CM Shivakumar Orders Crackdown on Child Labour at Bengaluru’s Yeshwanthpur APMC

Bengaluru, September 8: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday ordered stringent action against those employing children as labourers at the Yeshwanthpur Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), warning that police officials could face suspension if the offenders were not arrested by the evening.

During an early-morning inspection of the APMC, Shivakumar noticed children, some aged between seven and 10 years, engaged in strenuous labour at the market. Expressing strong displeasure over the practice, he directed the police to identify and arrest those employing children.

“I have directed the police — Circle Inspector, DSP and DCP — that by this evening, all those employing child labour must be identified and arrested. If the police fail to take action, I will suspend the responsible officers,” Shivakumar said.

The Chief Minister instructed the authorities to immediately stop the employment of children and initiate action against those responsible.

During his inspection, Shivakumar also interacted with farmers, traders, commission agents and workers to understand the functioning of the market, transportation of agricultural produce, commission rates and the difficulties faced by stakeholders.

He reviewed sanitation, parking, workers’ facilities and other infrastructure at the APMC and said the government would ask ministers to visit APMCs in their respective districts to assess the problems faced by farmers, traders and labourers.

“Most importantly, child labour being carried out here must stop immediately,” Shivakumar said, reiterating that strict action would be taken against those employing children.

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