The state commission for protection of child rights will conduct a month-long campaign against child labour and begging on the streets of Kolkata during the festive season.
The campaign on autos will include distribution of leaflets and using loudspeakers to appeal to people to not encourage begging by giving them alms.
The campaign will start on October 6 and continue till November 3 on different routes in north, south and central Kolkata.
“The Covid pandemic has increased child labour and during Durga Puja, the number of children begging on the streets goes up,” said Ananya Chatterjee Chakraborti, chairperson, West Bengal Commission of Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR). “Our appeal to people is that instead of encouraging them to beg one should think about their rehabilitation.”
The campaign will help in increase awareness about issues of child labour. “During Durga Puja, many people are out on the streets and many come to the city from the districts. It is important to raise awareness amongst the general people,” said Yashabanti Sreemany, member, WBCPCR.
Sreemany said it might not be enough to post on social media when one sees a child labourer. Authorities should be informed. “If I see a child working in a neighbour’s house, I should have the moral responsibility to inform the authorities about it. That is what we want to raise awareness about,” she said.
The pandemic has robbed many of their livelihood and families have been sending their children out for work.
“They are thinking that if they send their children out to work, they will bring home some money and improve their condition but it is true that this cannot be a permanent solution of their distress. They have to understand that the child needs to study if they want their condition to improve,” said Sreemany.
The campaign will be launched at noon on Wednesday from Ultadanga and cover areas like Shyambazar, Kankurgachhi, Park Circus, Esplanade, Southern Avenue, Tollygunge, Chetla and Ballygunge Phari.