Patna: The Bihar government will soon launch special campaigns to rescue children working in brick kilns and factories. This decision was taken at a meeting held in Patna on Monday under the chairmanship of Ashok Kumar, Chairman of the Bihar State Child Labour Commission. Officials discussed plans to end child labour and spread awareness at the village level.
Ashok Kumar said that even today, many children are trapped in child labour due to poverty. He stressed the need to free children from such forced work and focus on their education and health. Special teams will conduct raids to rescue children working in brick kilns. He also suggested setting up stalls at fairs like Sonpur Mela and Chhath festival to inform people about child labour.
The meeting decided to run awareness programmes using street plays, folk songs, posters, and social media. People will be told about child rights, child marriage, and education. If anyone is caught employing a child, they will be fined between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 or jailed for up to two years. Government employees involved in child labour will face strict action.
Vice President Arvind Kumar Singh said that child labour elimination should reach every village with the help of panchayat members, Anganwadi workers, teachers, and voluntary groups. Future plans include forming child protection committees in every panchayat, creating child rights clubs in schools, and organising a state-level child rights week. Officials also discussed helping children addicted to drugs to return to normal life.
