The black van stopped in front of the factory. Several men alighted, and went into the office. Thiagarajan looked up with dismay. They were from the Labour Department.
Thiagarajan operated the small plastic moulding factory. Many from the surrounding areas were employed at his factory. But several of the workers at his factory were children.
His factory was closed down while the investigations continued. The welfare department officials swung into action to save the children.
***
Simbu and Karthi sat at the corner of the sparse living room of their house as the lady from the welfare department talked to their mother. “This man is exploiting your children. It is important to send your boys to school. Otherwise what future can they have? How can you be so irresponsible? You are ruining their lives.”
Kamala sat silently, her infant daughter asleep on her lap. She was tired and exhausted. Since the factory closed the previous day, they had not eaten.
Kamala was a single mother. Her husband had abandoned her months ago. She was also sick. And worse, she had no papers. Her children had no papers too.
“Can you help us? We have nothing to eat? Can you get my children into school? Can you get me a job?” Kamala wanted to ask. But she did not. She had gone through this many times. Nothing moved without papers.
***
Thiagarajan came out of the courthouse. He had just paid the hefty fine. But it would be a while before he could reopen the factory. He got into the car, and headed for the village.
***
Thiagarajan walked in with several parcels of food. Kamala greeted him with tears in her eyes. “Don’t worry akka. The factory will open in a few days. Everything will be ok.” He handed her some money. “I have to see the other children’s families.” As Thiagarajan left, he glanced at the two boys. Simbu and Karthi sat side by side, eating hungrily.
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