A recent rescue operation in Choolai, Chennai, freed seven children aged 13 to 17 from a jewellery-making unit.
The children, all from West Bengal, had been working under exploitative conditions, highlighting ongoing concerns about child labour in the jewellery industry.
Rescue Operation Details
The operation was initiated following a complaint lodged via the Childline 1098 helpline on 29 November. A district task force, comprising officials from multiple departments, inspected the facility on Sattannan Naicken Street.
The investigation revealed that the seven children were among 30 workers employed at the unit. The children had been working there for three to nine months. Although their parents had received advance payments ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000, the children themselves were not paid wages. Promised monthly payments of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 were deferred with claims they would be made upon the children’s return home.
The children worked long hours, from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, and were housed at the workplace under restrictive conditions. Activists involved in the operation described the situation as indicative of bonded labour practices.
Legal and Welfare Actions
Shariful Huq, the owner of the unit, has been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway to determine whether additional charges under the Bonded Labour Act will be applied. The rescued children are currently staying at a government shelter in Royapuram while authorities arrange their return to their native places.
Activists have noted that incidents of child labour in jewellery-making units are not uncommon, particularly involving children from West Bengal. One activist explained:
“Since 2023, we have rescued over 60 child labourers, most of whom are from West Bengal. In this case, the owner is also from West Bengal and had brought them here.”
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
This case highlights the need for greater vigilance within the jewellery industry regarding labour practices. Such incidents draw attention to ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical standards and complying with labour laws.
Jewellers and manufacturers should consider implementing robust supply chain audits to identify and address potential abuses. Additionally, industry-wide efforts to support fair labour practices and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable groups are essential for safeguarding the sector’s reputation.
Addressing systemic issues such as poverty and lack of educational opportunities in source regions like West Bengal may also play a role in reducing child labour. Collaboration between businesses, regulatory authorities, and non-governmental organisations is vital to tackle these complex challenges effectively.
