Allu Arjun joins the fight against child labour

Telugu film actor Allu Arjun on Saturday vowed to fight for eradication of child labour in the State.

Participating in a sensitisation programme organised by the Labour Department and Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) for making “Secunderabad as child labour free zone”, he said over 47 lakh children across the State were not going to school.

Mr. Arjun said efforts should be made to improve the conditions of children working as child labourers and also ensure that they go to school. He appreciated the measures being taken by the State government and other organisations in eradicating the menace.

Labour Minister D. Nagender said the government was initiating various measures to eradicate child labour. Distribution of books, dresses and introduction of mid-day meal scheme in schools were some of the steps taken up for the benefit of children.

INSPECTIONS

Deputy Labour Commissioner S. Naresh Kumar said the department, along with the help of NGOs, inspected over 1,000 shops on S.P. Road and M.G. Road in Secunderabad and asked the managements not to employ children.

Of them, only four children were found to be working in a hotel and sweet shop on MG Road and garments showroom in a mall on SD Road.

“We have initiated action against the errant managements,” Mr. Kumar said, adding that a sticker with a slogan ‘No Child Labour' was affixed in the shops.

He said a separate sensitisation programme was also organised in schools and colleges in Secunderabad. A cultural programme was presented by the students of St. Ann's High School at the event.