Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 8 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday directed police officials to register cases and arrest those employing children in heavy labour at the Yeshwanthpur Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), after he found children as young as seven working at the market.
Shivakumar, who arrived at the APMC around 6 am, inspected the market and interacted with farmers, traders, middlemen and women workers. He also reviewed facilities including toilets, parking and other infrastructure at the market.
“I also observed serious concerns: small children aged 7, 8, and 10 years are being engaged in heavy labour. I have directed the police—Circle Inspector, DSP, DCP—that by this evening, all individuals employing child labour must be booked and arrested. If the police fail to take action by evening, I will suspend the responsible officers. Child labour must stop immediately,” Shivakumar told reporters.
During his visit, the Chief Minister said he interacted with farmers to understand issues related to APMC commissions, transportation and the movement of agricultural produce from different parts of Karnataka and other states.
Visited the APMC in Yeshwanthpur today and had an interaction with farmers and traders, listening to their experiences, concerns and suggestions.
I also spoke with traders to understand the movement of commodities from different states, their prices and the functioning of the… pic.twitter.com/t5IR7c418P
He said commodities including potatoes, onions, ginger and garlic were arriving at Yeshwanthpur from states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other parts of the country, besides various regions of Karnataka.
Shivakumar also examined differences in the quality and shelf life of agricultural produce, particularly ginger and potatoes. He said farmers had raised concerns about commission rates and the margins received by different participants in the supply chain.
“Farmers mentioned margins of 50 paise, while agencies take about Rs 5 to Rs 6. I will examine this issue,” he said.
He said the government would also look into concerns related to sanitation, parking tenders and housing facilities for workers at the APMC.
“Regarding toilets, cleanliness, parking tenders, and housing requests from workers, I have taken note of everything,” Shivakumar said.
The Chief Minister said he would ask ministers across Karnataka to visit APMCs in their respective districts, assess the conditions and work towards improving facilities for farmers, traders and labourers.
He also highlighted the role of trust in transactions at the Yeshwanthpur market, saying payments were made through both cash and RTGS, while street vendors often purchased produce at small margins.
In posts on X, Shivakumar said farmers and traders were an important part of Karnataka's economy and assured them that their concerns and suggestions would be considered.
“Our farmers and traders are an important part of Karnataka’s economy. Their welfare remains a priority for our government,” he said in one of his posts.
He said the government would inspect APMCs across the state to establish a transparent and fair system for farmers, traders and labourers.
“Most importantly, child labor being carried out here must stop immediately,” Shivakumar said, reiterating that action would be taken against those employing children. (ANI)
