Campaign Launched to Make Khordha Child Labour-Free

Walkathon, folk performances and awareness chariot mobilise public support across Balianta block.

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, OCTOBER 23:- A district-wide effort to eliminate child labour gained momentum on Thursday with a public awareness campaign organised across Balianta block to sensitise people about the dangers of child labour, the legal provisions prohibiting the practice and the importance of ensuring every child’s right to education.

The campaign was jointly organised by the District Labour Officer (Enforcement), Khordha, and the Assistant Labour Officer, Balianta, covering several localities to spread awareness and encourage community participation in the drive to make Khordha a child labour-free district.

The outreach programme covered Balkati Bazaar under Pratapsasan gram panchayat, Ranga Bazaar under Bhainchua gram panchayat, Balianta Bazaar, Sarakana Bazaar and its adjoining market under Sarakana gram panchayat, Puran Pradhan gram panchayat and the Balianta block office premises.

A walkathon, traditional folk performances, including Dasakathia and Pala, and an awareness chariot formed the major attractions of the campaign. Using traditional forms of communication alongside direct public outreach, the organisers sought to convey the harmful consequences of child labour and emphasise the need to keep children in schools rather than engage them in work.

As part of the initiative, awareness activities were also conducted at hotels, eateries, garages and other commercial establishments where the possibility of children being engaged in labour remains a matter of concern. Posters and notices highlighting the prohibition of child labour were displayed on the walls of shops and business premises to reinforce the message.

Shopkeepers, traders, employers and members of the public were sensitised to the adverse effects of employing children and the legal consequences of violations. The campaign stressed that protecting children from labour exploitation is not merely an administrative responsibility but a collective social obligation.

The organisers underscored the importance of providing children with access to education, protection and opportunities for their overall development. They also highlighted the need for parents, employers, business establishments and local communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities in preventing child labour.

The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of child protection laws, discourage the employment of children and encourage their integration into the mainstream education system.

While enforcement measures are essential to curb the practice, sustained awareness and active community participation are equally important to address its underlying causes. The campaign seeks to build a stronger sense of social responsibility and advance the broader objective of making Khordha district free from child labour.