New Delhi, Jul 27 (IANS): The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), along with the North-East District Task Force, on Monday rescued nine child labourers from the Mustafabad area, who were working at several scrap shops with no masks, and in unhealthy and unhygienic condition.

During the pandemic, this was the fourth operation undertaken by the Commission to rescue child labourers, because of which it is concerned about the increasing number of cases.

The children were rescued and provided masks, sanitisers, food and water. The DCPCR and the Delhi Police also sealed seven shops in the process.

They have undergone a medical examination by the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), including tests for Covid-19.

They were also produced before the Child Welfare Committee and would now be placed in the Mukti Ashram in Burari. Their statements have been recorded in the office of the Sub-District Magistrate and legal proceedings will follow.

Meanwhile, the International Labour Organisation has predicted that with the Covid-19 pandemic, the world may witness an increase in child labour for the first time in 20 years, thus, there is a risk of reversing years of progress in this area.