Several activists and children from across the city protested at Valluvar Kottam here to end child labour, ahead of the World Anti- Child Labour Day to be observed next week.
They demanded the repeal of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, which allows children below 14 years of age to work in non-hazardous and family enterprises after school hours and during vacation time.
“Child labour still exists in India. Factories and other hazardous workplaces are employing children. In such a situation, this amendment will increase the number of children who enter the workforce at a young age instead of reducing the number,” said Sister Valarmathi, state co-ordinator of the National Domestic Workers Movement.
Those who participated in the protest raised slogans against child labour and held placards condemning child labour.
The NGO will organise street plays, rallies and awareness camps in 25 slums in Chennai and 26 villages in Villupuram.