Community Education Centre Society stage a play depicting the life of a domestic child labour, on the occasion of the International Day Against Child Labour on May 12. (Morung photo)
Dimapur, June 12 (MExN): Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Labour and Employment, Saku Aier has said that despite concerted efforts by the government to eradicate child labour in Nagaland, the problem continues to be a major political, social, economical and moral challenge. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day Against Child Labour in Dimapur, Aier said that Nagaland can no longer be isolated from the rest of the world on the issue of child labour. He attributed the creation of the social evil to modernization of society, pointing out that traditionally Nagas have never practiced it.
Aier, who was the chief guest at a concert in support to the campaign against child labour said that, children are being employed in various establishments especially in homes as domestic servants. He said that Nagas think it is charity that they are doing but it a crime against humanity. He added that children in such circumstances are made to work without rest, denied education and some are even separated from their families. Many are subject to different kinds of physical, emotional and mental abuse, he added. He added that even though the Indian Constitution provides for the protection of children under various Acts, its proper implementation is yet to be realized.
Aier said further that it is the responsibility of each individual to provide a safe future for the children. “The future of our country and our state in particular depends on the proper upbringing of our children. We need to give them proper education so that they turn out good citizens. A child without education is a future without leaders,” he said.
Dr. Helen R Sekar, National Coordinator, National Resource Centre on Child Labour under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, was also present at the function. She was clearly astounded by the number of young people present to lend support to the campaign. She told the youths that they are the changing agents of the society, and through their efforts, child labour can be eradicated. She said that the Government of India has proactive policies and legislations for prevention of child labour but without proper awareness and sensitization, children will continue to suffer. She hoped that Nagaland will serve as a role model for the rest of the country and Dimapur as the guide post to put an end to child labour. She further expressed gratitude to all the volunteers and youths present for listening to the clarion call to fight child labour.
Project Officer, department of Labour, Yanger Aier also addressed the gathering and said that the youths have a serious decision to make that will change the future of thousands of children in Nagaland. He reminded that in spite of all the efforts being put in, there are still many children inside homes battling for their rights and called for a united voice to stop child labour.
The child labour campaign was organised by Community Education Centre Society (CECS), Dimapur in partnership with the Department of Labour and Department of Social Welfare. The event today drew thousands to youths who pledged support to the cause. Over five thousand volunteers have taken the pledge to support the campaign against child labour and all kinds of discrimination against children. A memorandum was also submitted to the government by CECS.
Several prominent local artists/ bands like Divine Connection, Alo Wanth, Menguse and Sunep Lemtur performed at the concert which was held in aid of the campaign against child labour. CECS also staged a play depicting the life of a domestic child labour.
Aier, who was the chief guest at a concert in support to the campaign against child labour said that, children are being employed in various establishments especially in homes as domestic servants. He said that Nagas think it is charity that they are doing but it a crime against humanity. He added that children in such circumstances are made to work without rest, denied education and some are even separated from their families. Many are subject to different kinds of physical, emotional and mental abuse, he added. He added that even though the Indian Constitution provides for the protection of children under various Acts, its proper implementation is yet to be realized.
Aier said further that it is the responsibility of each individual to provide a safe future for the children. “The future of our country and our state in particular depends on the proper upbringing of our children. We need to give them proper education so that they turn out good citizens. A child without education is a future without leaders,” he said.
Dr. Helen R Sekar, National Coordinator, National Resource Centre on Child Labour under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, was also present at the function. She was clearly astounded by the number of young people present to lend support to the campaign. She told the youths that they are the changing agents of the society, and through their efforts, child labour can be eradicated. She said that the Government of India has proactive policies and legislations for prevention of child labour but without proper awareness and sensitization, children will continue to suffer. She hoped that Nagaland will serve as a role model for the rest of the country and Dimapur as the guide post to put an end to child labour. She further expressed gratitude to all the volunteers and youths present for listening to the clarion call to fight child labour.
Project Officer, department of Labour, Yanger Aier also addressed the gathering and said that the youths have a serious decision to make that will change the future of thousands of children in Nagaland. He reminded that in spite of all the efforts being put in, there are still many children inside homes battling for their rights and called for a united voice to stop child labour.
The child labour campaign was organised by Community Education Centre Society (CECS), Dimapur in partnership with the Department of Labour and Department of Social Welfare. The event today drew thousands to youths who pledged support to the cause. Over five thousand volunteers have taken the pledge to support the campaign against child labour and all kinds of discrimination against children. A memorandum was also submitted to the government by CECS.
Several prominent local artists/ bands like Divine Connection, Alo Wanth, Menguse and Sunep Lemtur performed at the concert which was held in aid of the campaign against child labour. CECS also staged a play depicting the life of a domestic child labour.
