Vrooming around state for a noble cause

Hyderabad: A group of youngsters from People Helping Hands, an NGO, initiated 'Bike Yatra' against the growing child labour in Telangana.

The objective of the yatra is to develop a connection between the children welfare departments across Telangana to fight against the child labour. With eradication of child labour topping their agenda, the group is hoping to create a standard platform against child labour connecting 23 districts of the Telangana State. The nine-day Bike Yatra started on June 12 and concluded on June 21

"Many international organisations regard child labour as a predatory system, and it is illegal in many countries. Child labour has been used in many ways throughout history. During the industrial revolution, however, the changes in working conditions, access to universal education, and the rights of workers and that of children became a public issue," said Santhosh, the founder of People Helping Hands (PHC).

The expedition kicked off in the city at Labour Department office on June 12, and it was flagged off by SRC Director Dr E Gangadhar. PHC was established in 2017, and in the last two years several campaigns and events have been held to create awareness on child education and development. The NGO has 127 permanent volunteers working against child labour.

PHC collected Rs 1 lakh for a cancer patient, Ayeesha. PHC volunteers are present in 23 districts covering 2,389 km inTelangana. Empowered youth in several districts to fight child labour and created WhatsApp group by adding youngsters and the welfare authorities of every district to stay connected. PHC urge youngsters to share information of any children that are seen working.

PHC roped in like-minded people, organisations and officials in Medak, Siddipet, Siricilla, Nirmal, Kamareddy, Godavarikhani, Mulugu, Khammam, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Narayanpet, Vikarabad and other districts of Telangana in its fight against child labour.