Education is the key to eliminating child labour, says DLSA secretary

DLSA Secretary Syed Ziyauddin was addressing a program organized on the occasion of World Day Against Child Labor in Guntur on Friday. | Photo Credit: T. VIJAY KUMAR

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Guntur, on Friday celebrated the World Day Against Child Labor as part of the calendar activities ordered by the National Legal Services Authority and the State Legal Services Authority. The program was conducted under the guidance of DLSA Secretary Syed Ziyauddin.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ziyauddin described childhood as a precious gift and expressed concern over children who are engaged in working at tea stalls, workplaces and even forced to beg on the streets instead of attending school. He said the primary goal of the “Back to School” campaign was to ensure that every child who was working returned to education. He stressed that education is the most valuable thing society can provide to future generations, noting that many children are deprived of schooling due to economic and family difficulties.

He highlighted the existence of strict legal provisions to curb child labor and said child-friendly police units provide counseling in a supportive environment. He also assured that children who need legal assistance can turn to the Legal Services Office for support.

Lok Adalat Permanent Chairman PR Rajeev emphasized the need for a solution at the local level and said that government ministries and legal institutions are working together to address the issue. He called on citizens to actively contribute to the eradication of child labour.

Deputy Labor Commissioner Srinivasa Rao, State Program Coordinator (CRAF) Francis Thambi, DCPO Vijay Kumar, District Mission Coordinator Srivani and Clinical Psychologist Srinivas shared suggestions to prevent child labour. The program was attended by representatives of government ministries, stakeholders, para-legal volunteers, lawyers and legal aid advocates.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 19:04 IST