Odisha sets 2029 target to make all gram panchayats free of child labour

Odisha has set a target of making all gram panchayats free of child labour by 2029. The target was discussed at a state-level review meeting of Labour Directorate field officers in Bhubaneswar.

The Labour Department reported that 46 children had been rescued in a special drive. After discussions with their parents, the children were referred to the School and Mass Education Department. Raids have been conducted at roadside eateries in areas including Puri and Balasore, and further raids are planned.

The campaign runs from October 2 to November 14, 2026. The meeting also set regular review and reporting arrangements for labour officers at state and district levels.

Notable Points

• National Child Labour Project: Under the National Child Labour Project, district-level District Project Societies oversaw implementation. The District Collector or District Magistrate chaired each society.
• Child labour-free zones in India: The Mamidipudi Venkatarangaiya Foundation introduced the child labour-free zone concept in 1992. It describes a defined area where the community supports children being in school rather than at work.
• Historical bonded-labour terms: Colonial-era debt-bondage arrangements that included bonded child labour were known regionally as Hali, Halwaha and Jeura systems.