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Indian Express
27-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Govt to form district-level task forces to make UP child labour-free by 2027
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to form district-level task forces to make the state completely child labour-free by 2027, officials said. The Labour Department has been assigned the task to achieve the target in coordination with the departments concerned such as Education, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Home, Health, Social Welfare, Rural Development, Urban Development, and Vocational Education, it is learnt. The government has devised concrete steps to address key challenges, including data scarcity and ensuring the retention of children in schools, which are critical in eliminating child labour, the officials said. One of the major hurdles in eradicating child labour has been the lack of reliable data, as comprehensive statistics have not been updated since the 2011 census. To address this, the Panchayati Raj Department has been tasked with collecting data on working children and child labourers at the village level. This data will be shared with the Labour and Education departments, facilitating the implementation of targeted child labour elimination programs. Also, district-level task forces will be established across all districts to expedite data collection with the help of local panchayats, they added. In partnership with UNICEF, the government will compile a booklet detailing the schemes of various departments that benefit child labourers and their families. This initiative will ensure that government assistance reaches every child and their family in need, supporting the broader goal of eliminating child labor in the state, the government stated. Another challenge in eradicating child labour is the retention of children who, despite being enrolled in schools, are irregular in attendance and are at risk of falling into the category of potential child labourers. To address this, the Women Welfare Department's Bal Seva Yojana, Sponsorship Scheme, and Child Helpline are working to provide education and rehabilitation opportunities for these children. The government is also considering the re-implementation of the 'Naya Savera' scheme after a qualitative evaluation, with the aim of providing better opportunities for child labourers. To raise public awareness, a large-scale program will be organised in Lucknow on June 12, World Day Against Child Labour, which will involve the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), employers, and labour organisations. By combining data , awareness campaigns and rehabilitation schemes, the government is making efforts toward eliminating child labour and ensuring that children receive education and a secure future.
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttar Pradesh government adopts mission for abolishing child labour from state by 2027
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 27 (ANI): The Uttar Pradesh government has set a target of making the state free from child labour by the year 2027. Unprecedented coordination has been established between the departments of Education, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Home, Health, Social Welfare, Rural Development, Urban Development, and Vocational Education under the leadership of the Labour Department to achieve the goal. To deal with challenges like a lack of data and retention of children in schools in the path of eliminating child labour, the government has taken concrete and innovative steps, which are taking Uttar Pradesh towards an empowered and prosperous society. The biggest challenge of eliminating child labour has been the unavailability of reliable data, as no comprehensive data is available in this regard since the 2011 census. To deal with this problem, the Panchayati Raj Department has been entrusted with the responsibility of collecting data on working children and child labourers at the village level. This data will be shared with the Labour and Education Department, so that child labour elimination programmes can be implemented effectively. District task forces will soon be formed in all districts, which will speed up data collection in collaboration with panchayats. In addition, in collaboration with UNICEF, schemes of various departments will be compiled in a booklet, which will contain information about schemes benefiting child labourers and their families. This initiative will ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach every needy child and their family. Another major challenge is the retention of those children in schools who do not come to school regularly despite enrollment and fall into the category of potential child labour. To deal with this problem, the Women Welfare Department's Bal Seva Yojana, Sponsorship Scheme, and Child Helpline are being actively implemented. Through these schemes, children are being provided opportunities for education and rehabilitation. The government's 'Naya Savera' scheme is being qualitatively evaluated, and its re-implementation is being considered so that child labourers can get better opportunities. For public awareness, a grand program will be organised in Lucknow on June 12 on International Child Labour Prohibition Day, in which the cooperation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), employers and labour organisations will be taken. This resolution of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is building a new Uttar Pradesh with the coordination and collective efforts of various departments. Through data compilation, awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation schemes, the government is not only moving rapidly towards eliminating child labour but is also playing a leading role in providing education and a secure future to children. This campaign will prove to be a milestone in the direction of making Uttar Pradesh child labour-free by 2027. The Yogi government is running the Atal Residential School for the children of workers in all the divisions. Apart from this, the Chief Minister is trying to connect the children of rural areas and child labour with quality education through the Composite School. (ANI)
