Kanchenjunga Uddhar Kendra rallies for children’s rights

EOI, Kurseong, 12 June 2014: World Day Against Child Labour was today observed in various places of the Darjeeling hills including Kurseong. 

Under an initiative of Siliguri-based NGO Kanchenjunga Uddhar Kendra, programmes were staged in and around the Kurseong sub-division area to raise awareness among people against the ills of child labour. 
Gyanendra G Sharma, a senior representative from the Kurseong unit of the Kanchenjunga Uddhar Kendra, said World Day Against Child Labour was observed across Darjeeling district under the initiative of various organisations. 

He said a programme against child labour was staged by the Bal Suraksha Abhiyan Trust in Kalimpong. Further, the Child In Need Institute of North Bengal also hosted various events in Siliguri make people aware about child labour. Sharma said mike announcements were made in and around the Kurseong region including Sonada. 

The organisers also distributed pamphlets issued under the directive of the Darjeeling district magistrate to owners of shops and business establishments urging them to refrain from hiring children. He added the Kurseong unit put up posters denouncing child labour all across the town area. 

A signature campaign was also staged at the Kurseong motor stand area. Later in the evening, the Kurseong sub-division Information and Cultural Department pitched in to help by showing the general public art films and animation pictures based on child labour and child protection. However, Sharma said despite several efforts by the authorities and organisations against child labour, the practice is still ongoing in the hills. 

He noted it is an offence to make children who are aged below 14 to work in domestic and business establishments under the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, 1986. 

Rights of children should be respected and society should stop engaging kids in work meant for adults, said Sharma. He also urged everyone to inform organisations such as his if children are found being forced to work.