The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Use slush funds for a cause, politicos told

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 05, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Use slush funds for a cause, politicos told

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, NOV. 4. The human rights activist, Swami Agnivesh, has given a call to politicians to withdraw the `black money' stashed away in Swiss and other foreign banks to fund the education of children and contribute to eradication of child labour.

Speaking at an international conference on child labour organised by M. Venkatarangaiya (MV) Foundation here on Thursday, he said politicians had always been complaining about lack of funds to take up child labour eradication programme. "If politicians are sincere, they should withdraw money from foreign banks and fund the programme," he said.

The Assembly Speaker, K.R. Suresh Reddy, and the former Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, concurred with his observations. Mr. Reddy wanted Swamy Agnivesh to disclose the names of such politicians while Mr. Naidu sought his help to get the money out of Swiss banks.

The root cause

The conference called for concerted effort on the part of the Government, NGOs and child rights activists to eradicate child labour. It observed that poverty was the root cause of all ills, including child labour, and felt that the time had come to unite and fight for the cause.

Swami Agnivesh felt that primary education coupled with nutritious mid-day meal would go a long way in helping eradicate child labour.

Model mandal

The Speaker referred to the success story in Nizamabad where Velpur was made the first child labour-free mandal in the State. He credited the achievement to hard work of officials, commitment of parents and the concern shown by people to ensure that all children were admitted to school.

Mr. Chandrababu Naidu listed the steps taken by the TDP Government to eradicate child labour. He assured the gathering of working as a child rights activist till child labour was eradicated in the country.

The former Principal Secretary, Smarajit Ray, the former Union Education Secretary, Anil Bordia, and others spoke. The Chairman of the M.V. Foundation, M. Krishnamurthi, welcomed and the Secretary, Shanta Sinha, proposed a vote of thanks.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh

News Update

Stories in this Section