Telangana's War on Child Labour: A 70% Victory

Women Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-11-08 06:24:14 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-06 11:32:38

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In a significant step towards eradicating child labour, Telangana has emerged as a beacon of progress, achieving a remarkable 70% reduction in child labour within the cotton industry. This success story, unveiled at the 16th annual Child Labour Platform (CLP) meeting, is the result of a strategic partnership between the state and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The collaboration aims to foster fair and ethical practices across supply chains, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable children.

Telangana's labour department has taken a comprehensive approach, focusing on community engagement, education, and interdepartmental coordination. Over 7,000 women have united in unions, and 25,000 stakeholders have been educated on child labour issues, demonstrating a powerful grassroots movement. The establishment of 'child labour-free zones' in high-risk areas showcases the state's commitment to safeguarding children and empowering families.

The state's strategy involves institutional convergence, bringing together various departments to address the issue holistically. This unified front has led to the adoption of fair work principles by farmer producer associations and expanded social security through e-Shram registrations. The rescue of over 40,000 children under operations 'Muskaan' and 'Smile' is a testament to the effectiveness of this collaborative effort.

Gangadhar, the additional commissioner of the labour department, emphasized the state's long-term vision, stating, "Our mission extends beyond rescue operations; we strive for rehabilitation and the creation of child labour-free supply chains." This approach, lauded by the ILO, offers a replicable model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, providing hope for a future where child labour is eradicated and sustainable practices prevail.

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