World Day Against Child Labour

Mysore/Mysuru: In a bid to create awareness on the social evil of child labour, Rural Literacy and Health Programme (RLHP), Mysuru, in association with Child Helpline-1098 and Karnataka Public School (KPS), Rajendra Nagar, Mysuru, observed ‘World Day Against Child Labour’ with the theme ‘Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour,’ in city yesterday morning.

An awareness jatha was taken out from the Karnataka Public School, which was flagged off by Assistant Labour Commissioner Nazia Sultana in which over 100 school children took part in the jatha.

Students carrying placards with messages on the evils of child labour passed through Kuri Mandi, Rajendra Nagar Main Entrance Arch and N.R. Police Station before culminating at the starting point.

 Speaking after flagging off the awareness jatha, Nazia Sultana said that children are like flower buds in a garden which should be nurtured carefully and lovingly, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow. “Education to children helps in uplifting the society. Parents have to make sure to look upon the mental and physical health of their children. They must make sure that they provide proper education to their kids by sending them to Schools,” she said.

Stating that a lot of complaints are being reported on Child Helpline No. 1098, Nazia said that many children call and report complaints about child labour they have come across. “Depriving children of education will have a serious effect on their  future and also their productivity,” she added.

Deputy Director of Pre-University Education (DDPUE) D.K. Srinivasa Murthy said that poverty is one of the main reasons for child labour because of which children are forced to dropout from schools and opt for minimal jobs to support their parents for their livelihood.

“Moreover, some are forced into child labour. Children will not have any awareness and knowledge about the basic rights they have. It is the duty and responsibility of parents and the society to create awareness about their rights,” he said.

“Parents must understand that the Government Schools are providing most of the basic facilities to the children. It is the responsibility of parents to give their children education,” the DDPUE added.

Karnataka Public School Principal N.M. Vijayendra Kumar, Vice-Principal S. Shwetha, Head Mistress Sharmila, RLHP Director Saraswathi, Child Development Planning Officer Madhusudhan, Children’s Special Unit’s Child Welfare Police Officer Prasanna Kumar and others were present.