Joining the global movement against child exploitation, Nagaland observed “World Day Against Child Labour” on Thursday with a series of awareness programmes across the state. Under the theme “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts,” various organizations, government bodies, and community leaders came together to highlight the urgency of eradicating child labour and safeguarding children’s rights. Events aimed at educating the public, promoting legal awareness, and encouraging collective action reinforced the message that every child deserves a life of learning, growth, and dignity.
Dimapur
In observance of World Day Against Child Labour, an awareness programme was held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Dimapur. Organized by the Labour Department in collaboration with the District Task Force Dimapur, the event aimed to address the urgency of eradicating child labour and ensuring child rights.
Delivering a session on “Awareness on Child Labour,” advocate Khumchuba from the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) highlighted the global target of eliminating child labour by 2025. He expressed concern that Nagaland is only now confronting the issue seriously, emphasizing that the delay is not solely the fault of authorities but rather a collective societal failure. He urged community leaders, including GBs, chairpersons, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and NGOs, to serve as a bridge between the government and the people in tackling child labour.
Advocate Khumchuba also underscored the significance of social media as a powerful tool for awareness dissemination and called for active participation in eliminating child labour from the state. “It is never too late to act,” he asserted, encouraging all stakeholders to transform discussions into tangible action.
In his keynote address, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Dimapur, Zakabo V Rotokha, acknowledged that child labour in Nagaland is not as widespread as in other states but emphasized that the issue must not be ignored. He urged the attendees to implement actionable steps beyond discussions, stressing the need to address the problem through legal, social, and moral frameworks, including Christian values.
Deputy Labour Commissioner of Dimapur, Visakhonuo Ndang, commended the participation of community leaders and CSOs in the event. She emphasized the crucial role of grassroots awareness in combating child labour, noting that its persistence is largely due to a lack of knowledge. She called on GBs and chairpersons to conduct door-to-door campaigns to educate the public about child labour laws and the importance of protecting children. “Denying a child the right to education is not just morally wrong, but it is a punishable offence under the law,” she stressed. The programme also featured a PowerPoint presentation on child rights by PO (NIC) DCPU Dimapur, Arenla C Phom, and an overview of the Child Helpline 1098 by councillor Venuto Kapu.
Earlier, the event was chaired by chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Moamenla Yaden. Organizers reiterated the need for community collaboration and proactive measures to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children. They encouraged citizens to take collective responsibility in safeguarding children’s rights and eliminating exploitative labour practices. (Staff Reporter)
Mokokchung
An awareness programme was held at Conference Hall, DC Office Mokokchung, to mark World Day Against Child Labour, which brought together officials, legal experts, and labour inspectors to discuss the ongoing fight against child labour.
Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, delivering the keynote address emphasized the need for accelerated efforts to eliminate child labour. He added that child labour deprives children of their childhood, rights, and education, leading to mental exploitation and social chaos, and stressed that economic instability is a key factor and urged stakeholders to increase awareness and work collaboratively to prevent child labour.
Panel lawyer, Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority, advocate Chubarenla, who served as the resource person, shared valuable insights on legal framework and challenges in combating child labour.
She highlighted that poverty perpetuates child labour, often disguised as domestic help in Nagaland, and emphasized the need for collective commitment to educate children and ensure their well-being, cautioning stakeholders to be vigilant in monitoring and verifying children’s safety.
The resource person also stressed on importance of government schemes and legal interventions in rescuing children from child labour. The programme was chaired by Senior Labour Inspector, Talitemjen, and concluded with a vote of thanks by DCP Mokokchung, Samuel Kapu.
DCPU & Tetso College
The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), in collaboration with the Department of Social Work, Tetso College, observed World Day Against Child Labour at Hall 1994, Tetso College, Sovima.
Addressing the gathering, Labour Inspector of Dimapur, Suneplila Tzudir, highlighted the harsh realities of child labour, describing it as a cruel practice that robs children of their childhood, dreams, and fundamental rights. She cited statistics from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which reported over 160 million child labourers globally. Despite legal measures and growing awareness, many children in India remain engaged in labour, working in dhabas, construction sites, and homes.
Tzudir attributed child labour to poverty, lack of education, parental unemployment, and social injustice. She stressed that children should be in schools, not workplaces, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding their right to education and protection.
She outlined key legal provisions, including Article 21A of the Constitution, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, and Article 24, which prohibits the employment of children under 14 in hazardous occupations. She also explained the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Nagaland Child and Adolescent Labour Rules, 2024, which restrict child employment while protecting adolescent workers from hazardous jobs.
She encouraged the public to report instances of child labour through Childline 1098, the Labour Department, or relevant authorities.
Speaking on child rights, Gauhati High Court Advocate Otoli Kits emphasized legal protections, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Right to Education Act, 2009, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She also discussed schemes such as the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which aim to safeguard children’s welfare.
The event featured performances and poster presentations by students from Tetso College and North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), focusing on child labour awareness and advocacy.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Linoka Yepthomi of Tetso College, with welcome remarks by Asst. Professor Lovi Aye and closing remarks by District Child Protection Officer, Chümoukedima, Nikito Zhimomi. Organizers urged society to take collective action to combat child labour and build a safer future for children.
