‘Child Labour Figure In India Stands At 10.1 Million’: Ratan Anya

World Day Against Child Labour

A Correspondent

ITANAGAR: Oju Welfare Association chairperson Ratan Anya said that according to the 2011 national census of India, it has been found that a total of 10.1 million child labourers aged around 5–14 years are working in hazardous industries, hotels, homes, etc. “The number has been increasing but no one cares,” Anya said adding the event is aimed at highlighting the agonies of child labourers. Anya revealed this in a function organized by Women Helpline-181 (WHL-181) and One Stop Centre (OSC) in collaboration with Children Home to observe the World Day Against Child Labour here on Wednesday.

Lawyer-cum-social activist Kani Nada Maling while addressing the rescued child labourers, orphans and helpless women sheltered in the orphanage said that working for the society poses numerous challenges. “The grants from the government are meagre and I am doing all I can to run the philanthropic organization,” she said requesting the inmates to support in her endeavour.

She exhorted the inmates to respect and obey their custodians who are working hard to provide them a secured life by creating a homely environment in OWA with their love and care.

Anya lauded Maling for rescuing 350 child labourers since 2013 and sheltering them in OWA for their rehabilitation.

Few of the rescued child labourers, explaining their treacherous life, termed Maling as a godmother.

As per Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, amended in 2016 (CLPR Act), a “child” is defined as any person below the age of 14, and the CLPR Act prohibits employment of a child in any employment including as a domestic help. It is a cognizable criminal offence to employ a child for any work, both of them cautioned. In 2016 alone, 89 child labourers were rescued by the State police, under Operation Smile and Operation Muskan- II at the directive of the Supreme Court.

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