NHRC raps Karnataka govt on child labour in Bellary mines

At a two-day regional meeting with the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu -- which concluded here today -- the NHRC rejected the state's claim that there is no child labour involved in Bellary mines. Drawing the attention of the Karnataka authorities to their earlier reports, the NHRC directed the Additional Chief Secretary to re-examine the whole issue and ensure that benefits under the child labour laws are made available to the victims (children).

"The state was asked to submit a report to the NHRC in this regard in six weeks," Justice B C Patel, who presided over the proceedings of the full commission meeting, told reporters. The Commission recommended monetary relief to the tune of Rs 19.8 lakh in nine cases from the four states and disposed of 22 cases.

On the case relating to a custodial death in Karnataka, the Commission held that it occurred due to police negligence, and awarded an interim relief of Rs three lakh to the next of kin of the deceased Srinivas, hailing from Kolar.