Hon'ble Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development Thiru J.A. Mohammed Parvez pledges to build a Tamil Nadu free of child labour World Day Against Child Labour is observed globally every year on June 12. An awareness meeting for the day was held on behalf of the Labour Department today, 12.06.2026, across all districts including Chennai. The State-level awareness meeting on the World Day Against Child Labour was held today at Amma Arangam, Chenai Nagar, Chennai, chaired by Hon'ble Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development Thiru J.A. Mohammed Parvez. Earlier, a signature campaign against child labour was launched by the Minister, followed by a pledge against child labour. Speaking at the event, the Minister stated that the Government wishes to free children from work, provide them quality education, and secure their future. He added that surprise inspections are being conducted at all establishments, and stringent action is being taken against those who employ children, through the Labour Department and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health. He stated that children should be free to move about fearlessly, that the Government is taking all measures to ensure this, and that "education is the birthright of children; ensuring it is our duty." He further stated that, in line with the wishes of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, we shall all unite to build a Tamil Nadu free of child labour. At the event, the Minister presented awards and appreciation certificates to the Labour Department, the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, District Child Protection Officers, and Additional Superintendents of Police who have worked notably towards eliminating child labour. Educational scholarships were also given to unorganised sector workers. Representatives of persons rescued from child labour and employers also attended the event. The event was attended by Thiru V.K. Ramkumar, MLA, Anna Nagar constituency, Chennai; Secretary, Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, Thiru Ko. Veeraraghava Rao, IAS; Commissioner of Labour Smt. Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, IAS; Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, Thiru Se. Anand; Additional Commissioners of Labour; Joint Commissioners of Labour; senior officials of the Labour Department; staff; and school students. Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9