A fresh controversy has erupted under the DMK-led “Dravidian model” governance, following an event meant to raise awareness about child labor—ironically marred by the very act it aimed to denounce.
Held at the Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram, Chennai, the event was organized to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labor on 12 June. Led by Tamil Nadu’s Labour Welfare and Skill Development Minister C.V. Ganesan, the gathering included a human chain demonstration involving over 300 students from various government schools across Chennai.
While the rally featured students holding placards against child labor, concerns were raised when these same children were later seen carrying food and snack boxes prepared for the attending guests. Eyewitnesses reported that students, brought in to participate in the awareness rally, were also made to handle logistics like distributing food—raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
The irony of the situation where children were reportedly used for menial tasks during an event focused on eradicating child labor has sparked criticism from activists and members of the public. Complaints have been made alleging that children were, in effect, used as unpaid event staff in the presence of senior government officials. This incident has once again spotlighted inconsistencies in policy enforcement and the symbolism surrounding government-sponsored events under the current administration.
குழந்தைத் தொழிலாளர் ஒழிப்பு தின விழாவில் விருந்தினர்களுக்கான சிற்றுண்டி பெட்டிகளை குழந்தைகளை வைத்தே தூக்க வைத்த அவலம் அமைச்சர் முன்னிலையில் நடந்திருக்கிறது .🤦
இந்த லட்சணத்தில் திமுக கொத்தடிமைகள் எங்களுக்கு அரசியல் தெரியுமா என்று கேட்குதுங்க. இப்ப இதற்கு விளக்கம் கொடுங்க… pic.twitter.com/R9dme6SGU8
— Sangeetha -TVK✨ (@sangeet29332013) June 12, 2025
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