By IANS,
New Delhi : The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has found a large number of child labourers working in the Bt cotton fields in Gujarat and is mulling recommending inclusion of this work in the banned list, the panel said Thursday.
The child rights panel has sent a team of experts to Gujarat on Oct 7-10 to look into complaints made by some NGOs.
“We have found child labour cases to be rampant in the Bt. cotton fields in the Shihori and Khimana areas of Banaskantha district and subsequently directed the labour department to take appropriate action,” said Yogesh Dube, member, NCPCR, who had led the central team.
The team during its visit had a meeting with the Gujarat government officials, including the state chief secretary and senior officials from labour, social justice and empowerment, education, home, health, woman and child development, among others.
The commission also raised concern over closure of schools in the area depriving children of their entitlements and asked the district administration to facilitate speedy resolution of issues concerning children.
The commission is also mooting the idea of taking up policy matters, such as inclusion of Bt cotton in prohibited list, at a higher level and follow it up with the concerned ministry/department.