Early Times Report SAMBA, June 12: On the occasion of the International Day Against Child Labour, the Labour Department Samba, in coordination with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Samba and with the assistance of the Health and Police Departments, conducted a special child labour enforcement and awareness drive in Main Bazaar, Border Road and Link Road Bazaar, Samba. During the drive, two adolescents were identified working in commercial establishments. The concerned shopkeepers were sensitized regarding the legal provisions governing employment of adolescents and informed about their responsibilities under the law. Notices were issued to the shopkeepers directing them to appear before the competent authority for further proceedings. The drive was attended by Assistant Labour Commissioner Samba, Ms. Himani Jerath; Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee Samba, Ms. Neemisha Rajput; members of the Child Welfare Committee; Protection Officers Mr. Suresh Sambyal and Ms. Shivani Choudhary; Project Coordinator, Child Helpline Samba, Ms. Jyoti Devi; and staff deputed by the District Child Protection Officer Samba, Mr. Shahid Iqbal. As part of the awareness campaign, pamphlets highlighting the provisions of child and adolescent labour laws were distributed and pasted at various prominent locations to educate employers, workers and the general public about the rights of children and the legal consequences of child labour. Speaking on the occasion, the officials emphasized that child labour deprives children of their fundamental rights to education, health, protection and overall development. They urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of child labour to the concerned authorities. The initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of the Labour Department and allied agencies to eliminate child labour and ensure a safe, secure and happy childhood for every child in the district. |