Child Labour Abolition Week from June 19

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 20

Child Labour Abolition Week is being observed from June 19 to June 28 during which checking will be conducted at various places under the guidelines of the Punjab State Action Plan for Total Abolition of Child Labour.

Giving the information here today, Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra said the team constituted will conduct a surprise checking of hazardous and non-hazardous industries and rehabilitate the child labour recovered and ensure action against the accused.

The DC added that the SDMs concerned will be in charge of the teams and will send their reports to the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Bathinda.

He added that a helpline — 0164-2211287 — has been set up at the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner where complaints regarding child labour can be lodged. He said a special checking of the children employed as domestic helps will also be conducted.

Lakra said the SSP Bathinda will depute policemen with each team and pass on instructions to the respective police stations to register an FIR against the accused.

The Deputy Director, Local Bodies, Bathinda, will depute employees from all Nagar Councils and Nagar Panchayats with the checking teams. The civil surgeon will depute a medical officer with the teams and ensure adequate arrangements for the check-up of child labour at all government hospitals. The Assistant Director of Factories, Bathinda, will accompany the team during the checking of brick kilns and factories.

The District Social Security Officer will ensure that a representative of the department is a part of the team and if needed, the child labour recovered are sent to the shelter homes. He said the DEO (Elementary) will ensure that the child labour is given education as per the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan.

The Assistant Labour Commissioner, Bathinda, has been designated as the coordinator for the week who will prepare reports and submit them to the district administration and the government.

Labour Inspector Grade-1 and Labour Inspector Grade-2 will help the teams in their respective

sub-divisions and send a report daily to the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Bathinda.