Participants during the awareness programme held to mark World Day against Child Labor at Tetso College, Sovima on June 12.
Chümoukedima, June 12 (MExN): District Child Protection Unit Chümoukedima in collaboration with Tetso College and Child Helpline Chümoukedima organised an awareness programme to mark World Day against Child Labor at Tetso College, Sovima on June 12.
The event held under the theme “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts”, brought together students, educators, legal experts, and government officials to reinforce the urgent need to eliminate child labour and protect children’s rights.
Suneplila Tzudir, Labour Inspector of Labour Department, was the key speaker. The session aimed to shed light on the prevailing issues related to child and adolescent labour, relevant legal provisions, and collective responsibility of society in combating this problem.
Tzudir elaborated on Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended in 2016), explaining the distinction between child labour (below 14 years) and adolescent labour (14–18 years) and types of work prohibited under each category. She emphasised the legal penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines, and the specific bans on night work and hazardous occupations.
Participants were made aware of the role of Childline 1098, district-level task forces, and local police stations in reporting cases. She encouraged the audience to be vigilant and proactive in reporting instances of child labour.
Highlighting the constitutional mandate under Article 21A and Article 24, Tzudir stressed the importance of ensuring every child’s right to education and protection from exploitation. She also referred to international standards, particularly the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
In conclusion, she urged all stakeholders including families, schools, communities, and authorities to raise awareness and work together to eliminate child labour.
Further, a poster presentation was organised by Department of Social Work, Tetso College, and North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR). The students showcased a series of posters centered on the theme of child labour, aiming to educate the public and spark critical conversations.
Otoli Kits, Advocate at Guwahati High Court and Subordinate Courts also delivered an address on the importance of upholding and protecting the rights of children in India. Kits emphasised that beyond laws, raising awareness through institutional efforts is equally critical.
Kits outlined key national initiatives like the NCPCR, ICPS, Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, emphasizing their role in safeguarding children’s rights, especially for girls and marginalized groups. She also stressed the importance of NGOs, school curriculum, and grassroots campaigns in driving awareness. Urging active public involvement, she called for reporting child abuse via Childline 1098, supporting NGOs, volunteering, and promoting education.
Nikito Zhimomi, District Child Protection Officer, concluded the event by outlining key provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and explaining the DCPU’s role in protecting vulnerable children and those in conflict with the law. He urged attendees to utilize Child Helpline 1098 to report any child rights violations, emphasizing community participation in safeguarding vulnerable children.
