Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 01 2010:
As in other parts of the world, International Children Day was observed along with a long awareness programme on labour laws related to women workers in the unorganised sector at Irabot Bhavan here today.
The event was organised under the aegis of All India Working Women Forum (AIWWF), Manipur.
Delivering the key note address, general secretary of AIWWF, Manipur L Sotinkumar explained that June 1 is being observed every year as International Children Day since 1965 in accordance with a resolution adopted by the UNO.
In its resolution, UNO has enumerated 10 rights for children.
This include giving actual rights to children when they are born, right to education and protecting them, Sotinkumar said.
He further informed that in 2008, Universal Maternity Benefit Act was passed.
But this benefit has not implemented in all the States of the country.
Speaking as guest of honour of the event, president of All India Trade Union Congress, Dr M Nara Singh observed that children are the wealth of the Nation and they are the future pillars and real owners of the society.
So we need to protect and ensure a proper future for them.
We should also stop child labour as well as those who are employing young children in hotels, shops, etc.
Such practise would take away the rights of the children.
Chairperson of AIWWF, Manipur Th Bedamani Devi said that women in our society have bound themselves in household activities and they do not have even the time to look after their own health.
Even during pregnancy, women have to do household chores.
But the fact is if they want to give birth to healthy and intelligent babies, then they need to take proper rest and eat proper food, she said.
Vice president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Th Shaki Devi, Ch Chandrakumar Singh and L Priyokumar Singh were also among the resource persons who spoke at the occasion.