New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) Barely two weeks after a similar rescue mission, 15 child labourers from Bihar and West Bengal were rescued from zari sweatshops in the capital Friday by police and an NGO.
The children, boys in the age group seven to 14, were rescued from Kotla Mubarakpur in south Delhi, police said.

Trafficked from Sitamarhi and Begusarai districts of Bihar and Howrah district of West Bengal, the boys were brought to the city by middlemen almost a year back.

In almost all cases it was a familiar story - the middleman, a relative at times, promises the parents of the children a better future in Delhi. But once in the city, the kids become bonded labourers.

Qamil, a 10-year-old who was rescued, said: “An uncle came to my village and told my parents that he can take me to the city and send me to school so that I have a good future. My parents agreed and sent me with him.”

“But once here, I was forced to work in the zari industry. There were many other boys like me. We all had to stay in a small, dingy room and work for 13-16 hours daily,” he said.

If his work was not satisfactory, the factory owner beat him.

Rakesh Senger, national secretary of BBA (Bachpan Bachao Andolan), who led the raid and rescue operation with the police said this was the first time when all stakeholders - the district task force on elimination of child labour comprising the sub divisional magistrate, the child welfare committee, Delhi Police, labour department and NGOs - had come together for the mission.

Lallan Singh, the sub divisional magistrate, added: “The children worked from early in the morning till late at night and never received any wages for their work. After rescuing them, we have given the children release certificates under the Bonded Labour Law.”

“This entitles them to a rehabilitation package of Rs.20,000 and availing of government schemes like Indira Awas Yojana, housing schemes and enrolment in government schools.”

On Oct 8, 35 bonded child labourers were rescued from zari workshops.