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November 14, 2008 Delhi- On the eve of Children's Day, Chief Justice of India, Honourable Justice Shri K. G Balakrishnan promised former child labourers rescued by BBA that the time would soon come when child labour and exploitation of children would be eliminated from society. In a programme organized by the National Legal Service Authority (NLSA) with Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), the Honourable Justice was joined by other eminent judges from the Supreme Court and the High Court. 30 children from Rajasthan and a Bal Mitra Gram (Child Friendly Village) of Meerut had an interactive question and answer session.
At the beginning of the programme, the children performed a skit weaving the true story of how children in many parts of the country are still in the grip of child labour and illiteracy and how important education is for a bright future. It won the hearts of the judges.
Qs by Pradeep Kumar who was rescued at the time when he was being sacrificed by his parents, wanted to know – "Whenever children complain, the police say that they would take action; but then nothing happens as the employers go scot-free. What should we do in such a situation?
Ans – Chief Justice of India Justice K. G Balkrishnan replied - "Children or anybody can write to National Legal Service Authority (NLSA) or to the Supreme Court Legal Services and we would take action and any such reports would be welcomed."
Q- Rakesh, 12 years and a child labourer for 6 years asked – "There are so many street children and many are trafficking for forced labour. Why are authorities not taking action against the traffickers and what measures should be taken to solve this issue?"
Ans – Honourable Justice Shri Arijit Pasayat echoed the same statements as the Chief Justice of India's and said - "You can write complaints on a post card and send it to the Supreme Court and action would be taken against your complaint."
During the conclusion of the programme, Honourable Chief Justice of India, Justice Shri K. G Balakrishnan expressed his happiness at the children and their wise, probing questions. He said –"These children will shine like stars. I congratulate BBA for their success and this programme has made us also are more sensitized by problems that these children encounter."
The President of BBA, Shri Ramesh Gupta said that this group of confident children after all that they went through, shows that there is hope in the society. And this is right message on the children's day. |
