Child Labour Eradication Campaign Launched in Keonjhar to Protect Children’s Rights and Ensure Education for All

Keonjhar, May 12: A Child Labour Eradication Campaign was launched today at the Darbar Hall of the Keonjhar Collectorate under the supervision of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
The programme was inaugurated by Minister of Forest, Environment Protection, Climate Change, Labour and ESI, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, who attended as the chief guest. He stated that child labour is not only a legal violation but also a serious social injustice.
The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving rehabilitation measures, and ensuring that children engaged in labour are brought back into the education system. He also highlighted that public awareness and community participation are essential to achieve a child labour-free society.
Commission Chairperson Babita Patra said that child labour remains a major social issue requiring continuous awareness, community involvement, and strict enforcement of laws. She stressed that every child is entitled to education, safety, and dignity.
Among other dignitaries present were Patna MLA Akhila Chandra Naik, Special Development Council Chairperson Mamita Naik, Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathy, Collector Bishal Singh, SP Nitin Kushalkar, and members of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights including Mansmita Khuntia, Kalpana Lenka, Kasturi Mishra, and Sujata Nayak.
The programme was coordinated by Divisional Labour Commissioner Suryanarayan Mali, District Labour Officer Akash Bisoyi, and District Child Protection Officer Priyanka Mallik. District-level officers, Tahasildars, and BDOs also attended the event.