(Staff Reporter)
Wokha
In commemoration of Anti-Child Labour Day, a sensitization programme on child labour was held at Likya Community Hall, Likya Colony, Wokha. The event was organized by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in collaboration with the Department of Labour, Wokha, aiming to raise awareness about child rights and the urgent need to eradicate child labour.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Labour Commissioner of Wokha, Thungpemo Lotha, stressed that employing a child is a cognizable offence under the law. He highlighted that poverty, lack of education, and family issues are key factors contributing to child labour. He emphasized that childhood should be a time of learning and growth, not labor, and stated that child labour amounts to child abuse.
Lotha called upon colony council members present at the event to spread awareness in their respective communities, underscoring the need for collective action. “Childhood is the best part of life, free from responsibilities. Let us not rob children of their childhood,” he appealed.
Protection Officer (NIC), DCPU Wokha, Mary Swuro, provided an overview of Mission Vatsalya, a centrally sponsored scheme designed to ensure a healthy and happy childhood for all children. She explained that the initiative promotes family-based care, empowers communities, and strengthens child protection mechanisms through a child-centric approach.
Swuro also discussed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, emphasizing that under Section 2(12), a child is legally defined as any person below the age of 18. She noted that any child engaged in labour is deemed vulnerable and entitled to protection under the law.
Expressing concern over newborn abandonment cases, she urged colony council members to raise awareness and educate communities on safeguarding children’s rights.
Meanwhile, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Wokha, Mhonchumi Humtsoe, encouraged attendees to utilize the 1098 Child Helpline when needed. She highlighted that children under the age of 14 have the right to free and quality education, adding that the government is making efforts to eliminate child labour.
Humtsoe reiterated that awareness is a powerful tool in combating child exploitation. She warned that those found guilty of employing children in labour face imprisonment from six months to two years, along with fines up to Rs. 2 lakh, without any provision for compromise.
The programme concluded with a discussion, facilitating deeper understanding and reinforcing the need for active community engagement in eliminating child labour. Participants pledged to take concrete action in promoting child welfare and safeguarding their rights. (Correspondent)
Centre for Development Initiatives & Midland GHS Kohima
The Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI) Kohima, in collaboration with Midland Government High School, observed the World Day Against Child Labour with a special awareness programme for students of Classes 4 to 7.
The event focused on sensitising young students to the harsh realities of child labour and highlighting the importance of education and a safe childhood. The programme aimed to foster awareness and responsibility among the younger generation.
During the programme, a field animator from CDI, Sarah conducted an interactive session addressing the impact of child labour on children’s lives, health, and future. She underscored the role of students in recognising and speaking out against such practices. She stated that every child has the right to study, play, and grow in a safe environment, and that education must be treated as a right rather than a privilege.
As part of the initiative, students received postcards bearing messages such as “Books, not tools – dreams, not duties” and “Let children learn, not labour” to reinforce the importance of education and to discourage exploitative practices. The session also provided a platform for students to share their thoughts, with many voluntarily pledging to stand against child labour in their own ways.
(Correspondent)
Tuensang
World Day Against Child Labour observed at Town Hall, Tuensang, organised by the District Child Protection Unit, Tuensang in collaboration with Labour Department Tuensang and District Legal Service Authority Tuensang.
According to a DIPR report, DCPU Tuensang, Yangthriba Sangtam in his Introductory note stated that International Labour Organisations (ILO) initiated World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 with the main goal to raise global awareness about child labour and encourage efforts to end it.
He added that there are more than 160 billion of children who are exploiting, adding that child labour is a form of exploitation of children in their education, work and medical care for cheap labour where it is seen in every corner of the society due to lack of parents’ education and awareness. He stated that domestic helper and child trafficking comes under child labour where churches, NGOs and villages has an important role to play to stop this evil practices.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Tuensang, Yolise Sangtam spoke on the topic of Nagaland Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulations) Rules 2024 and Anti Mangyang Chang, retainer lawyer spoke on Prohibition of Child Labour.
The programme was chaired by legal-cum-protection officer DCPU Tuensang, Thekeusolie Vakha and vote of thanks was delivered by project coordinator Child Helpline DCPU, Hongen Thangty. The programme was attended by church leaders, NGOs, ward representatives, village councils and educational institutions.
NDWM Nagaland Region & Assisi Centre for Integrated Development
The National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM) – Nagaland Region, in collaboration with the Assisi Centre for Integrated Development, observed Anti-Child Labour Day, bringing together children, parents, educators, and community leaders to raise awareness against the exploitation of children through labour.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by coordinator of NDWM Nagaland Region, Sr. Pramila Lobo, who emphasized the importance of health, education, and the protection of children’s rights. She reminded those gathered that children belong in schools and homes, not workplaces.
Advocate Priya, in her keynote message, highlighted the mental and physical toll that child labour takes on young lives. She stressed that it is the duty of parents and guardians to be aware of these harmful impacts and ensure their children are not deprived of education and a safe childhood.
The event witnessed the active participation of around 150 individuals. The gathering also featured awareness messages and interaction with children about their rights and the significance of education.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kiran, who appreciated all participants for their presence and reiterated the collective responsibility to eliminate child labour and build a safer, more educated future for every child.