35 Industries Penalized for Child Labor Violations in Last Fiscal Year

In the fiscal year 2080/81 BS, a total of 35 industrial institutions and employers faced penalties for engaging in illegal child labor practices, according to the Labour and Employment Office, Hetauda. The office carried out inspections across 95 industries, uncovering violations that led to fines totaling over Rs 400,000.

Chhanda Narayan Shrestha, the Office Chief, stated that these industries and individual employers were penalized for using child labor, a practice that is strictly prohibited under Nepali law. In addition to imposing fines, the office successfully rescued 35 children from these work environments.

The majority of child labor violations were found in larger industries, which were also flagged for other issues such as the absence of appointment letters, inadequate remuneration, and concerns about social and physical security. The Office directed these industries to overhaul their management practices to better protect labor rights and eliminate the use of child labor.

The government authority conducted monitoring in various sectors, including hotels, industries, and workshops, to ensure compliance with labor laws.

In response to complaints about unpaid wages, the Office received 79 grievances over the past year. Out of these, 60 cases were resolved through dialogue, while 19 remain under review.

Additionally, the Labour and Employment Office organized awareness programs against child labor in the districts of Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Sindhuli, aiming to educate both employers and the community about the importance of protecting children’s rights.

This crackdown on child labor and the related awareness initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to upholding labor rights and eliminating illegal practices in the workplace.