KISHTWAR,, Oct 19: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar, the Office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC), Kishtwar, headed by Amit Kumar has issued a strict circular prohibiting child labour in the district and urging the public to cooperate in making Kishtwar child-labour-free.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Kishtwar, Amit Kumar has appealed to the general public, parents and guardians, shopkeepers, hoteliers, contractors, workshop owners, brick-kiln owners, domestic employers and all other establishments to strictly comply with the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended in 2016.
He reiterated that the employment of children below 14 years of age in any establishment is strictly prohibited under the law. He further stated that adolescents aged 14–18 years must not be employed in hazardous occupations, including construction, mining, handling of inflammable substances and chemical-related work.
The ALC cautioned that violations of the Act may attract imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to Rs 50,000, or both, as provided under Section 14 of the Act. He urged employers to strictly adhere to the law and refrain from engaging children in shops, hotels, dhabas, homes, workshops, construction sites, brick kilns or any other establishment in violation of the prescribed provisions.
Emphasizing the importance of education, he appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that children attend school instead of being engaged in labour, stating that every child has the right to free and compulsory education up to the age of 14 years.
The ALC further urged citizens to report any instance of child labour to the Office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kishtwar, located at Hall No. 1, Block No. 16, Mini Secretariat, New DC Office Complex. Complaints can also be submitted via email at alcdkishtwar@gmail.com through Child Helpline No. 1098 or to the District Child Protection Unit, Kishtwar.
He informed that the District Task Force will conduct regular inspections across the district to identify and prevent cases of child labour. Any violation detected will invite strict legal action against the concerned employer in accordance with the law.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner appealed to all stakeholders to join hands with the district administration in protecting children’s rights and ensuring a safe, secure and dignified future for every child.