Uttar Pradesh Rolls Out Multi-Tier Plan To Eradicate Child Labour By 2026

 Uttar Pradesh has rolled out a multi tiered action plan to eradicate child labour from the state, with the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department leading the effort to put rehabilitative measures in place. The phased approach emphasizes identification, rescue, and reintegration of child workers into mainstream education and society.

Targeting eight aspirational districts Bahraich, Balrampur, Chandauli, Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Shravasti, Siddharth nagar, and Sonbhadra the plan wants these districts to be child labour-free by December 2026. Special drives will also be taken across Kanpur and Devipatan divisions where prevalence is high.

The existing schemes of the WCD Department will be the backbone of the rehabilitation plan. One Stop Centres will act as relief centers providing temporary shelter, medical services, counseling, and documentation assistance to rescued children. The centers will ensure reintegration into their communities and schools.

The Bal Seva Yojana scheme will provide financial assistance to orphaned, abandoned, or distressed children who receive `2,500 a month. Likewise, the Sponsorship Scheme offers assistance to economically poor families' children to continue their studies and receive basic care. Both schemes are presently being brought in line for providing assistance to rescued children taken out of work.

Expansion of the Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana to all 75 districts is yet another plank of the strategy. This program invites child labourers rescued to go back to school through provision of scholarships, study support, textbooks, and uniforms. The Education Department shall facilitate their re-enrolment and continuous learning.

Steps to create a credible database of child workers are being initiated at the panchayat level. Village secretaries, Anganwadi workers and school management committees will identify and monitor children in danger, particularly those belonging to migrant families, collectively.

To give the campaign further strength, synergy with NGOs, schools, and civil society will be promoted, making the anti-child labour movement a community movement.

The state's plan demonstrates a move from incidental rescue efforts toward systemic rehabilitation with education and long-term care at its center.