RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE 1 85 schools are providing non-formal education to 37,516 children withdrawn from work — 16,466 from hazardous and 21,050 from non-hazardous establishments. As many as 19,514 children have been mainstreamed to formal education from these schools. Maharashtra (19 January 2002) 8.22 A total of 1,023 child labourers were detected in 1997. In another survey carried out during the period from 1 October 1999 to 28 February 2000, 2,983 children were detected in 2,041 establishments. In an ongoing survey of 2001-2002, 4,552 children have been detected in 2,444 hazardous establishments. The review has indicated that follow-up action as directed by the Supreme Court was taken only in respect of the first survey of 1997. Only 573 children out of 1,002 withdrawn from hazardous work were actually admitted to schools. Only one family covered by the 1997 survey, which was conducted under the directions of the Supreme Court was given employment. The Labour Secretary of the State indicated that the proposal to establish a grant of Rs.5,000 per child for the affected families, as required by the Supreme Court when employment could not be offered, is now tmder the consideration of the Government of Maharashtra. As regards recovery of Rs.20,000 per child from the offending employers, an amount of Rs.7,64,000 has been recovered in 38 cases only. 440 prosecutions were launched in respect of the detection of 1,002 children from hazardous establishments. Only 64 cases have been disposed of till now 13 resulting in conviction and 51 in acquittal. In addition, a total fine of Rs.88,200 has been imposed on 6 persons who have been convicted. Child Labour in Slaughter Houses 8.23 Employment of children in slaughter houses is prohibited under the provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. The Commission has, however, been receiving reports about the employment of children in abattoirs/slaughter houses all over the country. In a meeting held on 16 March 2001, the Commission therefore decided to send notices to all concerned. Accordingly, all States/Union Territories were requested, on 9 April 2001, to ensure that the concerned departments were directed to inspect slaughter houses imder their jurisdiction. It was added that children found to be working in such establishments should be withdrawn, provision made for their education and rehabilitation as directed by the Supreme ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002