Pune Labour Department Conducts Anti-Child Labour Awareness Campaign

Pune, 18th June 2026: As part of the observance of World Week Against Child Labour, the Office of the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Pune District, conducted an extensive public awareness campaign at Warje Kaamgar Naka and Bhosari Labour Colony to promote the eradication of child labour and protect children’s rights.

The campaign was carried out with the support of the voluntary organisation Aajivika. During the drive, Labour Department officials visited establishments where children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, including hotels, dhabas, shops, roadside stalls, automobile workshops, and garages.

Owners and management representatives were asked to provide written undertakings affirming that they would not employ children in their establishments. Awareness stickers carrying anti-child labour messages were also displayed at these locations.

As part of the outreach programme, informational leaflets were distributed among workers, employers, and members of the public. A signature campaign was also organised to encourage community participation in efforts to eliminate child labour. Officials appealed to citizens, employers, and stakeholders to contribute towards making Pune district free from child labour.

Speaking during the campaign, Government Labour Officer Mukund Hon said that June 12 is observed globally as the International Day Against Child Labour and that the department has been conducting a week-long awareness programme to reinforce the message beyond a single day.

“Child labour remains a serious social and economic concern that affects a child’s right to education, health, safety, and overall development. Through this week-long campaign, we are reaching out directly to workers, employers, and local communities to create awareness about the legal provisions related to child labour and the responsibilities of employers.

“The objective is not only enforcement but also sensitisation. When society becomes aware and vigilant, the likelihood of children being pushed into labour decreases significantly. Every child deserves the opportunity to study, grow, and develop in a safe environment, and public participation is essential to achieving that goal,” Hon said.

Deputy Labour Commissioner Nikhil Walke said the Labour Department remains committed to protecting children’s rights and ensuring strict compliance with labour laws.

“Child labour is not merely a violation of labour laws; it is a denial of a child’s fundamental rights and future opportunities. The Labour Department is continuously working through inspections, awareness initiatives, and coordination with various stakeholders to prevent the employment of children in prohibited occupations and processes.

“At the same time, the department is committed to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of all workers by promoting lawful and humane working conditions. Employers must understand their legal and social responsibilities towards children and workers alike. Our efforts are focused on creating a work environment that respects labour rights while ensuring that every child is in school and not at a workplace,” Walke said.

The International Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12. Established by the International Labour Organization in 2002, the day aims to draw global attention to the issue of child labour and promote collective efforts towards its elimination.

Governments, employers, workers’ organisations, and civil society groups worldwide undertake awareness and advocacy initiatives to protect children from economic exploitation and hazardous work.

The awareness campaign was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Labour Commissioner Nikhil Walke. Government Labour Officers Deepak Gotke, Shankar Mali, Ajinkya Bavale, and Mukund Hon, along with representatives of the Aajivika voluntary organisation, participated in the programme.