Madhya Pradesh Government Suspends Som Distilleries’ License Over Child Labor Case
The Madhya Pradesh government has taken decisive action against Som Distilleries, suspending their license following a grave child labor discovery. Authorities intervened to rescue 39 boys and 19 girls from the distillery located in the Raisen district, where they were found subjected to hazardous working conditions.
Som Distilleries & Breweries, known for its production of beer, IMFL (India-made Foreign Liquor), and RTD (Ready To Drink) beverages, faced scrutiny after a crackdown led by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) revealed the distressing exploitation of underage workers.
In the aftermath of the raid, Som Distilleries witnessed a significant downturn in its shares, prompting the company to deflect blame onto one of its vendors. The children rescued from the facility reportedly endured grueling conditions, including minimal wages and daily transport in a school bus to work shifts lasting 12-14 hours.
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Following these revelations, SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. saw a sharp 16% drop in its Mumbai shares, the most severe decline in nine months. The NCPCR subsequently called for comprehensive medical evaluations for the rescued children and urged authorities to initiate new FIRs under relevant laws for those still unaccounted for.
NCPCR Requests Medical Evaluation For Rescued Children
The investigation by NCPCR exposed severe violations of child labor laws at the distillery, with many children showing signs of chemical burns on their hands, highlighting the perilous and exploitative environment they were forced to endure. The commission expressed grave concerns over the detrimental physical and psychological impact of such conditions on the young workforce.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of child labor laws and accountability within the manufacturing sector, particularly in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children employed in hazardous industries.
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