By Matters India Reporter
Bhopal: A workshop jointly organized by government departments and voluntary groups in a central Indian state stressed educating the youth on child labor and other burning social issues.
Anyone found guilty of employing children will be severely punished. This can happen only if responsible citizens inform authorities when they come across such cases, said Ashutosh Mishra, Additional District Judge, who addressed the June 12 workshop to mark the International Day against Child Labour.
Uday (Dawn) Social Development Society of the Holy Spirit nuns collaborated with the Madhya Pradesh government’s Labour department, Bhabha University and Radio Popcorn to organize the workshop at Bhopal, the state capital.
The objective of the program was to boost sensitivity toward the burning social problem of child labour in our society and create legal awareness towards the same, the organizers said.
Uday and various departments of Bhopal administration formed a “Task Force Committee” and set apart June to eradicate child labor in the city. Many government departments have come together to make a “Child Labour Free Bhopal.”
Mishra stressed that the law strictly forbids employing children below 14 years in any type of labor and children. Those between 14-18 years of age should not be involved in any type of dangerous or harmful work such as crackers factory and match stick factory, the judge explained.
The judge urged the participants to look out for children working in places such as hotels, grocery shops and construction sites and inform police or call on the number 1098.
He suggested that labour department to conduct more awareness programs, distribute pamphlets and display posters to highlight the law against child labor and legal consequences of violation. The judge also announced the opening of a help desk to register complaint or share problems and seek solutions.
Mayank Dixit, labour inspector, said anyone found guilty of employing children would be 50,000 rupees and imprisonment of two years.
Jasmine, assistant labour commissioner, too wants citizens to inform authorities if they come across child labor. She said the government departments involved in eradicating child labor can succeed only if citizens understand their social responsibility and cooperated.
Brijesh Chouhan, a member of the Madhya Pradesh State Commission for protection of Child Rights, agreed that child labour is a big challenge for society. He wants society to develop a positive attitude toward children. “We do not need to wait for auspicious time rather we can start from anywhere,” he said and suggested using social media as a strong medium to spread information about child labor.
Shailesh Ghatuary, principal, Bhabha University, wants youth to actively support labor department and Uday Society for eradicating the social problem.
Holy Spirit Sister Lizy Thomas, director of Uday Society, appealed for investing collective energy to end child labor so that children could continue their education and become responsible citizens.