A unique initiative has been launched in a village in India to combat child labor, profanity, and children’s addiction to mobile phones.
According to Indian media, in the village of Sondala, Maharashtra, anyone caught swearing, using mobile phones at home during school hours, or employing children for labor will face a fine.
The decision was made by the village panchayat, and new rules have been enforced. The panchayat has announced that those caught using offensive language, including swearing at mothers and sisters, will be fined 500 Indian Rupees.
It was observed that excessive use of mobile phones was negatively affecting the academic performance of school students. The panchayat has instructed parents not to allow their children to use mobile phones excessively.
Additionally, the panchayat has decided that school students are not allowed to use mobile phones at home between 7 PM and 9 PM. If any child is found using a phone during this time, their family will be fined 500 rupees. A team of school teachers will patrol the village every evening between 7 PM and 9 PM to monitor phone usage.
Furthermore, a campaign has been launched to eliminate child labor, with a unique slogan: “Spot child labor and earn a 1000 rupee reward.” If someone sees a child working, they can take a picture and bring it to the panchayat office. The person who provides the photo will receive a 1000 rupee reward.
To inform villagers about these decisions, banners have been placed at various locations around the village.
While the panchayat’s decision to fine those who swear has been made, proving who used offensive language could be challenging. However, to address this, CCTV cameras have been installed in the village, which also record audio.
