June 13th 2024.
In a recent state-level convention organized by the People's Cultural Centre (PECUC) on World Day Against Child Labour, secretary Ranjan Kumar Mohanty emphasized the crucial role of compulsory education in eradicating child labour. The event, held in Bhubaneswar, saw the participation of around two hundred students from various institutions, as well as youth, women's groups, ASHA workers, AWW, and CSOs.
The focus of this year's convention was the theme "Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour," set by the International Labour Organisation. The attendees discussed the alarming trend of a recent increase in child labour, despite significant progress made in reducing it over the years. They stressed the need to accelerate efforts towards ending child labour in all its forms. Former Labour Commissioner Aswini Kumar Das also joined the event and highlighted the importance of creating awareness at different levels to achieve a child labour-free society.
Several notable speakers, including former chairperson of Odisha State Commission For Protection Of Child Rights Sandhyabati Pradhan, programme manager of Odisha State Child Protection Society Pritikanta Panda, and Khurda District Labour Officer Pravakar Biswal, addressed the gathering. Sugata Ray from UNICEF, member of Real Estate Regulatory Authority Pradeep Kumar Biswal, Khurda District Child Protection Officer Banishree Pattnaik, and president of Progressive Women Forum Mamata Samantaray were also present. The speakers emphasized the need for coordination, convergence, and cooperation between all departments and CSOs to locate and identify child labourers working in private homes and unorganised sectors.
On this occasion, a book titled 'Education for Change: Untold Stories' was released. It is a compilation of the groundbreaking work and experiences of PECUC in rescuing and rehabilitating child labourers. The book highlights the individual stories of children like Chandra Majhi, Mamta Bhoi, Ajit Bhoi, and Sonalika Bhoi, who were rescued and reintegrated into mainstream society with the help of PECUC. They also shared their personal experiences of being able to avail school education because of PECUC's efforts. The convention was chaired by PECUC chairman Minakshi Panda.
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