Each year, on 12 June, World Day Against Child Labour brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

The term “child labour” is often defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

This year, 2021 during the week of action around World Day against Child labour, Caritas India partners across West Bengal under the banner of Surokhit Shaishav program commemorated World Day Against Child Labour.

Child leaders of Happy Children Clubs, Kalimpong District conducted numerous awareness programs despite the Pandemic. Gram Panchayat of Bundapani under Alipurduar District saw rallies organised by child leaders creating awareness amongst parents and guardians on the need for education for all children to combat child labour.

The children’s club members of Kalimpong, Uttar Dinajpur, Murshidabad and Siliguri organized drawing competitions and created awareness by making video against child labour.

Each child member shared their recommendations regarding the prevention of Child Labour and took a pledge to prevent Child Labour.

This year, a Toto (Electric Auto) rally was organized in collaboration with the Union of Electric Auto drivers and with the Children’s Club members of Ward No. IV. The rally emphasised creating mass awareness against Child Labour and the laws related to the prohibition of Child Labour in the intervention areas.

In Gorubathan GP (Gram Panchayat), Darjeeling, a Talk Show on Elimination of Child Labour – 2021 was organised by the young Child Advocates from Children Parliament In collaboration with Anugyalaya Darjeeling and Gorubathan Web. O.C. Gorubathan Police Station, Shri Subir Ghosh shared that during the second wave, many cases of violence against children have been reported. Hence, in order to protect the rights of children and tackle the menace of Child Labour, both govt. and non-govt. stakeholders must be vigilant and take collective action to fight the menace of child labour.

Child leader – Kuldeep Munda, Priyanka Pradhan and Nawraj Pradhan also participated in the Talk Show.

Kuldeep opined that Child labour instils a very deep impact on the mental and physical growth of children and this in the long run hampers the overall development and wellbeing of a child. Ms. Priyanka Pradhan spelt out the push factors that compel children into child labour such as poor economic family conditions and alcoholic parents.  She further shared that as a Child Leader, it is our duty to see children of such families do not send their children to work and that we advocate with the government to provide economic support to vulnerable families

(More on https//youtu.be/FwycAi71i2M)

In Nagri GP, Ms. Swecha Thapa (Child Club Member) – interviewed Ms. Sakshi Rai (Vice President – National Inclusive Children’s Parliament)

Ms.Sakshi during her interview shared why children are hired by employers. She shared that children are hired because they are cheap labours, they are smart, and they do not raise their voice against the employer. On this, the host, Ms.Swetcha Thapa concluded the show urging children to speak against any injustice caused to them.

Further, two Child Leaders from West Bengal (WB), Mr.Samir Ahmed and Ms.Tabassum Ara participated in the National  Children’s Consultation organised by CACL ( Campaign Against Child Labour) and shared their stories and dreams.

Samir and Tabassum shared how due to the school closure of about 14 months, many of their friends have started engaging in various forms of child labour such as working in restaurants, domestic help etc. They further shared that most of the children have lost connection with their education due to school closure.

Mr.Samir expressed that he wants government should provide free and compulsory education for all children up to class 12th and provide financial support to those from vulnerable families.

Ms.Tabassum urged the government to provide employment to the adult members of her family and ban child labour in all forms up to 18 years of age.

A charter of recommendations raised by children from West Bengal was taken up at the National Level – CACL, which was assimilated into the National recommendations by Children from India.

Key Recommendations which came from the West Bengal Children’s Consultation

1. Children should have the option to study full time till 18 years of age and not be in child labour.
2. Parents should have income provisions so that children are not forced to work
3. Free education till class 8, should be extended till class 12
4. Government and civil society should work towards removing poverty.
5. Children from economically deprived families should receive special attention and included in schemes and benefits by the government so that they get the opportunity to get educated.