Sixteen-year-old Farmaan* lived in Delhi with his mother, who worked as a domestic servant. Their financial hardships forced the young boy to give up on his schooling and seek employment doing menial tasks at a local café. In addition to the hazards of operating a large commercial stove, Farmaan found himself surrounded by adults using psychotropic substances. He worked five to six hours each day and received monthly wages of just $36, far less than the legal minimum wages.
JVI’s Justice Hub partner in Delhi learned about Farmaan and coordinated his rescue from child labour with the help of various government officials. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) determined that he was a child in need of care and protection and placed him in a children’s home, where he is currently residing on his journey to healing. The CWC also directed the payment of the back wages to which Farmaan was entitled under minimum wage laws. Aftercare workers are helping Farmaan to continue his studies and undertake vocational training that aligns with his interests.
*Name changed to protect identity.
