Rigorous awareness drives should be initiated for workers from all categories, women and children to make them aware of existing schemes by the government and rights groups for better implementation of rights-based programmes, said National Commission for Women at a convention held in Delhi on Saturday.
“The common man is never aware of the schemes or benefits which he can avail. We need to bring such initiatives to the forefront by organising campaigns and educating them about their rights,” said Charuwali Khanna, member NCW.
“The government is trying to do their bit but even individuals need to come forward in spreading awareness,” added Khanna.
A convention was organised by Nidan, a social development organisation, where experts and representatives from informal sector workers organisation debated over ways to adhere to issues concerning rights violations faced by the poor, women and children.
Legal aid
Nidan, along with its associates, has decided to open legal aid clinics for informal sector workers, women and children in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Rajasthan.
NCW has also supported the idea and said it will be willing to collaborate.
“We aim to develop a pool of community based rights violation whistleblowers and run legal literacy campaigns and programmes. We will also develop a comprehensive guide book on legal literacy to help workers understand their constitutional, legal and labour rights,” said Arbind Singh, director Nidan.
Ram Nath Naik, member National Commission for Protection of Child Rights said,
“There is no training even for agencies and people working for child rights. In a recent case, the child welfare committee was seen defending the accused arguing that the child, who was working as a labourer, was asked only to clean the house and not wash clothes at least.”
The legal cell will provide legal representation, counselling, advice, awareness and even file complaints against any violation.
Sister Leone, heading the domestic workers forum pointed out that most of the minors trafficked by employers in Delhi are from Jharkhand.
“They are forced to have liquor and are raped and sexually harassed regularly. We need to give a voice and platform for workers to help them fight back,” she said.
Harkesh Bahadur, former MP, Amod Kanth, former police bureaucrat and Pranab Banerjee, faculty member of Indian Institute of Public Administration participated in the convention.