9 months ago
Eight Boys Rescued from Malda Foxnut Units
Eight young boys from Bihar were found working in foxnut processing units in Malda, which is against the law.
Officials from the labour department and child protection unit rescued them during a surprise check.
The boys have been moved to a safe place.
Many workers from Bihar come to this area to work during the busy season, and sometimes they bring their children.
The owners of the processing units say they don't hire children, but the officials found the boys working there.
The labour department will keep checking to make sure no more children are working in these units.
Eight boys from Bihar were rescued from illegal child labour in foxnut processing units in Malda.
The rescue was conducted by the state labour department and district child protection unit during surprise inspections.
The boys were found engaged in processing work, which is illegal, and have been moved to a safe home in South Dinajpur.
Nearly 8,000 makhna producers and processors operate in the Harishchandrapur blocks, with many workers migrating from Bihar's Darbhanga and Madhubani districts.
Producers and unit owners denied direct involvement in child labour, stating that children may help their parents without their knowledge.
- Who
- Eight boys from Bihar, labour department officials, makhna producers and unit owners
- What
- Rescue of eight boys from illegal child labour in foxnut processing units
- Where
- Gorgori, within the Harishchandrapur police station limits of Malda
- When
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned)
- Why
- To prevent child labour and abuse during the peak season of makhna processing
Key facts
- Location
- Gorgori, Harishchandrapur, Malda
- Number of Boys Rescued
- 8
- Origin of Boys
- Bihar
- Current Location of Boys
- Safe home in South Dinajpur
- Number of Makhna Producers/Processors
- 8,000
- Peak Season Activity
- Boiling and frying makhna
Quotes
An official from the district child protection unit
An official from the district child protection unit involved in the rescue operation
“These minor boys, all from Bihar, were found engaged in processing work, which is completely illegal. They have been shifted to a safe home in South Dinajpur.”
telegraphindia.com
A labour department official
A labour department official involved in the rescue operation
“This is the peak season for boiling and frying makhna. We have received allegations that children working here are subjected to torture and abuse. Based on these inputs, the raid was conducted.”
telegraphindia.com
The owner of a local makhna processing unit
A local makhna processing unit owner
“We never employ minors. Some workers bring their families...A few children may help their parents without our knowledge, but we do not encourage this.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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