Date:11/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/11/stories/2006101111490400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Scheme launched to eliminate domestic child labour

Special Correspondent

Labour Minister calls for collective efforts to get desired results Labour Minister calls for collective efforts to get desired results

FREEDOM FROM LABOUR: Scores of child workers taste freedom at an event organised by National Child Labour Project (DOVE) in Hyderabad on Tuesday. — PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

HYDERABAD: The Government on Tuesday formally launched the programme for elimination of employment of domestic child labour, seeking people's support in doing away with the pernicious practice and bringing back smiles on the faces of hapless kids.

It coincides with the notification issued by the Centre, which came into effect on Tuesday, declaring that employment of children in domestic and hospitality sectors as punishable under the law.

Asserting that the Government was committed to eliminating the practice, Labour Minister G. Vinod said at a function held to launch the programme that "Only collective efforts will yield the desired results," The Government had already constituted an enforcement team, comprising officials from various departments, to rescue domestic helps and rehabilitate them.

Child rights cell

School Education Minister N. Rajyalakshmi said that a child rights cell has been opened in the department and appealed to people to call up the toll-free 1800-485-2933 to pass information on domestic child labour.

She noted that though rescuing child labourer was an easy task, the big question was whether children enrolled in schools stayed back or were taken away by their parents.

Information Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir said his department would join hands with others to create awareness on stringent provisions of the Act.

Magsaysay Awardee Shanta Sinha said sincerity alone would bring out fruitful results. She expressed confidence that, with the amendment to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, the Government and other agencies could effectively curb the menace.

Principal Secretaries A.K. Parida (Labour), K.V.Ramanachary (School Education), Special Project Director, Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan, K.Chandramouli, Women and Child Welfare Secretary Vasudha Mishra were among the speakers.