in an account opened in the child’s name. The amount will be handed
over to the child once they reach 18 years of age. The District Administration
also provides the child labourers with employment later, he added.
Bhutia lastly, stated that they are working with an aim to totally stop child
labour in the town. After the Rescue team is formed there shall be frequent raids
conducted in the town. He also appealed all the drivers to inform about the agents
who bring in child labourers.