In a significant crackdown on child labour in the city, a joint team of the Labour department and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on Friday rescued a minor engaged in work at a restaurant in Agartala and registered an FIR against the establishment's owner.

Speaking to media persons, Joint Labour Commissioner Bijoy Bhusan Das said that the action was taken following a specific complaint against the restaurant, “Kajal Rekha”, located in the Shivnagar area of Agartala.

Das stated that officials of the Child Welfare Committee had earlier conducted inspections and served two notices to the restaurant after finding a minor employed in hazardous work. However, despite repeated warnings, the owner failed to comply with the committee's directives.

"As the owner did not take any corrective measures, a joint team conducted a raid at the restaurant," Das said.

During the inspection on Friday, nearly three months after the notices were issued; the team again found a child engaged in hazardous work at the establishment. The act constitutes a violation of the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

Das explained that the law completely prohibits the employment of children below 14 years of age in any occupation or process and restricts adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years from working in hazardous occupations and processes. Violations under the Act are cognizable offences.

Accordingly, the Labour Department has lodged an FIR against the restaurant owner. Under the provisions of the Act, the offence carries a punishment of up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000.

The Joint Labour Commissioner further noted that the department regularly conducts awareness programmes among shop owners, traders, and brick kiln operators to discourage child labour. Despite these efforts, some employers continue to violate the law.

He warned that the department would intensify enforcement measures and take strict action against any trader or business owner found employing children in labour-related activities.

"Employing children as labourers is not only illegal but also unethical. We will continue our drive against such practices," Das added.