Child labour awareness drive conducted across Assam's Margherita; several rescued

A large-scale awareness campaign against child labour was conducted across various locations in Margherita Co-District on Friday as part of the month-long "Action Month Against Child Labour" being observed throughout June by the Tinsukia District Labour Welfare Department.

The campaign aimed to spread awareness about the harmful effects of child labour and reinforce the message of "Stop Child Labour" among the public. Officials emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate child labour and ensure that children have access to education, protection and a safe childhood.

The awareness drive was led by Margherita Co-District Labour Officer Subham Agarwal, along with representatives from the Tinsukia District Child Protection Office, including Shyam Upadhyay, Childline representative Jurina Phukan and personnel from the Margherita Police.

As part of the campaign, the team conducted inspections at hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, shops and other commercial establishments in and around Margherita. During the operation, several child labourers were identified and rescued.

Officials interacted with business owners and employees, sensitizing them about the legal provisions related to child labour and urging them not to employ children in any form of work.

The campaign highlighted that employing children below the age of 18 years in domestic work or commercial establishments is a serious violation of the law and can attract strict legal action.

Authorities said the awareness drive is part of a month-long initiative being carried out across Tinsukia district from June 1 to June 30. The programme includes awareness meetings, public rallies, community outreach activities and surprise inspections at workplaces suspected of employing child labourers.

Officials stressed that child labour not only deprives children of education and opportunities for development but also exposes them to exploitation and unsafe working conditions.

The Assam Labour Welfare Department has appealed to the public to actively support the campaign by refusing to engage child labour and by promptly reporting any incidents of child employment to the concerned authorities.

The department expressed hope that sustained awareness and strict enforcement of laws would help create a child-friendly environment and contribute to the complete eradication of child labour from society.