Patna, April 29: Bihar State Child Labour Commission chairman Ramdev Prasad had to face a volley of perturbing queries on the functioning of the commission in putting a check on child labour and child trafficking.
The chairman was holding a news conference at Soochna Bhavan on the occasion of Child Labour Abolition Day. The chairman was listing out the schemes the department has initiated for abolition of child labour in the Bihar with the state government constituting a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue.
The chairman was at a loss for words when asked about children in the age group of 6-14 who work at offices and houses of VIPs. Prasad replied the commission had sought an affidavit from such people but over time many VIPs have been transferred and others had assumed their posts.
“The commission will again launch a drive where VIPs, including ministers, bureaucrats and other government officials will be requested to file an affidavit that they will not employ a child below the age of 14 in their offices and houses,” said Prasad.
Moreover, the chairman had no answer when asked what steps the commission had taken to address the issue of children below 14 who are employed for collecting door-to-door garbage as the executing agency for collection of garbage comes under the jurisdiction of urban development department.”
The commission would soon launch an awareness drive in the state, particularly in Patna, where people will be made aware about not employing children below 14 in the catering business in marriage and public functions. The chairman urged the media to help the government in tackling the issue of child labour.
Prasad said: “We have asked AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies to conduct a survey on children below 14 working in various sectors. Based on the survey, steps would be taken to check child labour.” The chairman added that for keeping a check on child labour, the department has opened a helpline number, where people can provide information about the violation of child labour regulations.
