Workshop on the need to eradicate child labour

Child labour is a persistent problem in many parts of the world, including India. In an effort to address this issue, the Department of Labor Welfare and Skill Development recently organized a zonal-level workshop in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The event, held on March 21, 2023, was attended by several high-ranking government officials, including District Collector Mr Krantikumar Badi.

The workshop focused on the eradication of child and adolescent labour in the districts of Erode, Tirupur, Coimbatore, and Nilgiris. Collector spoke on the Child Labour (Abolition and Regulation) Act of 1986, which prohibits children below 14 years of age from working in any occupation, and adolescents under 18 years of age are not allowed to work in businesses. 

Companies that employ children and adolescents can face a penalty of a minimum of Rs.20,000/- and a maximum of Rs.50,000/-. Tamil Nadu has a high literacy rate, and the government has been making efforts to increase student enrollment in schools and colleges.  

The government monitors schools to eliminate child labour and collect details of children who are frequently absent. If they are found to be working in factories, they should be rescued and provided with livelihood security and education, he added.