Child labour strives despite legislation
MLA Ibomcha calls for curbing forced labour
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 30 2012:
Despite enforcement of Child Labour Act, a number of children are being engaged in forced labour in Manipur and it's high time that the government takes up punitive steps against those employing children in work places, MLA L Ibomcha has exhorted.
He was speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function of a two-day workshop on "Domestic Worker Welfare and Social Security Act and Suggested Measures" organised under the aegis of National Commission for Women at Manipur Press Club here today.
MLA Ibomcha pointed out that a number of Acts have been passed by the Union government for the welfare of the people but the proper implementation of these Acts is wanting on the part of the authorities concerned.
Citing an example, Ibomcha said that Child Labour Act, which prohibits engaging of young children at work places, is in force in Manipur but a number of children still can be seen working in various hotels and other places.
So, this call for a serious re-looks in the implementation of this Act.
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Stressing on the need to discuss the issue of domestic workers in the state, MLA Ibomcha acknowledged that it may be a tiresome job in Manipur to identify the number of domestic workers, because the normal trend here is to hide the domestic workers.
If the domestic workers could be identified properly, it would enable them to utilize the benefits provided to the workers under various schemes of the Central government, he pointed out.
He also appealed to all the NGOs working in the field to carry out their task sincerely and with a sense of dedication and sacrifice.
Ch Narendra, ex-legal Advisor of Manipur State Women Commission, who was present as Guest of Honour of the function, pointed out that as per the provisions of Child Labour Act, children have the right to play and enjoy their childhood to the maximum.
A Bimola, President of Manipur Women Coordinating Committee presided over the function which was also attended by K Taruni and Ramani, members of the Committee, as presidium members.
N Meena, Lecturer of Royal Academy of Law, spoke at the occasion as resource person.