Thousands gather at India gate to spread awareness on Child labour

When hundreds of young and old gathered at India Gate on Monday evening, it was neither a picnic or a sudden rush to the monument rather they came to join hands for a noble cause, to raise awareness against 'Child labour'.

United Nation's 'World Day Against Child Labour' in continuation of its efforts to protect the rights of children, Delhi Police and leading child rights organization CRY (Child Rights and You) joined hands for a campaign to raise awareness on this issue.

Delhi Police in collaboration with volunteers of NGO CRY will be reaching out to the general public to create awareness about child labour. It will involve holding awareness drives in housing societies and other establishments in the weeks beginning June 12. The idea is to educate and encourage people to take proactive steps to ensure that rights of the children are protected and honored. This campaign includes that they can take a pledge to never employ children, speak up against it and not consume brands or frequent places where children are employed.

A symbolic event at India Gate was organised where close to thousand people formed a human chain to stand up against child labour. The human chain involved personnel from the Delhi Police, Border Security Force, CRY communities and the general public.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Spokesperson, Delhi Police Sh. Dependra Pathak said, "Delhi Police has many concerns pertaining to children in distress and children being forced to work. Also, locating missing children is a high priority area for police. Delhi Police is committed to making the city developing, encouraging and protective for its children."

Ms. Vatsala Mamgain, Director- Resource Mobilization, Child Rights and You said, "High level of poverty and unemployment coupled with a lack of adequate social security net compel parents to allow children to work and not go to school. While the government should ensure proper implementation of the law, eliminating this social problem will also require a collective effort from all stakeholders."