Post News Network
Bhawanipatna, May 28: Despite efforts by the government to put an end to the practice of engaging children in hazardous and non-hazardous activities, the illegal activity continues unabated in Kalahandi district.
Though there is no concrete official data about children engaged in various industrial establishments of the district, the practice still exist in a wide range of sectors. Sources said the state government receives crores of rupees towards revenue every year from the business of kendu leaf. However, most of the works, including laying and drying up of kendu leaves at depots in this district, are largely performed by children between 6 and 14 years of age.
Sources said almost all the depots of the district engage children in plucking of kendu leaves and other activities associated with the trade. Of all the workers engaged by depots in leaf plucking, about 35 per cent are girls, the sources added.
There are also several instances of engagement of children in plucking and drying up of kendu leaves under scorching conditions in the months of April and May. Though children are forced to work in sweltering conditions, they are paid something between Rs 20 and Rs 25 per day.
Furthermore, though the government has issued warnings to deal with heatwave conditions from time to time, the concerned authorities have not made any arrangements at the places of work.
Sources said 80 per cent of depots in the district openly engage children. Though higher officials are aware of it, they have deliberately done little to curb the practice, the sources added.
While kendu leaf workers are entitled to insurance benefits, the child labourers engaged in the work do not get any such benefits as their employment is illegal. The child labourers work as proxy labourers for adults. Moreover, dishonest officials embezzle the money towards payment of wages as the children work for a meagre `25 a day, sources said.
Kalahandi divisional forest officer was not available for comment on the engagement children in kendu leaf activities. However, a forest ranger rejected the allegation. “We have received a few complaints about engagement of children in kendu leaf activity. However, our department is responsible enough to disengage children from such trades when they come to our notice,” the ranger claimed.
