Thiruvananthapuram: A reward of Rs 2,500 will be given to those who provide information about child labor in the state. Health Minister Veena George said that this is aimed at eliminating child labor altogether.

Child labor has been legally banned in the state and is a criminal offense as well. Although child labor is not common, there are instances of children being brought in for work from other states. The government is taking strict action against this.

Child labor can be completely eliminated only with the participation of the public. The Minister said that the Department of Women and Child Development has issued an order to give an incentive of Rs 2,500 to those who provide information about child labor.

Education Minister V Sivankutty has stated that inspections will be intensified to detect child labor in the state and strict action will be taken against the offenders.

Child labor, which hinders the holistic development of children and exploits them, is punishable. Instead, they need to be brought into the classroom and given the skills they need for their future lives, the minister added.