Pune, 23rd July 2026: The Labour Commissioner's Office rescued two child labourers from eateries in Kasba Peth and Shaniwar Peth during a special inspection carried out with the assistance of Faraskhana Police. Criminal cases have been registered against the owners under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, while the rescued children have been produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for rehabilitation.
The operation was launched after the Labour Department received a complaint about minors being employed at food establishments. During the inspection, officials found one child working at a dosa centre and another at a roadside eatery serving poha and other food items.
Both children, natives of Uttar Pradesh, were allegedly employed as waiters and made to carry out various tasks throughout the day and even during the night.
After verifying the children's identities and recording their statements, officials rescued them and filed complaints against the owners. Based on these complaints, Faraskhana Police registered offences under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Further legal proceedings are in progress.
Government Labour Officer Mukund Hon said employing child labour is a punishable offence under the law, with provisions for both fines and imprisonment. He appealed to citizens to report any instances of child labour to the Labour Department so that prompt action can be taken.
The rescued children have been presented before the Child Welfare Committee, which will decide the next course of action. Depending on the circumstances, the committee may arrange for their return to their families in Uttar Pradesh or facilitate their education and rehabilitation if relatives are located in Pune.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Labour Commissioner Abhay Gite. The inspection team included Government Labour Officer Mukund Hon along with Shop Inspectors R.K. Tathe, D.B. Paul and A.T. Gawari, with security provided by personnel from Faraskhana Police Station.