19 CHILDREN RESCUED FROM DELHI FACTORIES, ONE PAID JUST ₹10 A DAY; NINE FACTORY OWNERS APPREHENDED

October 29, 2026

New Delhi | October 29, 2026

Nineteen children, aged between 10 and 17, have been rescued from garment and artificial jewellery factories in the Gandhi Nagar area of east Delhi, where they were allegedly subjected to long working hours and paid extremely low wages. The youngest among them, a 10-year-old boy, was reportedly earning just ₹10 a day.

The operation led to the apprehension of nine factory owners and the sealing of nine manufacturing units, following information received by government authorities, police and child-protection organisations about the employment of minors.

According to officials, five of the rescued children were below 14 years of age, and one was a girl. Fifteen children were reportedly employed in sewing and embroidery units, while four were engaged in packing artificial jewellery. Investigators said the children had been brought to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and had allegedly worked in the factories for around eight months.

The investigation uncovered particularly harsh conditions. Two children reportedly worked from 7 am until 8 pm, slept inside the factory premises overnight and resumed work the following morning. The children were allegedly paid between ₹20 and ₹200 a week. The youngest boy reportedly spent his daily earnings on snacks and chocolates rather than receiving proper food from his employers.

The rescue operation was conducted by a joint team involving the sub-divisional magistrate, tehsildar, Labour Department, Delhi Police, Association for Voluntary Action (AVA), Basic Foundation and Bal Vikas Dhara.

Following their rescue, the children underwent medical examinations and were sent to a children's home on the directions of the Child Welfare Committee. An FIR has been registered at Gandhi Nagar police station, and further investigation is under way.

The incident highlights continuing concerns about child labour, exploitative wages and the vulnerability of children brought away from their home states for employment. The investigation will determine the responsibility of the factory owners and the legal action warranted in the case.