Mumbai Human Rights Commission Acts Against MCGM Over Child Labour

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has initiated ex parte proceedings against the Municipal Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) due to the civic authority's failure to respond to allegations of child labour in hazardous work.

The commission took suo motu cognisance of a news report alleging that children were seen cleaning a nallah in Wadala, Mumbai. As a result, the commission named the victims as 'three child labourers' in its complaint.

During the hearing, Datta Mohite, Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai, submitted a report on behalf of the Labour Commissioner. The report stated that the children were employed by a contractor engaged by the MCGM to clean gutters and nallahs in the Wadala area.

According to Mohite's report, the employment of children in such hazardous work is rampant in several wards of the MCGM, including G/North, E, and F/North. The Labour Department conducted five raids with the help of the police and NGOs, finding several children working in similar conditions.

An FIR was lodged at the Wadala Police Station, resulting in the registration of Crime No. 262/2026. The MCGM, however, failed to file a reply to the proceedings, prompting the commission to express its displeasure.

The commission observed that if the allegations are true, the MCGM, as the principal employer, is also responsible and liable for the offence of employing children in hazardous work.

The commission has directed the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, to submit a report on whether the police have made the concerned MCGM officers accused in the case during their investigation into Crime No. 262/2026.

The matter has been adjourned to October 28, 2026. The MSHRC's actions highlight the need for stricter enforcement of child labour laws and greater accountability from civic authorities.

The issue of child labour in Mumbai is a pressing concern, with many children being forced to work in hazardous conditions. The MCGM's failure to respond to the allegations and the Labour Department's report revealing rampant child labour underscore the need for urgent action.

The MSHRC's decision to initiate ex parte proceedings against the MCGM serves as a warning to civic authorities to take child labour allegations seriously and to ensure that they are complying with the law.

In the context of Mumbai, the issue of child labour is often linked to poverty and lack of access to education. The city's civic authorities have a crucial role to play in addressing this issue and ensuring that children are protected from exploitation.

The MSHRC's actions in this case demonstrate the importance of holding civic authorities accountable for their actions and ensuring that they are upholding the law. This is a significant step towards protecting the rights of children in Mumbai and preventing the exploitation of child labour.

In conclusion, the MSHRC's decision to initiate ex parte proceedings against the MCGM over allegations of child labour in hazardous work is a significant development in the fight against child labour in Mumbai. It highlights the need for greater accountability from civic authorities and stricter enforcement of child labour laws.