National Consultation on Right to Education and Child Labour

New Delhi, Aug 6 (UNI) Expressing concern on the prevalence of child labour, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is evolving recommendations for policy and legal changes concerning the right to education and child labour.

A series of consultations have been held to discuss changes in laws and policies towards this end, with multiple stakeholders.

One of the major consultations is round the corner and is going to be held on August 8, 2008 in New Delhi. Participants in the consultation will be Principal Secretaries and Commissioners of Labour from all the State Governments and Union Territories of India.

Overarching focus of the consultation will be on Right to Education and Child Labour and how attainment of right to education will play a key role in emancipation of school children and child labour.

The Commission will draw feedback from this consultation before making recommendations to the Government to bring changes in laws and policies for the eradication of child labour and complete realization of right to education.

According to the Commission, this change is of paramount significance, when the country is witnessing an explosive demand for education from poor people. Changes are required to ensure that laws and policies abet situations favourable for poor children. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan has played a vital role in creating demand for and fulfilling the demand for education of children.

However, there are millions of children still out of school and need to the realize fundamental right to education. These children are found involved in some form of child labour. The Child Right Commission feels that Education is the right response to this.

Policy and law need to take note of this and this consultation will create a climate for building momentum to dialogue and discuss for such change.

Prof. B. Mungekar, Member of Planning Commission, will be the chief guest in the consultation while Ms Sudha Pillai, Secretary Labour and Employment will give the key note address. Member of NCPCR Dipa Dixit who heads the working group on Child Labour and Dr Shantha Sinha, Chairperson, NCPCR will also address the participants.

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