Pokhara: Collective efforts of three-tier governments and other concerned bodies have been emphasized to tackle child labour, a significant issue facing Nepal, as highlighted by various speakers.
According to National News Agency Nepal, at a programme organized by the Social Development Centre under the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the necessity of collaboratively ensuring the rehabilitation of child labourers, their reunification with families, and access to both formal and informal education programs was underscored.
Prof Dr Krishna Kumar Shrestha, a campaigner against child labour and Chairperson of Swanta Sukhaya Paropakar Pratisthan, expressed that child labour could be eradicated by creating an environment where children are not compelled to work and are provided with appropriate education. He stressed that this issue could be resolved through collective efforts.
Suresh Dhakal, Chief of the Labour Office in Pokhara, noted that despite legal prohibitions, children are still forced into labour under various pretexts in urban areas. He argued for holding the parents of such children accountable for their responsibilities.
Gokarna Karki, President of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the minimal support from government bodies in the campaign to end child labour. He mentioned that child labour could be curtailed with proactive involvement at the local level.
Loknath Acharya, Chief of the Education Development and Coordination Unit in Kaski, suggested that providing proper care and education to children from impoverished families should not be classified as child labour.
Other speakers, including Parbati Makaju, a member of Pokhara-4, and Rajendra Kumar Lalchan, Chairperson of the Centre and former President of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate child labour.
Programme facilitator Bhakta Raj Rasaili shared that there are 1,147 child workers, including 323 girls, in Pokhara city alone, with around 650 children working in workshops, garages, and metal industries.