District Collector urged all stakeholders to join awareness drives and directed Gram Panchayats to hold pledges and anti-child-labour campaigns in every village
Koppal
District Collector and Koppal District Child Labour Project Society President Dr. Suresh B. Itnal has directed officials to organize extensive awareness programmes against child and adolescent labour across the district. He instructed all concerned departments to work together to build strong public opinion against child labour and eliminate its harmful social impact.
The administration will observe World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, which is marked annually following the declaration made by the International Labour Organization in 2002.
Officials have been directed to ensure that employees of government departments, boards, corporations, schools, colleges and institutions take a pledge on June 12 not to employ child or adolescent labourers.
The District Collector said elected representatives, legal services authorities, non-governmental organizations, trade unions, employers’ associations and social workers should actively participate in awareness activities. He instructed Gram Panchayats across the district to organize pledge ceremonies and launch campaigns against child labour in every village.
Processions involving NCC and NSS students from schools and colleges will be conducted at village, taluk and district levels to spread awareness through slogans and public outreach. Essay writing, storytelling, speech competitions, debates, painting contests, quizzes and drama performances will also be organized for students to educate them about the issue.
Officials have been asked to conduct these programmes in a meaningful manner and encourage community participation to strengthen the campaign. A special district-wide awareness drive for child protection and eradication of child labour will continue from June 13 to June 30.
The administration has also directed Gram Panchayats, municipalities and urban local bodies to spread awareness messages through garbage collection vehicles on June 12. Authorities said collective efforts from government agencies, educational institutions and the public are essential to ensure every child receives education, protection and opportunities for a better future free from labour exploitation and social injustice.
