TRIVANDRUM RID OF AN EVIL

Child Labour Free District Declaration

On the International anti child labour Day (12^th June) Trivandrum District has been declared as a child labour-free district. Don Bosco Veedu Society had been networking with the Labour Department, District administration, the Police Department, Social Welfare Department and CHILDLINE to rid the Trivandrum district of the evil of child labour as early as 1993. Years of efforts have been rewarded on 12^th June, 2013 when the Additional District Magistrate of Trivandrum District, Shri. V. R. Vinod proclaimed the District as child labour free district on behalf of the DC of the district Shri. K. N Satheesh.

The function was held at Government Upper Primary School Vellarada, Trivandrum.  The function began at 3. 30 pm. The President of the function, the Panchyat President of Vellarada, Shri. C. Ashok Kumar, the Panchayat Standing Committee chairman, Shri. Mangal Das, Shri. P. Sugathan, the District Labor Officer, the District Coordinator of CHILDLINE, Shri. Maneesh, the School authorities, parents and children were present at the function.

The Director of Don Bosco Veedu Society, Fr. P. D Thomas welcomed the gathering and enumerated the efforts of the Society and other stake holders in eradicating child labour from the district of Trivandrum. He maintained that the declaration would not mean that there will be no more child labourers reaching in the district of Trivandrum but that there would be a system in place to care for the children who would otherwise lose their childhood and a better education and end up in the vicious circle of poverty-child-labour-poverty. It also means that each citizen of the district is bound to act in favour of the child, ready to rescue and protect children from child labour. He welcomed all the participants to the joyful occasion of the declaration.

In the presidential address the panchayat president promised that he will take necessary actions to see that his panchayat is made into a child friendly panchayat. The ADM of the district declared the district as a child labour free district. He also lit the lamp and inaugurated the function. In his speech he appreciated the efforts of the NGOs and Government machinery for the incessant work to make the district child labour free. He exhorted the children to stand up for themselves and be ready to take care of their friends who need assistance to a dignified life and good education.

The declaration was followed by a pledge to act in favour of child labourers. All other dignitaries also appreciated the efforts of CHILDLINE to create a child friendly district where the rights of children are respected. The function ended with words of gratitude by the District Labour Officer.

ADM's Speech on Anti-Child Labour Day