Launched “Anthem Against Child Labour”
New Delhi, 12th June 2014: Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India, Narendra Singh Tomar, committed to donate one month salary to Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) on the occasion of the launch of an Anthem Against Child Labour at the Press Club of India. The occasion was hosted by BBA and Global March Against Child Labour on World Day Against Child Labour. The Anthem launched by the Minister along with renowned singer Jasbir Jassi was written by Kailash Satyarthi, Founder BBA and sung by Jasbir Jassi himself.
Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Singh Tomar said, “This government is totally committed for the total elimination of child labour from India, and it is going to do everything that is possible whether it is through making new laws or enforcing the existing laws, or changing the perceptions of the society,This government which has been elected with a clear mandate has already shown tremendous commitment to the elimination of poverty and this elimination of poverty is going to contribute to elimination of child labour. However, those exploiting these children must also be punished, and they must be punished with a legal deterrent. History has witnessed that former child labourers who have been rescued have gone on to do tremendous things for society. In India if we have to create a better future for our children, we have to protect all children. ”committed Minister Tomar.
The anthem, the lyrics for which were first written by Kailash Satyarthi, during the historic global march of 1998 has been composed and sung by celebrated singer Jasbir Jassi who shares a long association with Bachpan Bachao Andolan. The anthem which is being promoted through various media channels would serve as an inspiration for millions worldwide to raise their voice against the scourge of child labour.
Jassi on the release of the music said, “Sports and music bind people. This anthem is my small contribution to the fight against child labour. And I promise to continue. I will promote this song and I urge the media to promote this song like the other commercial music.”
Speaking at the launch of the music video, Kailash Satyarthi said, “Anthem Against Child Labour is not merely a song, but the musical spark to liberate shackled innocence and robbed childhood. It is the loudest chorus to unite all voices, minds, and souls for emancipation from child slavery. My feelings and emotions along with the children’s quest for freedom have been brought alive by noted singer Jassi’s magical voice and reverberating music. There are 168 million children globally who are engaged in child labour and India accounts for 5 million child labourers as per government data and 50 million as per NGO estimates. We welcome the two very important remarks that Prime Minister Modi made in the Parliament earlier yesterday with special emphasis on skill development and issue-centric focused activity. Time is running out. It is now or never. We earnestly demand the immediate passage of the Child Labour (Prohibition& Regulation) Amendment Bill pending before the Rajya Sabha and the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 182 on worst forms of child labour and No. 138 on the minimum age of employment.”
Shri Tomar launched the anthem along with Jassi and Satyarthi. The Minister also launched the research report on 'Economics Behind Forced Labour Trafficking: Comprehensive Case Studies of Child Domestic Labour and Commercial Sexual Exploitation' brought out by Global March Against Child Labour.
(Report by Rakesh Senger, Project Director,Victim Assistance and Campaigns- Bachpan Bachao Andolan)

Hastakshep