Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 13: The district-level programme on the occasion of the World Anti-Child Labour Day organized by the district administration in association with the department of labour, District Child Labour Project Society and the district legal services authority at Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work on Thursday June 12 saw large scale absenteeism on the part of legislators, MPs and other people's representatives, with only four of the 16 invited dignitaries turning up for the event.

Mangalore South MLA N Yogish Bhat, who presided over the programme, held himself strongly in favour of conducting an in-depth state-level investigation into the irregularities allegedly being committed by non-governmental organizations that get government grants in the name of child development and then misuse and divert such funds for personal gains.

Expressing the view that law alone cannot regulate this menace fully, he said that the society at large, by being sensititve to the issue and showing activism in controlling this menace, can contribute immensely for the eradication of child labour. Responding to some issues about a girl named Asha from Bellary, who was freed from child labour and at present pursuing  her education, Bhat agreed that some voluntary service organizations claim government funds for child welfare but use the money so got for their own selfish ends. This problem is prevalent specificially  in some north Karnataka pockets. A state investigation only can bring out the truth and help the cause of the children, he felt.

Zilla panchayat president K P Sucharita Shetty who inaugurated the programme in place of minister Krishna J Palemar, hoped that all the departments and all classes of society will come together to launch an organized struggle to put an end to child trafficking, sale and child labour.

Deputy mayor of Mangalore city corporation Shakeela Kava was present. Assistaant labour commissioner of Mangalore division Venkatesh Appaiah Shindihatti welcomed. Project director of the District Child Labour Project Society K N Satyanarayana delivered introductory speech. Assistant commissioner Ajit Kumar Hegde administered oath. Senior labour inspector Jnanesh proposed vote of thanks.