Eureka probing findings of child labour at supplier

Indian electronics giant Eureka Forbes has launched an internal probe into its supply chain after authorities discovered child labor at one of its suppliers in New Delhi. The National Human Rights Commission recently instructed Eureka, electrical equipment maker Havells, and Unilever's India unit to conduct checks following the rescue of four children from a small-scale Indian vendor called YY Harness.

On Monday, Delhi authorities rescued the children aged between 14 and 16 from YY Harness, an electrical wiring and component company that had identified the major companies among its clients. However, YY Harness did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Eureka Forbes, a popular brand known for water purifiers, stated that they have taken the allegations extremely seriously and initiated an immediate review and audit of their practices. The company's Chief Financial Officer, Gaurav Khandelwal, conveyed this in a statement to Reuters.

Hindustan Unilever, another company involved, denied that the vendor was a business partner. Havells, another company in the probe, did not respond to queries from Reuters.

The National Human Rights Commission, the country's top body responsible for protecting human rights, emphasized that companies profiting from child labor are equivalent to receiving blood money. Priyank Kanoongo, a senior member of the commission, urged the companies to carry out a thorough check of their supply chains without delay.

The four rescued children, who worked for six days a week, were paid between $105 and $125 per month. Police are currently investigating the incident. The commission has previously intervened in tech giant Amazon's labor practices at a warehouse in New Delhi, stating that the safety and wellbeing of its associates and employees are their top priorities.