Film actor Allu Arjun at a programme
organised on child labour at St. Ann’s High School
in Secunderabad on Saturday. Photo: Surya Sridhar
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.