NDTV
24-05-2025
- NDTV
Kerala Man Charged For "Brutally Assaulting" 8-Year-Old Daughter
Kannur: Police booked a man on Saturday after disturbing visuals of him "brutally assaulting" his eight-year-old daughter went viral on social media recently. In the footage, the man could be seen beating the child and trying to slam her head against the wall as she cries in fear. As the issued triggered widespread outrage on social media platforms, Health, Women and Child Development Minister Veena George and General Education Minister V Sivankutty came out strongly condemning the act and assured stringent leagal measures against the accused. Following circulation of the video, the police launched a probe and identified the man as Jose alias Mamachan, living in a rented house in Cherupuzha of this district. A senior police official said he was summoned to the local station in the morning. His estranged wife and two children were also called to the station to record their statements, K Vinod Kumar, Deputy SP, Payyannur said. "As soon as the video came to our notice yesterday, we contacted the man and the children. But, they claimed that it was a prank video," he told a TV channel. They claimed that it was picturised to bring back their mother who was staying separated from them. "But, prima facie, we don't think it is a prank video. Even if it is a prank video as claimed by them, a video showing brutality to children cannot be taken like this," he said. Responding to the criticism about police inaction, Kumar said the children were shifted to their paternal aunt's house with their consent on Friday itself. The officer further said legal action would be taken in connection with the incident and a case would be registered after recording the statements of the man, his wife and the children. Later in the day, Cherupuzha police said a case has been registered against him and he was being interrogated. "He still claims that it was a prank video. A detailed statement of the children should also be taken and procedures for it are are going on," a police officer belonging to the station said. The man was booked under Section 75 of Juvenile Justice Act (cruelty to children) and various sections of the BNS including Section 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), he said. As TV channels aired the footages of assault, a panchayat official, quoting locals, told the media that the family moved to Cherupuzha two and a half months ago and the man used to beat his children. Meanwhile, Minister Veena George gave instructions to the director of the Women and Child Development Department to make necessary interventions in the matter. "The protection of children will be ensured. Kannur District Child Protection Officer has taken further steps. Necessary counseling will be provided to the children and if necessary and they will be transferred to a childcare centre," she said in a statement. She warned stringent measures against those who assault children. Minister Sivankutty also issued s statement expressing shock over brutality shown in the video. He said police already registered a case in connection with the incident and stringent legal measures would be taken against the accused, the statement added.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ente Keralam fair showcases Kerala's progress, achievements in Pathanamthitta and Kochi as part of Pinarayi Vijayan Government's fourth anniversary celebrations
The Pinarayi Vijayan government is implementing 25 years' worth of development within a single term, said Veena George, Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. She was inaugurating the Ente Keralam Exhibition Marketing and Cultural Fair at the Sabarimala transit camp in Pathanamthitta as part of the state government's fourth anniversary celebrations. 'Over the past nine years, Kerala has witnessed extraordinary development across all sectors—including health, higher education, public works, agriculture, and tourism. Through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board), revolutionary changes have been brought to infrastructure development, with projects worth crores of rupees executed efficiently in one go. Classrooms in schools have been made smart. Rural roads have been built to BMBC standards. Konni Medical College has become the face of development in the district, with the fourth batch of students soon to begin. Postgraduate courses will be launched in the near future. Major construction projects are underway at Pathanamthitta and Adoor General Hospitals. Nursing colleges have been established. The development of the Highland Highway has been accelerated. Work is progressing toward starting an IT park in the district, and land for the same has been identified. The fair provides the public with an opportunity to witness the government's developmental achievements firsthand. Cultural programs are held every day, and government services are available free of cost', the Minister shared. In his presidential address, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chittayam Gopakumar stated that the past nine years have seen inclusive development at every level. Through the LIFE Mission, the dream of homeownership for the poor has come true. Land titles have been distributed, and special development programs have been implemented for the upliftment of marginalised communities. The digital land survey is in its final stages. The government has made Nava Kerala a reality for the people, he said. Other dignitaries present included Adv. Pramod Narayanan MLA, District Panchayat President George Abraham, District Collector S. Prem Krishnan, District Police Chief V. G. Vinod Kumar, Sub-Collector Sumit Kumar Thakur, ADM B. Jyothi, District Information Officer C. T. John, and representatives from various political parties. The vibrant Ente Keralam Mega Exhibition Marketing and Cultural Fair kicked off on Friday, May 16, at the Sabarimala Transit