EM Bureau
Kohima/Dimapur, June 12 (EMN): Commissioner and Secretary of Labour & Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Anenla Sapu Monday called for a collective effort from all concerned stakeholders in the State to address the issue of vulnerable children in the domestic sector at the earliest.
Speaking on World Day Against Child Labour here in the State capital at APO Hall, Sapu, while stating that child protection and child rights has become a major issue of concern for everybody, pointed out the need to address the issue basing on our own context.“In the context of Kohima, the issue of vulnerable children in the domestic sector is a deep concern. The huge supply of children, particularly to work as child domestic labour in homes in Kohima, is a gross violation of child rights,” she said.
Stating her observation that poverty and ignorance of parents, poor education system, weak enforcement of child protection laws and weak border monitoring were the root cause of these problems, Sapu further underlined the importance of “a collective effort from all stakeholders as the need of the hour.”
Recalling that the Department of Labour, nine years ago in 2008, had taken a pledge to become an agent to fight against the ill effects of child rights, she reminded the gathering that the department has remained committed to its endeavour till this day and further assured that it (dept) will assist and collaborate in all possible ways.
“While my department is trying its best with its limited resources, it is understood that without convergence and concerted efforts at all levels, the fight against child labour will take little effect,” Sapu remarked. She also congratulated the partner organisation – Child Line Kohima for their tireless effort in combating child rights related issues.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, TL Kiusumong Tikhir also echoed similar opinion stating that child labour is an issue which concerns the State as a whole.
“The demand for domestic helpers is on the rise in the State. And this calls for a coordinated and coherent effort from every citizen of the State. Therefore, awareness campaigns needs to be organised at all levels,” he said. In order to come up with holistic approach, he also sought for the involvement of churches and further to partner with them throughout this effort.
Sharing on child labour in the context of Nagaland, he said “On the surface, it may not be visible, but deep beneath, the practice very much exist.”
Highlighting the ever increasing cases of child labour in the State, he made an ardent plea to the youth and youngsters to be ambassadors in this mission in their locality, schools, homes and friendship circle. To this, he added that the DC office will always keep its doors open in the fight against child labour.
Delivering the keynote address, Labour Commissioner, Er. L Nungshiyanger stressed on the need to create awareness in the fight against child labour. Stating that child labour exists in the State, he informed more such cases are reported in Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung.
Voicing the need to stop the ill effects of child labour, he urged upon all individuals concerned to step forward to be an agent in this mission.
“Until and unless you and I seriously think and make our contributions, the goal of this mission will remain a far reality,” he said.
On the day, member secretary of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, Nino Iralu, also gave a brief highlights on Prohibition & Regulation Amendment act 2016 in regard to child labour.
The programme, chaired by Mezhi Sorhie, Director of Childline Kohima, commenced with invocation pronounced by Kethosilie, member Childline Kohima. A special song was presented by Sedekuonuo Kire, while Avile Vitso tendered the vote of thanks.
The day’s programme was organised by the Department of Labour in collaboration with Childline Kohima on the theme – “In conflict and disasters, protect children from child labour.”
Dimapur: Heeding to the call of the International Child Labour Organisation (ILO) to eradicate child labour, Childline Dimapur today observed the World Day Against Child Labour with emphasis to address the issue of domestic labour on the theme “Stop domestic child labour.”
“Childline Nagaland in a period of six years has intervened more than 900 cases and the case distributions revealed that more than 60-70 percent are directly or indirectly related to child labour,” reported Subonenba Longkumer, Director of Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) and Nodal Director of Childline Dimapur.
Referring to a recent analysis by Child Rights and You in India, Longkumer said there is an increase of 50% of domestic labour in urban areas and added that according to an official report India has over 15 million child labour employed in the rural areas as cultivator or in household industries.
On the occasion, Longkumer called for unanimous decision of all concerned to eradicate domestic labour and child abuse in our homes.
Observing child labour as a vicious process, he said employed children will not be able to taste quality learning or proper education but end up labouring his whole life. Longkumer called upon every citizen of Nagaland to give a chance to children to live and learn with freedom and dream to be better humans.
Dimapur district is declared as ‘child labour zone’ and where this comes from is where we have to look into, stated Assistant Labour Commissioner, Dimapur, W Temwang Konyak. Also pointing out that most children employed as domestic workers are from Eastern areas, he has attributed to lack of education and migration from rural areas to urban in search of better education and employment.
Konyak informed that Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 has enhanced the employment age from 14 years to 18 years.
Dimapur ADC, Sarah Jamir, has advocated reaching out to every government schools in the State to create awareness on domestic labour. Jamir pointed out ‘poverty and lack of educational facilities’ to be the root cause of domestic labour. Although there are sufficient schools even in the interior parts of the State, Jamir pointed out at non- functioning of those schools for large scale migration.
A social message video on child labour by Dreamz Unlimited Nagaland was released on the day by Dimapur ADC Sarah Jamir and Director of Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) and Nodal Director of Childline Dimapur, Subonenba Longkumer.
The programme was organised by CECS in partnership with Childline 1098, National Child Labour Project, Wipro Cares and Department of Labour.
DLSAs: Recognising the need to sensitise on the issues of child labour, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across the State conducted legal awareness programme and organised painting competitions on World Day Against Child Labour on the theme “In conflicts and disasters, protect children from child labour” on June 12.
Delivering the keynote address at the legal literacy programme organised by Longleng District Legal Services Authority (LDLSA) at the auditorium of Government High School Longleng, Tucuno Vamuzo, Secretary LDLSA, apprised on the constitutional provisions on child labour such as Article 21 A- Right to Education, Article 24- Prohibition of employment of children in factories etc., and Article 39 (e).
She informed that the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, prohibits the engagement of children below the age of 14 years in all occupations. However, it allows child labour in family or family enterprises or allowed the child to be an artist in an audio-visual entertainment industry.
Tucuno Vamuzo cautioned that whoever employs any child or adolescents or permit child or adolescents to work in hazardous conditions would be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine not less than Rs 20,000 or which may extend to Rs. 50,000 or with both.
Ahoshi, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Longleng, was the resource person at the programme.
Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) also organised a programme at Mt. Tiyi College, Wokha, wherein Renebmo Tungoe, resource person and Assistant Public Prosecutor, Wokha, spoke on Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016.
The Assistant Prosecutor said that while there was no provision at all in the original Act for rehabilitation of children rescued from prohibited employment, the Amendment Act specifically provides for a Rehabilitation Fund for the benefit of both the children and adolescents.
Meanwhile, Kiphire District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) opened a Legal Aid Clinic, which was inaugurated by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kiphire, Mrs Mezivolu T Therieh.
Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) in collaboration with District Child Protection Unit Zunheboto conducted legal awareness programme and painting competition at St. Anthony School, Zunheboto
Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) conducted a sensitisation programme with the students of Herbert Spencer School, Dimapur. While Mon District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) conducted legal awareness seminar on anti-child labour act at Eastern School, Mon.
Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) conducted legal awareness programme at Government Middle School, L Khel, Kohima Village, and Peren District Legal Service Authority (PDLSA) held an interaction session with residents of Children Home, Peren.
Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) organised a legal awareness programme with 380 students of Government High School, Chaba, at GHSS auditorium.
