The World Day against Child Labour is celebrated on 12th June across the Globe. After Africa, India accounts for the second highest number where children are employed and exploited. Recognizing the increasing problem of child labour in India, the Parliament passed ‘The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986’.
According to the United Nations and the International Labor Organization, child labour is to be considered if:
“...States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.”
The Meghalaya State legal Services Authority, Shillong in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Shillong organized the Child Labour’s Day . Students & Faculties of Sikkim Manipal University, Martin Luther Christian University & Lady Keane college participated in the seminar & discussed on the causes & measures against Child Labour. The chairman of the program was Shri Alexander S. Mukhim, EAC, followed by distinguished guests like Smti Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait , Dr. Soma Bhowmick & Smti R. R. Marak, MCS Addl. Deputy Commisioner, East Khasi Hills.
This social woe of child labour can be brought under control, if we, as responsible citizens take accountability of reporting about anyone employing a child below the age of fourteen-years. Also we can educate people about the law, providing awareness of family planning, child education & health. Charity begins at home so we can start from our maid to the neighbourhood & we need not of go out in the street with demonstrations. Many people avoid reporting about such incidents in their neighborhood, as they fear the number of times they would have to visit to make statements against the culprits. Or then, people just prefer to turn a blind eye towards such employers, as they do not wish to spoil relations with people.
Let us contribute as drops in the ocean & be a part in creating a healthy society free from Child Labour. Every child has the right to breathe the free air & live his childhood.