Camp in Pathanamthitta, showcasing nine years of developmental achievements under the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The fair was inaugurated at 5:00 PM by Veena George, Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Chittayam Gopakumar, presided over the function. The fair ran until May 22 and presented the impressive and revolutionary development strides made by the government. The exhibition was open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and entry was free. The event stood as a testament to the revival of many projects once deemed impossible. It featured 186 air-conditioned stalls spread across five German hangars, covering a total area of 71,000 square feet. Each stall measured 65 square feet, and the entire setup was maintained with 660 tons of air conditioning. A special pavilion was arranged for cultural performances and a mega food festival, where 250 people could dine and enjoy programs simultaneously. The Kudumbashree Mission managed the food court. Another major attraction was a 1,500 square foot air-conditioned mini cinema theatre, which screened films from various eras. From 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, the fair hosted: ● Agriculture and marketing exhibitions ● Caravan tourism area ● Career guidance sessions ● Startup mission exhibits ● Science and technology displays ● Sports exhibitions ● School market ● Free government services ● Sports and recreational activities ● Police dog shows Entry to all events and exhibits was completely free. Embed: Embed: The rapid transformation of Kochi is a prime example of the state government's commitment to the people, said Industries Minister P. Rajeev. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Ente Keralam (My Kerala) Mega Exhibition-Cum-Sales Fair held at Marine Drive, Ernakulam, as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. Brahmapuram has now become a matter of pride for people in Kochi. To permanently solve the drinking water issues faced by Kochi Corporation and 13 nearby local bodies, including Thrikkakara, Maradu, and Kalamassery, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a 190 MLD (Million Litres per Day) water treatment plant in Aluva. Significant advancements have also been achieved in the health sector. The government shares that the construction of the Kochi Cancer Research Centre will be completed by the end of May or early June. The Super Speciality Block at Ernakulam Medical College is in its final phase and is expected to be inaugurated by July, the minister said. A sum of Rs 3,716 crore has been sanctioned for the canal rejuvenation project, which will transform Kochi's landscape. The Integrated Urban Development, Water Regeneration, and Sewage Treatment Project will interconnect six major canals in the city. This project will greatly boost tourism and water transport in Kochi. Further development of the Marine Drive has also received in-principle approval. Kochi has seen a major leap in infrastructure development as well. The expansion of the National Highway is progressing rapidly, and the Kakkanad Reach of Kochi Metro is under construction. The Invest Kerala Global Investors Meet held in Kochi has attracted investments worth Rs 196,000 crore. Similar progress has been achieved in the education and IT sectors. Unlike the tradition of assessing a government only after five years, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan introduced the practice of presenting an annual progress report to the public—an innovative model now recognised globally. As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations, district-level meetings, regional review sessions, and direct interactions with representatives from various sectors are being organised. The Ente Keralam exhibition-cum-sales fair brings together a snapshot of the government's comprehensive development initiatives, departmental services, and cultural programs. At the inauguration, keys to newly constructed homes under the LIFE Mission were handed over to five beneficiaries. Additionally, land ownership documents were handed over to five landless families who received land under the LIFE scheme. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by MLA K.J. Maxi. MLA Antony John, District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, Kochi Mayor Adv. Anil Kumar, Fort Kochi Sub-Collector, K. Meera, Kochi Corporation Education Standing Committee Chairman, V.R. Sreejith, Additional District Magistrate, Vinod Raj, Deputy Director of the Information & Public Relations Department. Nijas Jewel, District Information Officer N.B. Biju, and General Manager of the District Industries Centre P.A. Najeeb also attended. As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, which advanced with a focus on welfare-oriented development and the building of a New Kerala—the Ente Keralam Mega Exhibition-Cum-Sales Fair began (May 17) at Kochi Marine Drive in Ernakulam district. The fair was inaugurated by Industries Minister P. Rajeev, according to District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, during a press conference. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Telangana govt corrects anomaly in disabled marriage sop
HYDERABAD: Correcting an anomaly that had been depriving eligible persons of their right, the state government issued orders extending the incentive for marriage between two persons with disabilities. Till Tuesday, the scheme was applicable only in instances when a person with disabilities married a person without disabilities. The order issued by Anita Ramachandran, secretary, Department of Women, Child and Disability Welfare, says that the cash benefit of Rs 1 lakh will be given in the name of the bride. It may be recalled that in 2018, the then government had enhanced the incentive from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Women and Child Development Minister Danasari Anasuya said that with the decision, the government has resolved a long-pending demand of people with disabilities. The government continues to ensure the welfare of disabled persons, she added.
