The Odisha government has launched a 44-day statewide campaign aimed at making Gram Panchayats across the state child labour-free. The “Shishu Shram Mukta Gram Panchayat” campaign began on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, and will continue until Children’s Day on November 14. The campaign focuses on identifying children involved in labour, creating awareness among communities, supporting their rehabilitation and helping children return to education. The Odisha government has also set a broader target of making every Gram Panchayat child labour-free by 2029. Key HighlightsOdisha has launched a 44-day Child Labour-Free Gram Panchayat campaign.The campaign runs from October 2 to November 14.The initiative covers Gram Panchayats across the state.Officials will focus on identifying child labourers and school dropouts.Special Gram Sabhas and Palli Sabhas will be organised.The government aims to make every Gram Panchayat child labour-free by 2029.The campaign will focus on rehabilitation and bringing children back to school. Odisha Begins 44-Day Child Labour-Free CampaignThe Odisha Labour Department launched the campaign on Gandhi Jayanti as part of efforts to eliminate child labour from rural communities.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said child labour deprives children and adolescents of their fundamental right to education and called for collective efforts to address the issue. He appealed to people across the state to participate in the campaign and help build a child labour-free Odisha. The campaign will focus on creating awareness at the Gram Panchayat level and encouraging communities to identify children who are engaged in labour or have dropped out of school.Special Gram Sabhas to Identify Child LabourAs part of the 44-day drive, special Gram Sabhas and Palli Sabhas will be conducted in Gram Panchayats.Local elected representatives, School Management Committees, women’s self-help groups, Anganwadi and ASHA workers and other community members are expected to participate in the initiative.These meetings will focus on identifying children working in labour and those who are outside the education system. The campaign will also encourage rehabilitation and school re-enrolment. Odisha Sets 2029 Target for Child Labour-Free PanchayatsThe state government has set a target of making every Gram Panchayat child labour-free by 2029.The 44-day campaign is being positioned as an important step towards that larger goal. Authorities are expected to use awareness programmes, community participation and coordination between departments to identify and support children affected by child labour. The Odisha government has also emphasised the role of local communities in ensuring that children remain connected to education rather than entering the workforce.Child Labour Data and Previous SurveysAccording to the latest dedicated state survey cited by the Odisha government, 2,15,222 child labourers were identified in Odisha in 1997. However, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has noted that no systematic statewide survey has been conducted since then. The new campaign is therefore also expected to help authorities improve identification of children currently involved in labour and understand the situation at the local level.The government has urged officials, elected representatives, community organisations and citizens to work together to ensure that children receive education and opportunities for their overall development.
