Shillong, June 12: Even after strict prohibition from the Labour Commissioner not to employ children below the age of 14 years as domestic workers, but the problem of child labour is still in prevalent in the state.
It may be reminded here that Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986 under section 3 anybody who employs any child of permits any child to work in contravention of the provisions of section 3 of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986 shall be punish.
Child labour is a major deterrent to the nation’s growth and there should be greater awareness about child rights. With an aimed to spread awareness amongst the people World Day against Child Labour was observed on Wednesday.
Various programmes are being organised in the city to highlight on the need to stop child labour in the state.
Few children still involved with domestic work while talking to reporters at a press conference here on Wednesday expressed their desire to have an equal rights like any other children.
“Our rights are being deprived and we have to work and not being able to enjoy our childhood in a proper way,” she said
Another girl also said that she wanted to study but she cannot. She therefore urged upon the government to come up with a solution and put stop against child labour as she do not want other children to suffer like them.
Besides, some other children with hand written placards expressing their desire of for their rights.
Terming that there were different categories of child labour Shima Modak a member of the Shishu Shiksha ghar said that some children work because of poverty,left out and some are habituated to the streets.
Therefore, she urged upon the government to develop a programme to address the issues.
Saddened over the fact that despite prohibition Child Labour still exists Modak called upon every concerned citizen to take a pledge that in order to stop child labour onec should not make them work at home.
Meanwhile, a sister from the North Eastern Regional Domestic Workers Movement informed that the movement is trying hard to bring out initiatives to stop child labour. besides she aso informed that the movement from time to time rescued such children from their work place.(SP News)
