Assam CM calls for collective effort to eradicate child labour
Guwahati, June 12
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday called for collective efforts to eradicate child labour and ensure that every child has access to education, safety and opportunities to grow, on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of protecting children's rights and securing their future through education and development.
"The future of our society rests in the hands of our children. On World Day Against Child Labour, let us work together to ensure that those hands hold books, not burdens, and that every child grows up with the opportunity to learn and thrive," CM Sarma wrote.
The World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12 to raise awareness about the plight of millions of children engaged in labour and to promote efforts aimed at eliminating child exploitation across the globe.
Highlighting the role of education in shaping a better future, the Chief Minister said children should be in schools and learning environments rather than being forced into labour.
He urged society, institutions and individuals to work together to create conditions that allow every child to realise their full potential.
Child rights activists and social organisations have long maintained that access to quality education, social protection measures and stronger enforcement of labour laws are key to combating child labour.
Various government initiatives at both the national and state levels have focused on improving school enrolment, reducing dropout rates and supporting vulnerable families.
Assam has also undertaken several programmes aimed at enhancing educational access and child welfare, particularly in rural and economically weaker sections of society.
The Chief Minister's message comes amid renewed calls from child welfare groups for greater awareness and community participation in preventing child labour and ensuring that children enjoy their fundamental rights.
Observances marking World Day Against Child Labour were held across Assam on Friday, with educational institutions, civil society organisations and government agencies reiterating their commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for children.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the message is inspiring, we need concrete action. Many families in rural Assam still send children to work because of poverty. The government should provide monthly stipends or midday meals to encourage school attendance. Talk is cheap, implementation matters.
Well said, Chief Minister. India has laws but execution is poor. In Assam, many children from migrant families are forced to work in factories and shops. Strict monitoring and community awareness are needed. I hope this is not just a social media post but leads to real change. 🔥
The CM's words are genuine but we need to address root causes. Why do parents send kids to work? Because they are hungry. We must ensure economic support for poor families in Assam. Otherwise, no amount of rallies will stop child labour. Education alone won't fill empty stomachs.
Good to see the Assam government focusing on child welfare. But we need more than messages. Strict punishment for employers who hire children, better schools in villages, and making education compulsory till Class 10. Let's turn words into action for Assam's children. 🎯
Finally a leader speaking about child labour seriously. In my village in Assam, many children work in tea plantations during harvest. The government should send inspectors regularly. Also, we need free hostels for children from remote areas so they can attend school. This is a good start.
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