Vigilance Committee Meeting Reviews Child & Adolescent Labour Issues in Shimla

Shimla, September 30, 2025:
A meeting of the District Vigilance Committee on bonded and child labour was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Anupam Kashyap. Reviewing the situation, the DC stressed strict enforcement of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986. He said employing children below 14 years is completely prohibited, while adolescents aged 14–18 can only be engaged in safe work for a maximum of 5 hours a day. Employers must mandatorily transfer wages directly to the bank accounts of adolescent workers, with cash payment being a violation of the law.

He directed officials to collect accurate data on adolescent workers, regularly review facilities, and conduct surprise inspections, especially at road construction sites. Progress of the rehabilitation fund was also reviewed, with emphasis on addressing challenges in rescue and rehabilitation of bonded labourers. The DC urged committee members to play a proactive role to ensure justice and rehabilitation for affected workers.

Additional DC (Law & Order) Pankaj Sharma, District Labour Officer Satish Kaushal, and other members were present.