A total of 5,182 manufacturing units and 1,003 commercial entities in Tiruppur district pledged to refrain from employing children on Friday, in observance of World Day Against Child Labour.

Roping in District Child Protection Unit and non-government organisations, the Labour Welfare Department highlighted that under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, employing children within 14 years of age is strictly prohibited in all occupations; adolescents aged 14 to 18 years are banned from working in hazardous units. For non-hazardous work, adolescents are legally permitted to work for six hours daily, with a hour-long break for rest in between.

Earlier in the day, District Collector Manish Narnaware flagged off the awareness rally at the Collectorate, and took part in the signature campaign.

A programme highlighting the fundamental right of children to education under the Indian Constitution was organised by the Labour Welfare Department in coordination with the District Child Protection Unit.

The Labour Welfare Department conducted awareness campaigns at bus stands and other public places in Tiruppur, Kangayam, Dharauram and Udumalpet, through cultural programmes and distribution of pamphlets, besides organising competitions in colleges and schools and pasting stickers in shops, factories and commercial units.

Employers were told that adolescents employed for non-hazardous work were entitled to a weekly holiday and that they must not be employed from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following day.

Those flouting the norms will be fined ₹20,000-₹50,000 and two years imprisonment. Also, parents sending their children who are in their school-going age to work will be punished with Rs. 10,000 fine.

Promising confidentiality, the Labour Welfare Department has urged the public to pass on information about violation of these norms through toll-free number 1098, or by registering complaint online at https://pencil/gov.in/Users/login.