World Day against Child Labour observed across Nagaland

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  DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland state also commemorated World Day against Child Labour on the theme ‘Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!’ The event was held across various districts in the state on Thursday.
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• Kohima: World Day against Child Labour was observed at Central Plaza, PR Hill, aiming to raise awareness about the eradication of child labour and promote the rights and well-being of children.
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• Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, in his speech, reaffirmed that the state government, the district administration, and all stakeholders are fully ready to take action against violations of child labour laws and urged people not to be afraid to report such cases.

B Henok Buchem and other officials at Central Plaza, Kohima. (EM Images)

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• The DC stated that Nagas have a historical legacy as warriors driven by pride, prestige, and honour, and that harassment of women and children, including domestic violence and abuse, goes against their inherent values.
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• However, Buchem expressed concern about the rising cases of such incidents, and emphasised that this is a serious issue that must be fought together.
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• Joint Labour Commissioner T Chubayanger highlighted that while awareness programmes are regularly conducted, many people still require education on these issues.
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• He noted that child labour and abuse are global epidemics, which is why the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has conventions like No. 182 on worst forms of child labour and No. 138 on minimum age. To combat this, the world observes World Day against Child Labour.
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• The official pointed out the act that is in place – The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, completely prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes, except in family enterprises and for child artists under specific conditions. He added that adolescents are defined as individuals between 14 and 18 years of age.

Also read: Education as a pretext: Hidden faces of child labour in Nagaland

• The official further stated that ‘The Nagaland Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules, 2024’ and ‘Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Rules, 2024’ are in place.
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• Sekho Dawhuo, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Kohima, in his speech highlighted child protection services and stated that the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Kohima is a stakeholder under Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare.
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• The participants also took pledge against child labour and participated in signature campaign.
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• Dimapur: In observance of the World Day against Child Labour, an awareness programme was held at DC’s conference hall, with chairperson of Child Welfare Committee, Moamenla, as the chairperson.
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• Additional Deputy Commissioner Zakabo V Rotokha, in his keynote address, emphasised the need for collective action to protect children from exploitation and ensure a secure future for them.

Zakabo V Rotokha addressing the child labour awareness programme in Dimapur.

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  “Today we will know better to prevent this outcome. We have to act and implement,” he stated, urging all stakeholders to take responsibility.
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• He encouraged chairmen and GBs of wards and colonies, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders to take the lead in raising awareness at the grassroots level. Rotokha emphasised that child labour is a deep-rooted issue that can only be eradicated through widespread education and mutual support within communities.
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• Deputy Labour Commissioner, Dimapur, Visakhonuo Ndang highlighted the ground realities and challenges in combating child labour in the region. Stressing on the pivotal role of local leaders, she said, “Chairmen and GBs are selected because they can reach house to house. That is why you are important. Awareness must begin at the grassroots.”
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• The programme featured a series of enlightening presentations, including a session on ‘Awareness on child labour’ by Advocate Khumchuba, penal lawyer from the Dimapur District Legal Service Authority (DDLSA).
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• Protection Officer (NIC) from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Dimapur, Arenla C Phom elaborated on the topic of ‘Child Rights.’ Another key highlight was the discussion on the ‘Role of Child Helpline 1098,’ presented by  Venuto Kapu, counsellor at Child Helpline 1098.
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• Wokha: A sensitisation programme on child labour was held at Likya Community Hall, Wokha town, aimed at raising awareness about the urgent need to eradicate child labour.

• Addressing the gathering, Thungpemo Lotha, Deputy Labour Commissioner of Wokha, emphasised the importance of eliminating child labour, stating that employing a child is a cognisable offence under the law. He highlighted poverty, lack of education, and family issues as key factors driving children into labour.

Officials and participants at Likya Community Hall, Wokha town.

 

• Stressing that “children are meant to learn, not earn,” he described child labour as a form of child abuse.
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• Thungpemo urged colony council members to actively spread awareness within their respective colonies, emphasising that strict punishments await those who violate child labour laws. He further remarked that childhood is the most precious phase of life—a time free from responsibilities—and appealed to the audience not to deprive children of their rightful upbringing.
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• Mary Swuro, Protection Officer (NIC) from DCPU Wokha, provided a brief overview of Mission Vatsalya, a centrally sponsored scheme designed to ensure a healthy and happy childhood for all children.
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• Swuro also elaborated on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, explaining that, under Section 2(12) of the Act, a child is legally defined as anyone who has not yet completed 18 years of age. She pointed out that any child found working is deemed vulnerable and entitled to legal protection.
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• Mhonchumi Humtsoe, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Wokha, reiterated the legal definition of a child and urged the gathering to utilise the 1098 Child Helpline in times of need.
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• The programme concluded with a discussion session to facilitate a deeper understanding of the issue.
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• Tuensang: The event was held at Town Hall, Tuensang town, where DCPO Tuensang, Yangthriba Sangtam, in his introductory note, stated that there are more than 160 billion children who are being exploited.
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• 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, NGO's and Villages has an important role to play to stop this evil practices.
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• He stated that child labour exploits children, depriving them of education, proper care, and dignity for cheap labour. It persists in every societal segment, often due to parents' lack of education and awareness. Domestic servitude and child trafficking are egregious forms of child labour, Yangthriba added, and emphasised that churches, NGOs, and villages have a crucial role in eradicating these harmful practices.
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• 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.
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• The programme was attended by church leaders, NGOs, ward representatives, village councils and educational institutions.
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• Mokokchung: The programme held at the DC’s conference hall brought together officials, legal experts, and labour inspectors to discuss the ongoing fight against child labour.
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• Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, in his keynote address, emphasised the need for accelerated efforts to eliminate child labour. The DC noted that child labour deprives children of their childhood, rights, and education, leading to mental exploitation and social chaos. Verma also maintained that economic instability is a key factor and urged stakeholders to increase awareness and work collaboratively to prevent child labour.
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• Chubarenla, panel lawyer, Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority, served as the resource person, sharing valuable insights on the legal framework and challenges in combating child labour. The panel lawyer highlighted that poverty perpetuates child labour, often disguised as domestic help in Nagaland.
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• Chubarenla stressed 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 highlighted the importance of government schemes and legal interventions in rescuing children from child labour.
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• The programme was led by Talitemjen, Senior Labour Inspector, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Samuel Kapu, DCP Mokokchung.
  
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• Chümoukedima: The event organised by the District Child Protection Unit in collaboration with Tetso College and Child Helpline was held at Tetso College, Sovima, which brought together students, educators, legal experts, and government officials to reinforce the urgent need to eliminate child labour and protect children’s rights.

Students of Tetso College taking part in a poster presentation.

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• Labour Inspector Suneplila Tzudir, the key speaker, in her speech, elaborated on the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended in 2016), explaining the distinction between child labour (below 14 years) and adolescent labour (14–18 years) and the types of work prohibited under each category.
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• Participants were made aware of the role of Childline 1098, district-level task forces, and local police stations in reporting cases. Tzudir encouraged the audience to be vigilant and proactive in reporting instances of child labour.
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• The awareness programme was followed by a poster presentation organised by the Department of Social Work, Tetso College, and the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR). The students showcased a series of thoughtfully designed posters centred on the theme of child labour, aiming to educate the public and spark critical conversations.
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• Each poster highlighted key aspects such as the legal framework surrounding child labour, the psychological and physical impact it has on children, and the importance of ensuring every child's right to education, safety, and dignity.
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• Otoli Kits, an advocate in the Gauhati High Court and subordinate courts, delivered an insightful talk on safeguarding and upholding children's rights in India.