Odisha Launches 'Radio on Wheels' to Combat Child Labour on World Day Against Child Labour

Innovative Initiative to Raise Awareness

Bhubaneswar: In celebration of World Day Against Child Labour, the Odisha government has introduced a unique initiative called 'Radio on Wheels' alongside a 15-day awareness campaign aimed at educating the public and fostering collective action against child labour.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took to his official X account to emphasize the importance of children as the future of the nation, stating, 'Our government is committed to eradicating harmful practices such as child labour and ensuring that every child has access to quality education and resources.'

He highlighted initiatives like the Madho Singh Haath Kharch Yojana, designed to lower school dropout rates, and the Chief Minister’s Nutrition Scheme, which aims to improve student nutrition.

Majhi urged everyone to commit to ending child labour and creating a nurturing environment for children's growth and future.

The 'Radio on Wheels' program was launched by Chitra Arumugam, Principal Secretary of the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department, with the presence of Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathi and officials from the Directorate of Labour, along with representatives from the Odisha Community Radio Association.

This mobile awareness unit will operate within Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), and Khurda Municipality, disseminating information about the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, its legal implications, and penalties to educate the community.

Coordinated by the Labour and State Insurance department, the campaign includes rallies, meetings, signature drives, and rescue operations across all districts to combat child labour.

In a related effort, ActionAid Association, in partnership with the Centre for Child and Women Development (CCWD), organized a human chain and oath-taking event at Nilachakra Nagar in Ward No. 26 under BMC.

This event aimed to raise awareness among slum residents and stakeholders regarding child rights and protection, particularly focusing on marginalized communities.

CCWD Secretary Sadasiv Swain emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to child welfare, stating, 'Awareness and enforcement of child rights laws are essential. Every parent must recognize the value of education and reject child labour in favor of schooling.'

He added that only through such efforts can a society free from child labour be achieved. Other speakers, including Snigdha Dash, Saraswati Parida, Shiba Sahoo, and Kalyani Rout, discussed the ongoing challenges in combating child exploitation.

Event coordinators Smrutirekha Das, Bishnupriya Samal, and Bhaskar Chandra Pradhan ensured the event's success, which saw participation from over 100 individuals, including SHG members, community leaders, human rights advocates, members of the Bhubaneswar Young Urban Women Forum, and local child clubs.