Andhra Pradesh DGP orders probe into video of 6-year-old mopping college room in presence of cop
A six-year girl child in Andhra Pradesh was engaged in cleaning the floor of a classroom designated for spot valuation. At that time, her father and two police head constables were present and did not stop her from cleaning the classroom.
FollowAmaravati: A video of a six-year-old girl allegedly mopping the floor of a room of a state-run college in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of two head constables has gone viral, prompting the Andhra Pradesh DGP Gautam Sawang to order an inquiry and initiate disciplinary action against the policemen.
The incident happened at the intermediate spot valuation centre at the government junior college at Atmakur and according to police, the girl was asked to clean the floor by her father, who was engaged to do the work.
At that time, her father and two police head constables were present and did not stop her from cleaning the classroom.
After the video of the incident was telecast by local news channels, the Andhra Pradesh DGP Gautam Sawang instructed Nellore District superintendent of police to inquire and initiate disciplinary action against the "errant" police head constables.
Reacting on the incident, Sawang in a statement on Monday stated that it was a violation of the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act 1986.
According to an official release,the DGP said it is extremely unfortunate that though awareness is being created regarding Child Labour Prohibition Act, greater sensitisation and orientation is needed within the police department.
Sawang stated that it was disheartening. He said that the people responsible for that incident, including the child's father will be punished by the law. There will be no exemption even for the parents when they force their children below 14 years to work.
"Will not tolerate such incidents. More training and sensitising of police personnel against use of child labour is needed," Sawang said, adding that very soon a special drive will also be conducted against child labour in households.
The top cop said the incident is punishable under section 14 of the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act 1986 and a person liable under this section can be subjected to imprisonment of three months extending up to one year or fine up to Rs 20,000 or both even if the person is the father of the child.
On this occasion, the DGP ordered the officials to create awareness among the police personnel on the child labour laws. He announced that a special drive will be conducted to identify child labour across the state and will take appropriate action on the accused people.
