In commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed on 12 June 2024, the Department of Labour, Government of Nagaland, held a poster campaign across the state on the theme, “Let’s act on our commitments, End child labour,” to create awareness and sensitize the public against the illegal practice of child labour in the state.
The concerted effort to combat the pervasive issue of child labour serves as a stark reminder of the millions of children worldwide who are subjected to exploitative labor practices, depriving them of their fundamental rights to education, safety, and a childhood free from toil, the department said in a press release.
With the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the international community has made a commitment to the elimination of child labour in all its forms by 2025, the department said. Child labour persists as a complex and multifaceted issue, deeply rooted in poverty, lack of access to education, and social inequality, it added.
It also said that, as enshrined in the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, “child” means a person who has not completed his fourteenth year of age or such age as may be specified in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (35 of 2009), whichever is more. As per the provisions of the Act, no child shall be employed or permitted to work in any occupation or process.
“Recognizing the gravity of the situation, governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies have been urged to intensify their efforts to protect children from exploitation and provide them with access to quality education, social protection, and opportunities for a better future,” it said. “Prohibiting employment of children in the country, it is also considered a punishable offence,” it added.
As per sections of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, whoever employs any child or permits any child to work in contravention of the provisions of the Act is punishable with imprisonment. “It is a cognizable offence,” the department stressed.
“The Labour Department, in alignment with the global community, reaffirms its commitment to combating child labour through robust legislative measures, enforcement of labour laws, and targeted interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of child labour. By fostering partnerships with stakeholders across sectors, including employers, trade unions, and communities, the Labour Department endeavors to create a protective environment where every child can thrive and fulfill their potential,” it said.
Apart from that, the department also said that dedicated services for child care and safety such as Childline 1098, a 24-hour helpline service in India, offer a range of services, including immediate rescue and assistance for children in distress, counseling, emotional support, and guidance. The helpline is managed by trained professionals who handle various issues such as child abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, and other emergencies.
The Labour Department, also keeping in mind the interest and welfare of the workers of our state, which also includes children under the age of 14 years, has institutionalized a Labour Department toll-free number (18003090407) that provides easy access to the department via a phone call to bring forward their issues and grievances, it informed.
“On this World Day Against Child Labour, let us heed the call to action and stand in solidarity with the millions of children around the world who deserve a childhood free from exploitation and the opportunity to build a brighter tomorrow,” the department said.
