Udaipur – A child labour-free society can only be achieved through systematic, collective, and sustained efforts, along with stringent legal action against employers and human trafficking networks. This was emphasized by Priyank Kanoongo, Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and former Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), during the state-level consultation "Hope Restored: Prevention of Child Labour and Human Trafficking." 

The event, organized by Gayatri Seva Sansthan in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority and Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, also witnessed the release of a book titled "Hope Restored" by Dr. Shailendra Pandya, documenting innovative efforts to combat child labour in Rajasthan.

Kanoongo highlighted that child trafficking is not limited to small-scale operators but involves large, well-connected networks requiring thorough investigation and strict legal action. He stressed the importance of rehabilitation over rescue, ensuring rescued children are reintegrated into society with dignity. Justice Vijay Kumar Vyas, former Judge of the Rajasthan High Court, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that effective implementation of laws, along with coordination between the judiciary, administration, and civil society, is crucial to eliminating child labour.

Dr. Shailendra Pandya, author of Hope Restored, described the book as a voice for countless children trapped in labour, offering hope and a roadmap for better rehabilitation and legal recourse. Prof. Colonel S.S. Sarangdevot, Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, underscored the role of educational institutions in raising awareness, while Kuldeep Sharma, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, discussed legal aid initiatives in southern Rajasthan.

The event saw participation from over 200 stakeholders, including legal authorities, child welfare committees, police officials, academics, activists, and students. Key speakers, including retired IAS officer Sumati Lal Bohra, Rajasthan Police officer Chetna Bhati, and Dhruv Kumar Kaviya from the Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, called for robust policies, continuous awareness campaigns, and institutional collaboration to end child exploitation.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Nitin Paliwal of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, reinforcing the need for united action to create a child labour-free India. Prime Minister Modi’s goodwill message for the book was also read, adding momentum to the cause.