'Extensive awareness, effective rehabilitation activities impetus to eliminate child labour'

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: "Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially and morally harmful. Poverty is the main reason of child labour. It is still a burning problem in the society. Extensive awareness, effective rehabilitation activities are the need of hours to eliminate this social evil from the society," said Dr Bhabajit Doley, the Dhemaji District Labour Officer-cum- Employees Compensation Commissioner, in Lakhimpur on Saturday.

He said so while taking part as the resource person of a popular talk, organized by the Department of Education, North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous) on a topic 'Inter-State Migrant Workers and Child Labour'. The event was organized as part of the Foundation Course on Human Rights and Duties, being implemented by the Department of Education of the college. The event kick-started with the lighting of earthen lamp in front of the portrait of Sudhakantha Dr Bhupen Hazarika as a mark of homage to the bard on the occasion of his death anniversary. It was followed by a Borgeet by student Geetashri Dutta. Course Nodal Person-cum-Assistant Professor of the Department of Education, Dr Binod Chetia, explained the objective of the programme. Dr Biman Chandra Chetia, the Principal of the college, delivered the welcome address. In connection, he threw light on the extent of miserable plights of the migrant workers and child labourers which came into light during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period.

In his deliberation, resource person Bhabajit Doley explained the definition of child labour, migrant workers, government's initiative to eradicate child labour, rehabilitation processes of rescued child labourers, benefits provided by the government to the migrant workers, processes of engaging migrant workers with example of migrant workers working in the construction of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project and about the Acts concerning to child labours and migrant workers.

Taking part in the event, journalist-writer Ranjit Kakati highlighted the problems in the rehabilitation of rescued child labourers, issues of the migrant and other workers in connection with availing the government benefits etc. On the other hand, Vice-Pricipal (Academic)-cum-Head of the Department of Education, Dr Banikanta Konwar delivered an analytical speech on the designated topic. The event was attended by Vice-Pricipal (Administrative) Ranjan Kumar Bordoloi, Controller of Examination Dr. Chandra Manse, Professor Dr. Ishmirekha Hundique and other prominent persons. Student Barasha Baishya, Himakhi Chetia presented Bhupendra Sangeet in the programme paying tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

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