Uttar Pradesh Aims to Eradicate Child Labour by 2027 with District-Level Task Forces and Multi-Departmental Strategy
In a decisive step toward eliminating child labour, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced the formation of district-level task forces to make the state entirely child labour-free by the year 2027, officials confirmed.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Labour Department, involves a coordinated approach with key government departments including Education, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Home, Health, Social Welfare, Rural and Urban Development, and Vocational Education.
Tackling Data Gaps and School Dropouts
One of the most significant obstacles in addressing child labour has been the lack of current, reliable data. The last comprehensive statistics date back to the 2011 census.
To overcome this, the Panchayati Raj Department has been assigned to collect up-to-date data on children engaged in labour at the village level.
This information will be crucial in enabling the Labour and Education departments to roll out focused interventions aimed at removing children from work and enrolling them in school.
To fast-track the data collection process, district-level task forces will be operational across all districts. These bodies will work closely with village panchayats to ensure that no child slips through the cracks.
Collaborating with UNICEF and Strengthening Support Systems
In collaboration with UNICEF, the government plans to publish a comprehensive booklet detailing schemes and services available from various departments that support child labourers and their families.
This resource is intended to make it easier for families in need to access government benefits and assistance, reinforcing efforts to eliminate child labour at the grassroots level.
Ensuring School Retention and Preventing Relapse into Labour
Officials acknowledged that merely enrolling children in school is not enough. A major challenge is retaining students who are irregular in attendance and therefore vulnerable to re-entering the workforce.
To address this, the Women Welfare Department is actively implementing programs such as the Bal Seva Yojana, the Sponsorship Scheme, and the Child Helpline.
These schemes are focused on providing both educational support and rehabilitation to at-risk children.
In addition, the government is considering relaunching the ‘Naya Savera’ scheme after reviewing its previous outcomes. The scheme is aimed at offering better educational and livelihood opportunities to children who were previously engaged in labour.
Statewide Awareness Campaign and Public Mobilisation
To galvanise public support, the government will host a large-scale awareness event in Lucknow on June 12, marking the World Day Against Child Labour.
The program will bring together non-governmental organisations, employers, labour unions, and the general public to highlight the importance of ending child labour and ensuring a safe and secure future for every child.
By integrating accurate data collection, strong inter-departmental coordination, targeted rehabilitation schemes, and widespread awareness initiatives, the Uttar Pradesh government is taking a comprehensive approach to eliminate child labour.
With consistent monitoring and community involvement, the state aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to pursue education and live a dignified, labour-free childhood.
