The Government of Odisha has formulated a master plan to eradicate child labour from Odisha by the end of 2025,” said Chairperson of Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board Subhash Singh while addressing youths here.
“Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, violating their rights. Of these children, more than half are exposed to the worst forms of child labour such as work in hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labour, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict,” told Chairperson of NACG EVAC India and Former National Convenor on Campaign against Child Labour Ranjan Kumar Mohanty while addressing the rally.
Although child labour occurs in almost every sector, seven out of every ten is in agriculture.
“On this World Day against Child Labour, we also look forward towards UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 set by the international community calling for an end to child labour in all its forms by 2025. In support of Alliance 8.7, we call for immediate action to address the remaining challenges so that the world community can get firmly on track towards eliminating child labour. Children are not meant to be labourers. This takes away their childhood. Every child must be stopped from stepping in to any form of labour — this is hazardous for any child, anywhere. It is every child’s right not to be a labourer. This issue should be addressed in all spheres and on a priority basis,” Mohanty added.
The People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) organised the rally and signature campaign in collaboration with the State Government on Wednesday. The campaign was flagged off by Sbhash Singh in the presence of Ollywood actress and PECUC Goodwill Ambassador for promotion of child rights Bhoomika Dash and Anshika Routray and Olympian Anuradha Biswal.