NCPCR Chief Shares Mark Sheet of Minor Girl Rescued from Liquor Distillery, Criticizes System

Raisen- In Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, a team from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) conducted a raid on a liquor distillery, rescuing 58 child laborers.

The operation, led by NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo, prompted action from the excise department, which has begun an investigation.

An NCPCR official stated, "The children's hands bore burns from harmful chemicals and alcohol. The employer was sending these children on school buses daily and making them work 12-14 hours each day."

The 'Som Distilleries and Breweries' company is an ISO-certified group producing and supplying beer, IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor), and RTD (Ready-to-Drink) beverages.

BBA Director Manish Sharma said, "The stench of alcohol and chemicals was unbearable. It is unimaginable that children worked under these conditions for such long hours daily. We call for strict action against the employers."

Sharma noted that despite efforts, they could not contact Alok Arora, the director of 'Som Group of Companies,' or Arvind Dubey, the District Magistrate of Raisen. Two days earlier, following a BBA complaint, NCPCR had rescued 36 children from three factories in the Mandideep town of Raisen district.

Sharing the mark sheet of one of the girls rescued from Som Distillery's liquor factory in Raisen district, Kanoongo wrote on his X handle: "This mark sheet belongs to a girl who scored 56% marks. She once dreamed of becoming a doctor, teacher, or officer. However, the cruelty of the system compelled her to work in a liquor factory, causing her hands to suffer burns."

Parle-G Factory Using Child Labor

On June 14, NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo raided a biscuit factory, L M Bakers, in Mandideep, Raisen district, where 21 children were found working as child laborers. The factory was producing Parle-G biscuits.

Kanoongo told The Mooknayak, "A total of three dozen children were rescued from three establishments, including tribal children from Chhindwara and other states."

CM Takes Strict Stance

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav posted on X, "Detailed information has been obtained from the labor, excise, and police departments, and instructions for appropriate action have been given. Strict action will be taken against the culprits."