Mysuru: In order to prevent child labour, the Deputy Commissioner C Shikha directed officials to start surprise checks.

In the national anti-child labour programme, meeting held on Tuesday, she said, “though several awareness campaigns are organised to curb child labour, it is prevailing in Mysuru district. The responsibility to curb child labour must be carried out with the involvement of public also. It is reported that child labourers are employed more in Mandimohalla, Shanthinagar, Kyaathamaranahalli. Udayagiri, Lashkar Mohalla and other places of city”.

“Officials must organise health camps for the people who are rehabilitated, the DC stressed

Speaking on the occasion, the District Labour officer B B Nagaraj said, “People can call 1098 helpline number if they find any child being employed. According to the Census 2001 figures there are 1.26 crore working children in the age group of 5-14 as compared to the total child population of 25.2 crore. There are approximately 12 lakhs children working in the hazardous occupations or processes which are covered under the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act i.e. 18 occupations and 65 processes. As per survey conducted by National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) in 2004-05, the number of working children is estimated at 90.75 lakh. As per Census 2011, the number of working children in the age group of 5-14 years has further reduced to 43.53 lakh. It shows that the efforts of the Government have borne the desired fruits”.

Assistant labour commsisioner, Meena Patil, information and broadcasting department deputy director A R Prakash and many others were present.