Udupi: “Child labour is a matter of great concern. It is an evil that is embedded deep in the society. Eradication of child labour may seem a herculean task, but the goal isn’t unachievable,” said Vidya Kumari, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Udupi District. She was speaking at a workshop on child labour eradication awareness held for the Gram Panchayat presidents, vice presidents and Panchayat Development Officers of the district, organised by the Labour Department, district administration and District Child Labour Projects department.
Addressing a gathering at the inaugural programme of the workshop, Vidya Kumari said that the role of PDOs and gram panchayat leaders is to eradicate child labour. Spreading awareness about the physical, mental and social ill-effects of child labour is also important, she added.
Employing the children below the age of 18 years is punishable. Violations can attract a fine of up to Rs 20,000 and imprisonment as per the provisions of the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act 1986, she said.
District Labour official Mallikarjun Jogur also spoke during the inaugural programme about the legal procedures, imprisonment and fines applicable to violators of the child labour law.
Women and Children Empowerment Department Assistant Director Gracy Gonsalves and Zilla Panchayat Joint Secretary Nagesh Raiker also spoke on the occasion.
Prabhakar Achar welcomed the gathering and compered the programme.
Other officials, Advocate Mohammed Suhan and Labour Inspector Ramamurthy S S were present.