Child labour is a blot on society, says DC Manjula

Poverty, economic and familial problems are main contributing factors

She was speaking at a programme organised to mark the World Anti-Child Labour Day in the City on Sunday. The nation can progress only when various issues affecting the nation are tackled in an effective manner, she said.

Various factors that have contributed to an increase in child labour are poverty, economic and familial problems. Children who were to be otherwise studying in schools are found labouring for meagre income in very dangerous environment. The children at a very tender age are very often subjected to exploitation and manipulation at workplace. Thus, there is an urge need to provide education to children in addition to abolishing child labour, she said.

Cooperation

This can be made a reality, only when the civil society joins hands with the various government organisations that is working towards banishment of child labour, she added.
Also speaking on the occasion Principal Civil Judge Rajeshwari Hegde said several problems associated with child labour can be tackled effectively, if only certain acts in the Constitution are implemented.

“Child labour is a social evil. Gender inequality, poverty, exploitation and lack of education are the primary causes for child labour,” said education expert Prof Kodirangappa.
Department of Women and Child Welfare deputy director Shehar Bhanu, Civil Additional Judge Jareena Taj and others participated in the programme.