Alarming new data reveals over 11,000 children engaged in labour in Nagaland

October 10, 2024 5 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 10

The issue of child labour in Nagaland has reached alarming levels, with the 2011 census revealing that 11,062 children aged 5 to 14 are engaged in various forms of labour throughout the state. This marks a significant increase from just 3,000 children reported in previous years, raising serious concerns about the welfare of young children, particularly in rural areas.

Tongpang Jamir, Advocate, Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench said, Dimapur, one of Nagaland’s largest cities, serves as a grim example wherein in a recent survey conducted in one of its colonies found 264 domestic child labourers out of 1,112 houses.

Most of these children come from impoverished backgrounds and work in settings such as brick kilns, agriculture, hotels, workshops, stone quarries, and as domestic help.

Jamir was speaking at the one day state level sensitisation workshop on provisions of child labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986 with its Amended Act 2016 and Amended Rules 2017 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act held at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on October 9.

The programme was organised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) facilitated by Lachit Yuba Bikash Kendra (LYBK).
Jamir attributed the rise in child labour to several factors, including poverty, limited access to education, cultural norms, economic instability, weak enforcement of laws, health issues, and the impact of natural disasters and conflict.

He emphasized the need for a proactive approach to address the issue. “We need a state portal for domestic workers and children working in both formal and informal sectors, along with strong policy implementation and coordination among stakeholders,” Jamir said.

Deputy Labour Commissioner I. Chubayanger, who delivered the keynote address, underscored the importance of collective efforts to protect children’s rights. He noted that while progress has been made in prohibiting child labour, challenges persist.

“We must ensure that these laws are not just written words but are actively enforced and integrated into our society,” he stated.

Chubayanger also pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, pushing many families into economic hardship and increasing children’s vulnerability to exploitative labour practices. He called on all stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and community leaders, to commit to safeguarding children’s rights to education, health, and freedom from exploitation.

“Together, we can build a future where children are not labourers, but learners, dreamers, and change makers,” he said, urging a renewed commitment to creating a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Banasri Saraswati, Legal cum Probation Officer Assam gave a brief introduction on The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulations) Act, 2017 while Renchumi Imti, Programme Manager, Mission Vatslaya, Nagaland highlighted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (and its Amendment Bill) and Gracy Aye, State Mission Coordinator, Mission Shakti, Nagaland on the challenges and away forward to address child marriage.