A State-level consultation on child labour organised by Department of labour in collaboration with UNICEF on the occasion of ‘World Day against Child labour’ was held here on Thursday.
The consultation was aimed at initiating dialogue, build consensus and ensure collective action to prevent child labour in Chhattisgarh.
The consultation hosted SCPCR, CHIlDlINE, Police, civil society, media and various other departments of the State government.
It provided an opportunity to further understand the complexities of the issue and introspect on the facts and findings of prevalence of child labour in the State.
The consultation was also a step towards drawing strategic planning and comprehensive plan of action for the State to prevent child labour.
While delivering the key note address Professor Dr Shantha Sinha, former Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights lauded the efforts of State government in safeguarding child rights.
She said that getting education is every child’s right and this will happen only when children remain in schools or they may fall for social evil like child labour. The consultation also emphasized that ensuring access to quality education to the children of marginalized families is pivotal in addressing child labour.
Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office – UNICEF called for a policy change in defining child labour as it varies in the legislations like Child labour Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
He also urged the Government for better co-ordination and convergence of the various departments for synergised efforts in curbing child labour in the State.
Following the consultation, Department of labour in partnership with UNICEF is organising a week-long campaign to raise awareness through civil society and media on prevention of child labour across the city of Raipur. The labour department will also organise district-level consultations with all stakeholders including labour officers.