Collective and Sustained Efforts Needed to Eliminate Child Labour: Chaudhary

(International Day Against Child Labour Special | 152 Child Labourers Rescued in the Last One Year | Workshop Held Today)

Udaipur: Child labour is not only a social evil but also a stigma on society. Continuous and collective efforts are essential to eradicate it completely. Along with rescuing child labourers, equal attention must be given to their proper rehabilitation. The absence of a shelter home at the district headquarters in Udaipur remains a major challenge for providing temporary accommodation to rescued children. We must address this issue as well. If we can bring positive change to even one child’s life, our efforts will be successful.

These views were expressed by Rahul Chaudhary, newly appointed Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Udaipur, while addressing a workshop organized on the occasion of the International Day Against Child Labour at the auditorium of Gayatri Seva Sansthan in Hiran Magri Sector 6, Udaipur. He was the chief guest at the event. Chaudhary also announced that a special month-long anti-child labour campaign would be conducted throughout June 2026 in collaboration with the police and partner organizations.

On the occasion, Dr. Shailendra Pandya, Child Rights Expert and Director of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, informed participants about the significance of the day and stated that the institution aims to make Udaipur city a “Child Labour-Free Udaipur” by June 12, 2027, with public cooperation. He noted that the Udaipur division is a source region from where children are trafficked for child labour. Therefore, it is equally important to address the demand side—identifying where the demand for child labour originates and taking steps to eliminate it. Strict action is needed against traffickers actively involved in child labour networks.

Dr. Pandya further informed that, with the support of the district administration and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), the organization has rescued 152 child labourers over the past year and facilitated the registration of more than 50 police FIRs. As an innovative initiative this year, establishments found free of child labour will also be recognized and honoured.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Chandragupt Singh Chauhan, President of the Rajasthan Child Advisory Group (R-CAG) and social activist, emphasized the need to formulate a comprehensive action plan and present it to the government so that all closed child care homes in the district can be reopened. This would ensure proper rehabilitation of children rescued from child labour and help them build a better future.

Dayalal Chauhan, In-charge of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Police Department, shared information about the state-wide special campaign “Umang VII”, being conducted from June 1 to June 30 to prevent child labour and protect vulnerable children.

Concluding the program, educationist and former President of Gayatri Seva Sansthan Dr. Sharadchand Purohit thanked all participants and stressed that the most effective method of rehabilitation is to connect rescued children with education and ensure continuous follow-up. Education, he said, is the strongest tool for helping children escape the cycle of child labour.

During the event, the dignitaries also unveiled the poster of the special campaign “Umang VII.”

The program was attended by Dr. Rajshree Gandhi, Dr. Rajkumari Bhargava, Archana Singh, and Pradeep Rawani, members of R-CAG, along with representatives of various voluntary organizations, members of the Child Advisory Group, officials from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, and representatives from departments working for child welfare.

The event was anchored by Nitin Paliwal, Program Coordinator of Gayatri Seva Sansthan.