Awareness alone not enough | Officials call for door-to-door outreach to end child labour

As child labour continues to persist, government officials have called for urgent grassroots-level awareness to eliminate the practice. Speaking at an awareness program organized to observe the World Day Against Child Labour under the theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!”, speakers stressed that community-level action is essential, as legal protections alone have failed to stop ongoing violations.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Zakabo V Rotokha, NCS, said, “Today we will know better to prevent this outcome. We have to act and implement,” urging all stakeholders to take responsibility. He called upon colony chairmen, GBs, and civil society groups to lead from the front, stating that child labour is a “deep-rooted issue that can only be eradicated through widespread education and mutual support within communities.”

Deputy Labour Commissioner, Dimapur, Visakhonuo Ndang, highlighted the ground realities and challenges faced in combating child labour. She issued a strong call for grassroots leaders to take the lead in raising awareness.

“Chairmen and GBs are selected because they can reach house to house. That is why you are important. Awareness must begin at the grassroots,” she said.

She added, “It is not enough to conduct events; awareness must be spread in every ward and colony. It must be taken door to door.” Pointing to widespread ignorance as the main reason for the issue persisting, she urged local leaders to educate families about laws against child labour, its consequences, and the importance of education.

Advocate Khumchuba, a penal lawyer from the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), gave a presentation on the legal framework surrounding child labour.

In a strong appeal to eradicate child labour, community leaders emphasized the need to form a joint foundation involving Chairmen, GBs, and civil society members. They stressed that awareness must begin at the household level and that it is not too late to overcome this social issue.

He emphasized the need for community involvement in reporting cases, stating that “Let us put this into action. All must join hands to stop child labour.”

Protection Officer (NIC), Arenla C Phom of the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), elaborated on child rights as guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and international conventions.

A session on the “Role of Child Helpline 1098” was presented by Venuto Kapu, Counselor at Childline 1098, who said the helpline acts as a crucial bridge between vulnerable children and rescue authorities. “1098 is a 24×7 toll-free emergency service dedicated to helping children facing abuse, exploitation, child labour, trafficking, or any form of neglect,” he said.

Kapu urged the public to use the helpline without hesitation, stating, “Safeguarding children is a collective responsibility, and 1098 is a vital tool in creating a safer environment for every child.”

The program also brought renewed attention to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Officials reiterated that the law strictly prohibits the employment of children below 14 years of age in any occupation or process, while adolescents aged 14 to 18 are barred from working in hazardous occupations, including brick kilns, stone quarries, welding, and jobs involving flammable substances.

While the Act allows children to assist in non-hazardous family-run enterprises outside school hours, this exception is tightly regulated and does not extend to any work that threatens the child’s health, safety, or education.

Under Section 14 of the Act, employers found engaging children in prohibited work may face imprisonment of six months to two years, and/or fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. The same penalties apply to those employing adolescents in hazardous environments. Additional violations of the Act, such as failure to maintain proper records or breach of working conditions, may attract penalties of up to one month’s imprisonment and/or fines up to Rs 10,000.

In a parallel event, in Mokokchung, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, delivered the keynote address, stating that child labor robs children of their rights, education, and future, and leads to “mental exploitation and social chaos.” He pointed to economic instability as a root cause and stressed the need for collective and sustained awareness campaigns to prevent child labour.

Advocate Chubarenla, Panel Lawyer, Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority, emphasized that child labour often hides under the guise of domestic help in Nagaland. “Poverty is the root cause,” she noted, urging stakeholders to monitor and verify children’s welfare while utilizing government schemes and legal provisions to intervene when needed.

At Tetso College, Sovima, Suneplila Tzudir, Labour Inspector of the Labour Department, reminded the audience of the constitutional guarantees under Article 21A and Article 24, which ensure the right to education and protection from exploitation. She called attention to the importance of vigilance at all levels—home, school, and community—and encouraged the use of Childline 1098, district task forces, and police authorities to report instances of child labour. Referencing international conventions by the International Labour Organization (ILO), she stressed that India’s commitments extend beyond national borders and demand coordinated action.

Following the session, students from the Department of Social Work, Tetso College, in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), organized a poster presentation. The display featured visually impactful posters covering various dimensions of child labour—from legal prohibitions to the psychological toll it inflicts on children. Using hard-hitting imagery, statistics, and slogans, the students advocated for a child’s right to education, safety, and dignity, underscoring that child labour is not only a human rights violation but also an obstacle to the country’s development.

Advocate Otoli Kits, practicing at the Gauhati High Court and Subordinate Courts, elaborated on several key legislations, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, echoing Tzudir’s call for legal literacy.

Adv Kits pointed out that laws alone are not enough; consistent awareness and community engagement are equally vital. She encouraged the public to engage in everyday advocacy—by talking to children and adults about child rights, supporting NGOs, volunteering, and promoting education for girls and marginalized groups. “Every child deserves a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment to grow and thrive,” she said.

MT