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{/googleAds} "Banning employment of children below 14 years will help effective enforcement of the Right to Education, which mandates free and compulsory education for all children below 14 years," Rakesh Sharma, president of Bachpan Bachao Abhiyan (save childhood campaign) said.

The central government in August approved an amendment to the child and adolescent labor (prohibition) law that sought to put a comprehensive ban on the employment of children under 18 years of age in hazardous occupations, which too were re-classified.

"Children between 14-18 years have been defined as adolescents in the new law," said Shravan Kumar Singh, convener of Bachpan Bachao Abhiyan.

Child rights activist Naresh Paras said there was an urgent need for a collective campaign to mobilize public opinion and ensure that all children go to school.

Agreed social activist Anand Rai said, "Due to lack of awareness, children are still being employed and exploited. The government agencies are not doing enough. The media too needs to be sensitized on the issue," he said.

Paras also stressed that continuous monitoring by various social organizations and authorities was important to fight the social malady.

"We need continuous monitoring of various welfare schemes for children. Police should take strict action against gangs exploiting children as beggars in the city. Besides, protection homes and beggar rehabilitation centers must work transparently," Naresh Paras said.

Sunil Chopra, a retired colonel and activist, pointed out that certain industries where children were being hired and exploited.

"Agra is infamous for exploitation of children in several industries, particularly in leather, petha and handicrafts. A proper survey should be conducted and areas identified for effective rehabilitation of children. Medical camps for destitute should also be conducted," Chopra said.

The campaign has drawn up a strategy to involve several agencies to develop playgrounds and parks, traffic management around schools, security for girl students and organization of cultural programmes for children.

Bachpan Bachao Abhiyan has also approached the Agra Municipal Corporation to pitch in. Among the initiatives suggested include a fair for city children every week, where workshops on theater, painting and music, health check-up camps and interactive sessions could be organized.