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In a shocking discovery, an inspection by the Indian state government of Madhya Pradesh has revealed that a Som Group distillery was employing child labourers, some as young as 13, to fill and pack liquor bottles for long hours. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had earlier reported finding 58 children working illegally at the factory, prompting a police investigation.
According to the inspection report, which was seen by Reuters, the children were working 11-hour shifts starting at 8 am, with no training provided on how to protect themselves from harmful chemicals. The report also noted that the factory did not have a health centre, which is mandatory for hazardous work environments. The state government has temporarily suspended the distillery's manufacturing licences, but the company has challenged the decision, claiming there has been no conclusive finding of wrongdoing.
The incident has drawn attention to the pervasive issue of child labour in Indian supply chains. In 2021, Reuters reported an external audit of two Carlsberg warehouses found underage labourers at a location in the eastern state of Jharkhand. Carlsberg had terminated the services of the third-party provider at the time .
The Som Group, which describes itself as an "internationally acclaimed brand" available in over 20 markets, including the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, has denied any wrongdoing. In a submission to the state government, the company claimed that some children would visit the factory to deliver food and medicines to their parents, and no worker was younger than 21.
Why it Matters : The discovery of child labour at the Som Group distillery highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of children in Indian industries. The incident also raises concerns about the accountability of companies operating in India, particularly in the thriving alcohol industry, where both foreign and domestic players operate.
In India, child labour laws are governed by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act of 2016, which defines a child as anyone who has not completed 14 years of age and mandates that they must not be employed in any capacity. The Act prohibits child labour for anyone under the age of 14, with the exception of child performers and employees of family businesses.
Despite these laws, child labour remains a significant issue in India, with an estimated 10.1 million working children between the ages of 5 to 14. Poverty is a major driver of child labour, with many poor families forced to send their children to work to supplement their income.
The Madhya Pradesh government's decision to suspend the distillery's manufacturing licences has been put on hold by a local court, pending further investigation. The listed company's shares have fallen by 8% since the children were found at the factory.
Key Takeaways:
- 58 children, some as young as 13, were found working in hazardous conditions at a Som Group distillery in Madhya Pradesh, India.
- The children were working 11-hour shifts without proper training or protection from harmful chemicals.
- The incident has drawn attention to the pervasive issue of child labour in Indian supply chains.
- The Som Group has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that some children visited the factory to deliver food and medicines to their parents.
- The Madhya Pradesh government's decision to suspend the distillery's manufacturing licences has been put on hold by a local court, pending further investigation.