Helplines to call in case of child abuse

Awareness and Reporting of Child Labour Cases in Bengaluru

Child labour and abuse cases are serious violations of children’s rights and require immediate attention. In light of a recent incident where a pilot and her husband were attacked by a mob for allegedly physically abusing their minor domestic help, it is crucial to understand the most efficient way to report such cases. This report aims to provide information on reporting child labour cases in Bengaluru, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reporting Channels

With the merger of Child Line with the national emergency helpline, it is important to raise awareness about the new reporting channel. According to Nagamani, project coordinator of Child Line (Bengaluru), the Child Line operations will be extended until August 31, after which it will be merged with the national helpline, 112. It is essential to inform children and teens in the city about this change and educate them about the new helpline they need to call in case of child labour or abuse.

Women and child rights advocate Anjali Ramanna advises citizens to stick to the national helpline, as NGOs also end up going to the police. She emphasizes that while NGO contact numbers might change, the national helpline remains constant. In cases of potential mistreatment, approaching the nearest police station or calling the helpline is advised. The police have the responsibility to stop possible cognizant offences, as stated in section 156 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

However, Anjali hopes that in the future, the government will re-assign a separate helpline number specifically for children. Dealing with children requires special attention, and having a dedicated helpline with trained staff would be more efficient in addressing their needs.

Additional Reporting Options

In addition to the national helpline, child labour and abuse cases can also be reported to District Child Protection Officers (DCPO). Bengaluru has five zonal District Child Protection Units. Unfortunately, the contact details of these offices are not available on the official Government of Karnataka website, as it displays a blank screen. This lack of accessibility needs to be addressed to ensure efficient reporting and intervention.

Low Incidence of Child Labour Cases in Bengaluru

According to Bharati Devi, DCPO (central), the frequency of child labour complaints remains low in the city. Labour inspectors actively monitor their respective areas for child labour cases. If a case arises, they handle it within their own court and only contact the DCPO if the child involved requires rehabilitation or care.

Child rights, labour, and abuse cases are also handled by the Child Welfare Committee. However, due to the unavailability of newly recruited committee members, Metrolife was unable to get in touch with the officials for further information.

Sensitization of Police Officers

A senior police officer highlights the importance of sensitization training for police officers. He emphasizes that officers on the ground and in the control room need special training to handle child rights-related calls received through the national helpline, 112.

Legal Provisions

Advocate Monika H B states that the employment of minors for domestic work is prohibited by law. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016 (Section 2) specifically prohibits the employment of children aged 14 and below in any occupation or process. Adolescents aged 14-18 years are also prohibited from working in hazardous occupations and processes. Section 14 of the same act prescribes the punishment for contravention, including imprisonment for a term not less than 3 months but may extend to 2 years, or a fine between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000, or both.

Recent Incident

In a recent incident in Dwarka, New Delhi, an IndiGo Airlines pilot and her husband were beaten up by an angry mob for allegedly physically abusing a 10-year-old girl working as their domestic help. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, highlighting the urgency of addressing child labour and abuse cases.

Helplines

1. National helpline: 112
2. Child Line: 1098
3. DCPO (central): 91083 77782
4. DCPO (north and south): 92439 99734
5. DCPO (Anekal): 83104 72040
6. DCPO (east): 99864 97477

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

• Number of child labor cases reported and resolved.
• Number of child abuse cases reported and resolved.
• Number of sensitization training programs conducted for police officers.
• Number of prosecutions and convictions for violations of child labor laws.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: deccanherald.com

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