DGP Sawang orders probe into Nellore child labour issue, initiates departmental action on police

Amaravati: The AP DGP D Gautam Sawang ordered a probe into the alleged child labour incident at Atmakur in Nellore district, in which police were also accused. Reacting on the incident, Sawang in a statement on Monday stated that it was a violation of the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act 1986.

The incident took place at a Government Junior College at Atmakur in Nellore district. The six-year girl child was engaged in cleaning the floor of class rooms for spot valuation. At that time, her father and two police head constables were present and did not stop her from cleaning the class room. A video and photos widely circulated on this incident and Sawang reacted seriously.

The DGP ordered the Nellore district Superintended of Police to take departmental action against the two head constables. Sawang stated that it was disheartening. He said that the people responsible for that incident, including the child's father will be punished by the law. There will be no exemption even for the parents from the punishment when they force their children below 14 years to work.

Section 14 of the Act says that the people responsible for this crime will be punished with 3 months to 1-year jail term or Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 fine, or both jail term and fine.

On this occasion, DGP ordered the officials to create awareness among the police personnel on the child labour laws. He announced that a special drive will be conducted to identify child labour across the state and will take appropriate action on the accused persons.