Hyderabad: Labour, Employment and Training Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy said Child labour eradication remained a key priority for the Telangana government and stressed that every child should be in school rather than at work.
He made the remarks while addressing a programme organised to mark World Day Against Child Labour 2026 at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram in Bagh Lingampally on Sunday.
The minister attended the event as the chief guest and called for a statewide social movement to eliminate child labour.
Child labour eradication requires community participation
Vivek Venkatswamy said poverty and difficult economic conditions continued to push many children into labour.
He stressed the importance of identifying such children and bringing them back into the education system.
According to the minister, access to education could help secure their future and improve their opportunities in life.
He said protecting childhood and ensuring quality education was a collective responsibility.
The minister urged government agencies, voluntary organisations, social activists and citizens to work together for Child labour eradication.
He said coordinated action was essential to eliminate the practice completely.
Child labour eradication linked to education
Recalling the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Vivek Venkatswamy described education as the most powerful tool for social and economic progress.
He said several former child labourers had transformed their lives through education and secured respectable jobs.
According to the minister, these examples demonstrated the life-changing impact of learning and skill development.
He also highlighted the need for widespread awareness campaigns to address the issue.
The minister called for greater use of social media platforms to educate people about the dangers and consequences of child labour.
Child labour eradication supported by skill programmes
Vivek Venkatswamy said the Telangana government was strengthening youth development initiatives across the state.
He highlighted the establishment of Advanced Technology Centres, skill development programmes and language training centres linked to overseas employment opportunities.
The minister said children who completed their education and acquired relevant skills would have better career prospects in the future.
He reiterated that Child labour eradication and access to education must go hand in hand to build a stronger and more inclusive society.
“Every child must be in school, not at work,” he said.