An NGO presents a skit on migration, trafficking and child labour at the function in Ranchi on Saturday. (Prashant Mitra)

Ranchi, June 16: A caravan campaign is on to look for child labourers toiling away in the capital and identify those who violate the law by employing them.

An initiative of the state government in collaboration with Unicef and International Labour Organisation (ILO), the caravan campaign started on June 12 and the three or four teams deployed for the purpose will be on the lookout till June 25.

At a function to observe World Day Against Child Labour in the capital today, state labour minister Chandra Prakash Choudhary said strict steps will be taken against those employing children.

The minister said the caravans are moving through the city, surveying hotels and garages, where usually children are employed by the dozen. “Apart from creating awareness, it is important to enforce the Child Labour Prohibition Act against people employing children below the age of 14 years in houses and other institutions,” the minister said.

ILO state coordinator Tanvi said the caravans comprise members of the government, ILO and Unicef who are doing the rounds of the capital and making notes on institutions and organisations which employ children below the stipulated age. Once such persons are identified, show-cause notices will be issued to them and punishment imposed accordingly, she informed.

Unicef’s Jharkhand chief Job Zachariah said quality education was the best way to deal with the problem of child labour. “If all the children in the state were in schools, there would be no child labour.”

Today’s programme was attended by students of government-run National Child Labour Project Schools who also participated in an art and craft exhibition. The children were implored not to drop out from school and ensure that they finish their basic education, which will help them secure their future.

Labour commissioner Aradhana Patnaik said the focus was also on sending child workers back to their families. The children who have been rescued and handed back to their families are also being attached to various welfare schemes so that they did not fall victim to the vicious circle of child labour again, Patnaik added.