Former child workers find jobs in private sector

They underwent skill development training at TVS Training Institute in Chennai

Collector K. Vivekanandan (second right) and P. Ramar (right) District Revenue Officer, handing over placement orders of Royal Enfield and Factory, Chennai, to a former NCLP student.

Nineteen youngsters, who were once child workers and rehabilitated by the district administration, have found jobs in the private sector.

Recruited by Royal Enfield for their factory in Chennai, they were among 41 former child workers who were provided vocational training at TVS Training Institute in Chennai.

Collector K. Vivekanandan, who handed over placement orders to these persons on Monday, told

The Hindu on Tuesday that this was proof of success of the efforts by the district administration to rehabilitate child workers.

These persons were given training in fitter, electrician and mechanical engineering courses.

The Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association in Chennai jointly organised training programme with TVS institute.

G. Arivalagan (24), who had not passed SSLC, got placement as a technician.

He told The Hindu the he was rehabilitated by special teachers from the National Child Labour Project when he was doing tailoring job as a child worker.

S. Mariyappan, who too has been recruited as a technician, has decided to appear for the SSLC examination this year.

Mr. Vivekanandan said 96 former NCLP students were selected and were given skill development training in various institutes, including Indian Bank Self Employment Training Institute (INDSETI). Besides the training, stay was also arranged free of cost. The Collector also said that two batches of students, who were child workers, would be given loans by Indian Bank by March 31 for self-employment. Mr. Vivekanandan said that the Government had sanctioned a sum of Rs.1crore for skill development training, out of the Rs.7 crore allotted for the Socio Economic Development Programme. Besides others, this training was also meant for rescued child workers.