National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) today came down heavily on the Meghalaya Labour department for its failure in handling the issue of child labour in the state and directed it to conduct a comprehensive child labour survey in all districts of the state to draw plans to eliminate the problem.
"The Labour department is buying time and has failed in handling the issue concerning child labour especially in coal rich deposit of Jaintia hills district," NCPCR member Yogesh Dube told reporters after a review meeting held here.
The commission held a review meeting to discuss on various issues centered-around child rights with the senior government officials including chief secretary and principal secretaries from the different departments including Labour, Home and Mining department .
Pointing out that the department has not fully complied with NCPCR's earlier recommendations, Dube said, "the approach of the Principal Secretary of Labour to the issue is very much dissatisfactory and lethargic which shows that department is not taking serious note on the matter."
"We have directed the principal secretary to draw an action plan as to how the child labour survey would be done. He has been asked to submit the action plan for Jaintia hills within July 31 while for the other districts of the state within August 31," he stated.
Stating that the Commission is keen in getting a full data of child labour in the state, Dube said, "The data provided by the survey would further help in developing strategies to eliminate child labour from the state as well as mainstreaming those affected children to schools."
Observing that Meghalaya is yet to be equipped with enough Labour Inspectors to tackle and ensure that no child is engaged in any coal mining activities, the Commission has directed the state government to further recruit more manpower in the field.
On the Mining policy of the state, Dube said, "the state government has agreed to extend full agreement with the Commission that all central laws on ensuring safety and friendly policy."
NCPCR members also met Labour Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh to discuss on the issue.
The minister has taken keen interest for the welfare of the children and has accepted proposal of the Commission to hold a 'state level consultation on child rights' in the month of July to commemorate the World Day against Child Labour.
