Rayagada, June 10: A district-level training and awareness workshop under the Child Labour Eradication Campaign was organized today at the Rayagada Zilla Parishad Conference Hall through the joint collaboration of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Labour & ESI Department of the Government of Odisha.
The workshop, based on the theme “Every Child Should Grow, Learn, and Dream,” focused on child labour eradication, protection of child rights, the right to education, and coordinated action among different departments.
At the beginning of the program, Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni delivered the welcome address and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts by all departments in the field of child protection. He stated that in a tribal-dominated district like Rayagada, the administration gives top priority to children’s education, safety, and overall development.
Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), Mrs. Babita Patra, attended as the chief guest. She stated that child labour is not only a legal offence but also a serious violation of children’s rights and dreams. She said that a society where children receive quality education and get opportunities for personal development is truly progressive and humane. She further noted that poverty, illiteracy, addiction, begging, and child trafficking are major causes behind the rise of child labour, and that active participation from all sections of society is necessary to eliminate it.
Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad also attended the workshop and highlighted various aspects of the Juvenile Justice Act.
During the technical session, Professor Biraj Khai from the Odisha National Law University (NLUO) discussed the interrelationship among the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, the Odisha Rules-2017, the Juvenile Justice Act-2015, and the Right to Education Act-2009. He presented detailed information on policy measures and programmatic initiatives being undertaken in India for the eradication of child labour, the status of child labour in Odisha, and the effectiveness of existing laws.
The workshop also discussed the policies, strategies, and implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP), the role of the Right to Education Act in eliminating child labour, and the coordinated initiatives of the School & Mass Education Department, Women & Child Development Department, and Labour Department.
Participants received training on identifying child labourers, reporting and rehabilitation mechanisms, inter-departmental coordination, and preparation of strategic action plans.
Special emphasis was laid on the role of the media. Speakers stated that while reporting on child labourers or rescued children, it is extremely important to protect their identities. Publishing photographs, videos, or news reports revealing the identity of children is both legally and ethically unacceptable. They stressed the need for responsible journalism to safeguard children’s dignity, privacy, and rights.
After the training sessions, an interactive discussion and question-answer session was held.
During the session, Rayagada CDO-cum-EO Akshaya Kumar Khemundu pointed out that in many areas, the lack of hostel facilities forces children to discontinue their education, eventually pushing them into child labour. OSCPCR Chairperson Mrs. Babita Patra took serious note of the issue.
Mr. Khemundu also informed the gathering about the “Brazil Model Solar Library” implemented in Ramanaguda block, which was highly appreciated by Mrs. Patra.
In the concluding session, OSCPCR member Mrs. Sujata Nayak emphasized the need for more effective action plans and stronger coordination among departments for the eradication of child labour.
Additional District Magistrate (General) Nadeen Chandra Nag conducted the proceedings of the program.
The workshop was attended by OSCPCR members Kasturi Mishra, Manasmita Khuntia, and Sujata Nayak, along with district child protection officials, labour officers, and representatives from various government departments, all of whom shared their views on protecting child rights and building a child labour-free society.
Leave a Reply