Bhubaneswar: Childhood should be a time of joy, learning, and play, but for millions around the world, it is a harsh reality of toil and exploitation. Today, June 12th, marks the World Day Against Child Labour, a global call to action to eradicate this injustice and champion the rights of every child.
In a significant stride towards this goal, the state has launched a comprehensive 15-day awareness program, commencing today, June 12, 2025, to combat child labor across all its districts. This initiative, spearheaded by the Labour and State Insurance Department, will feature a range of activities including marches, awareness meetings, signature campaigns, and crucial rescue operations.
A highlight of this program is the innovative ‘Radio on Wheel’ awareness campaign, inaugurated today by Chitra Arumugam, Principal Secretary, Labour and State Insurance.
Accompanied by Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathi, and employees from the Directorate of Labour and Odisha Community Radio Association, this mobile awareness unit will traverse urban areas within Bhubaneswar Metropolitan Corporation, Cuttack Metropolitan Corporation, and Khordha Municipality.
Commissioner, Shri Tripathy said State Government’s mission is to educate the public about the severe provisions and penalties outlined in the Child and Adolescent Labour Act, sending a clear message that child labor will not be tolerated.
This concerted effort underscores a collective commitment to safeguarding childhood and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and dream, free from the shackles of exploitative labor, said Shri Tripathy.