Date:23/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/23/stories/2006012304630300.htm

Karnataka - Bidar

Launch movement against child labour, NGOs urged

Staff Correspondent

Plan programmes in line with the philosophy behind Article 21

Two-day conference of Rotary International inaugurated

`It is the duty of NGOs to see that politicians do not destroy the heart of the Constitution'

BIDAR: High Court judge R. Gururajan on Saturday expressed concern over the existence of child labour in India.

"Evils such as child labour is proof that India has a long way to go in becoming a welfare State. I think governments are either helpless or careless about such problems. The judiciary has done what it can about the problem of child labour and it is time for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and voluntary organisations to take up the cause," Mr. Gururajan said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 22nd Conference of Rotary International (district 3160) in Bidar. He urged Rotary International to launch a movement against child labour similar to its campaign for polio eradication. He congratulated Rotary International and other NGOs for the success in the polio programme. He urged NGOs to chalk out their programmes in line with the philosophy behind Article 21 of the Constitution that guarantees liberty, a decent environment and dignity to citizens.

He described Article 21 "the heart of the Constitution".

"It is this Article that has been given the widest interpretation by the Supreme Court and is used by courts to deliver compassionate judgments. The former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Chandrashekar Shetty presided over a discussion on "Contribution of academic institutions to the success of health and welfare programmes".