Latest news with #ChildHelpline1098
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Nagaland observes World Day against Child Labour with call to protect children's rights
Kohima, Nagaland observed 'World Day Against Child Labour' on Thursday, with a call for all stakeholders — including government agencies, civil society, and the public — to intensify efforts in eliminating child labour and safeguarding children's rights. The event, marked by awareness drives for leaders of colonies and wards, emphasised that despite progress, child labour persists in various forms across the state. Joint Labour Commissioner T Chubayanger cited growing reports of families — particularly in urban centres like Kohima — employing children under the pretext of "mission work" or as domestic help, often subjecting them to neglect or abuse. He reiterated that employing children below 14 years is illegal, carrying penalties of up to six months imprisonment and ₹20,000 fine or both. Adolescents aged between 14 and 18 may be employed only under non-hazardous conditions, with limited working hours, he said, adding that violations can result in fines and imprisonment. "If both husband and wife are working, they should employ an adult to look after their children instead of violating the rights of another child," he said. Chubayanger said the Labour department, in coordination with other agencies, has initiated raid of establishments which include shops, commercial establishments, workshops, farms, restaurants, etc. The joint labour commissioner also announced that surprise inspections of homes where children are engaged as domestic helpers and schools targeting cases of children being consecutively absent for more than 15 days under the Right to Education Act would be launched soon. Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, reaffirmed the district's commitment to penalise those employing children illegally. "As a people known for our warrior heritage and Christian values, it is unacceptable that crimes against children are being normalised in our society," he said. He called for collective responsibility and moral vigilance, urging society not to judge children based on their socio-economic background. Kohima District Child Protection Officer Sekho Dawhuo highlighted the role of the District Child Protection Unit under the Mission Vatsalya programme. The DCPU is responsible for protecting vulnerable children — including those in need of care, children in conflict with the law, and children eligible for adoption, he said. The officer stressed the importance of community participation in identifying child labour and abuse, urging citizens to immediately report such cases to local police or dial the Child Helpline 1098, a 24x7 emergency outreach service. Dawhuo emphasised the role of the Child Welfare Committee , a legal body constituted under the Juvenile Justice Act, empowered to ensure the rehabilitation and care of rescued children. He reminded the media to protect the identity of children involved in abuse or labour cases, as per Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015. "Violating this section by revealing any identifying details can result in imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to ₹2 lakh," he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Two child marriages foiled after teenagers raise alarm
1 2 Hyderabad: Two minor girls in Nagarkurnool district courageously stopped their own child marriages last week, aided by prompt action from police, child protection officials, and a local NGO. Acting on distress calls, rescue teams halted both ceremonies just in time—one on the eve of an engagement, the other minutes before wedding rituals began. In both cases, the girls' families were made to sign legal undertakings vowing not to proceed with marriage until the girls turned 18 . Although no FIRs were registered, the child welfare committee (CWC) will monitor compliance under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Midnight appeal In Pentlavelli village, Aparna (name changed), a first year Intermediate student home for the summer, overheard relatives finalising her engagement to an older cousin. She protested, but her objections were ignored. That night, she penned a desperate letter under the glow of a dim lamp, detailing her situation. At dawn, she handed copies to trusted classmates, pleading for help. They acted immediately, contacting Child Helpline 1098, local police and the NGO, Conservation of Nature through Rural Awakening (CONARE). "A joint team reached Aparna's house the same day," said MA Saleem, director of CONARE. "The family insisted it was only an engagement, but officials reminded them that any step towards marriage under 18 is illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act," he said. The parents were taken to the local police station and made to sign a bond of 50 promising not to proceed. While no FIR was filed, the CWC will continue to monitor the case. Friends step in In Devuni Thirumalapur village in Peddakothapally mandal, 15-year-old Revathi (name changed) faced mounting pressure from her widowed mother, who is a farm worker, and extended family to marry during the May holidays. A bright student who had just cleared class IX, Revathi confided in her friends. On May 29, a day before the scheduled wedding, her friends alerted 1098 and also the NGO, CONARE. A rescue team comprising police, Child Helpline counsellors, and NGO workers reached the mandapam just minutes before the ceremony. Revathi was removed from the venue and shifted to Sakhi Centre in Nagarkurnool for protection and counselling. The following day, Revathi's mother and relatives were summoned by the CWC. After a detailed session on the physical, emotional, and legal risks of early marriage, they too signed a written undertaking not to proceed. The promise will be enforced through follow-up visits, CWC member Prasanna told TOI. "These girls showed exceptional bravery. Their cases are reminders that community awareness and grassroots coordination can truly change lives," said Prasanna.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- The Hindu
Industrial units in Virudhunagar warned against employing children below 18 during summer vacation
The Virudhunagar district administration has warned industrial units against employing children and adolescents below the age of 18 years during the summer vacation. A statement from Virudhunagar district Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan said an FIR would be registered against violators, and they could face a fine of up to ₹50,000, two years in jail, or both. The Collector added that parents of children and adolescents, who have not attained 18 years of age, could also face a fine of ₹10,000 for allowing them to be employed in industrial units. Agencies involved in producing advertisements, documentaries, movies, or cultural programmes for commercial purposes or social media must obtain permission from the District Collector before engaging children and adolescents under 18 years of age, in accordance with the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Citizens can lodge complaints against industrial units via the Child Helpline 1098 or if they find them employing any child below 18 years of age without skill-development training.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- The Hindu
Eight booked for child marriage in Chamarajanagar
The Chamarajanagar women's police have booked eight persons in connection with a child marriage that had taken place in a village in Chamarajanagar taluk. After a complaint was received on the District Child Protection Unit's (DCPU) Child Helpline 1098 regarding a child marriage between a 15-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man, the officials visited the house of the girl and confirmed that a marriage had indeed taken place. A case has been booked under Sections 9 (1) and 11 under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, against the groom, his father, his mother, the minor girl's father and mother, two relatives of the minor girl, and the priest, who conducted the marriage. According to a statement here, the case was registered based on a complaint by the coordinator of the DCPU's helpline. The Chamarajanagar District Child Protection Officer, in a statement, pointed out that child marriage was a serious obstacle to national development, and it was the duty of every citizen to prevent it. 'Child marriage was a punishable offence under the law. In such cases, the parents, relatives, priests, and anyone aiding or participating in the marriage are considered guilty and can be prosecuted,' he said, adding that the law provides for a punishment of up to two years of imprisonment and a fine up to ₹ 1 lakh.
