Maharashtra Government Restructures Child Labour Committees, Appoints District Collectors as Heads
In a significant move to strengthen the fight against child labour, the Maharashtra government has reconstituted District Child Labour Action Committees across the state, with district collectors now designated to lead these bodies. This restructuring merges previously separate advisory and action committees into a unified enforcement platform, aiming to intensify efforts to eradicate child labour more effectively.
Government Resolution Supersedes Earlier Orders
The decision was formalized through a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday, which supersedes earlier orders from 1997 and 2009. Those previous orders had established distinct district-level advisory boards and action groups under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986. The new framework follows recommendations from a study committee chaired by the divisional commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which critically reviewed the functioning of multiple committees under the revenue and labour administration departments.
Comprehensive Committee Composition
As per the revised structure, the District Child Labour Action Committees will include a diverse range of officials to ensure a holistic approach. Key members will comprise:
- The chief executive officer of the zilla parishad
- The municipal commissioner or chief officer of the local body
- The superintendent of police or assistant commissioner of police
- The resident sub-divisional officer
- District-level officers from education, social welfare, tribal development, health, women and child development, and home guards
- Two representatives from non-governmental organizations
The assistant labour commissioner or government labour officer will serve as the member secretary, facilitating coordination and administrative functions.
Enhanced Responsibilities and Enforcement Measures
The resolution assigns critical responsibilities to these committees, focusing on robust enforcement and rehabilitation. Key duties include:
- Coordinating raids to rescue children employed in both hazardous and non-hazardous occupations
- Initiating criminal cases against employers who violate child labour laws
- Ensuring recovery of Rs 20,000 per child from offenders, in alignment with Supreme Court directives
Beyond enforcement, the committees will oversee comprehensive rehabilitation support for rescued children and their families. This includes linking children to education, providing healthcare services, and offering livelihood assistance to ensure sustainable reintegration into society.
Strict Timelines and Mandatory Reviews
District collectors have been directed to constitute these committees within one month of the order's issuance and to immediately escalate enforcement drives against child labour. To maintain accountability and track progress, monthly review meetings have been made mandatory. Progress reports from these meetings will be routed through the labour commissioner to the state government, ensuring continuous monitoring and timely interventions.
This restructuring represents a consolidated effort by the Maharashtra government to streamline child labour eradication initiatives, leveraging the authority of district collectors to enhance coordination and effectiveness across various departments and stakeholders.
