In Palanpur, a city in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, a special programme was held to mark Child Labour Prevention Day. The theme for this year’s event was “Child Labour – A Path to Destruction”. It took place at the ST Workshop, where around 120 employees attended to learn more about the issues surrounding child labour.
The workshop featured Meghaben Pandya from the Juvenile Aid Centre Society. She spoke about the detrimental effects of child labour on children’s self-esteem and future opportunities. Participants gained insight into how child labour harms not only the children involved but also society as a whole.
Information was shared on how the general public can assist in preventing child labour. People can reach out for help through helplines like 1098 (Child Helpline), 181 (Abhayam), and 100 (Police Control Room). These resources are essential for those who may encounter situations involving child labour.
Every year, June 12 is observed as World Day Against Child Labour. This day raises awareness about the harsh reality of child labour. In India, the government enacted the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act in 1986. This law prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in any occupation. For young people aged 14 to 18, the law restricts them from working in hazardous jobs and establishes regulations for non-hazardous work.
In 2016, the government updated this legislation, renaming it the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. These laws aim to protect the rights of children and ensure they have the opportunity to receive an education and live a healthy, secure life.
The celebration in Palanpur highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating child labour. It stressed that everyone has a role to play in ensuring children are not exploited and can enjoy their childhood. The event concluded with a call to action for the attendees to spread awareness about the dangers of child labour and to support initiatives that protect children’s rights.
Overall, the Child Labour Prevention Day in Palanpur served as a reminder of the ongoing battle against child labour and the need for collective action. It is essential for communities to come together to create a future where children can thrive without the burden of work. By raising awareness and providing resources, we can hope to reduce and eventually eliminate child labour in our society.
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