Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 04:
Engaging children below 14 years of age in hotels, shops and workships located in Imphal and greater Imphal area under one circumstance or another is against Labour Laws and is punishable, said Labour and Employment Minister Pheiroijam Parijat.
Parijat was speaking at the inaugural session of the 'One Day Awareness Campaign Against Child Labour' organised jointly by the Department of Labour and Lamlai Nagar Panchayat Progressive Front in Irabot Memorial Hall, Challou.
He also disclosed that there have been many cases of parents selling out their children or forcing their children to work in different establishments.
There are about 250 children who have been forced to work by different circumstances in hotels, shops and workshops located in Imphal and greater Imphal area, the Minister said.
Noting that the basic cause compelling children below 14 years to work as labourers is poverty, Parijat stated that the most effective means to save children from being engaged as labourers is alleviation of poverty and enhancement of economic security.
Appealing to parents to shoulder their due responsibility in saving child labours from their work places and to educate them properly, Parijat claimed that various welfare programmes have been taken up by the Ministry of Rural Development for labour class.
The welfare programmes include provision of housing facility, construction of houses under Indira Awaj Yojana, provision of hundred days job in a year under NREGS etc, explained the Labour Minister.
Any one found forcing children to work as labourers can be imprisoned for three months under Child Labour Act 1986 or fined up to Rs 10,000, iterated Parijat.