CHANDIGARH: Set up to assess children’s learning abilities, the Central Board Of School Education (CBSE) has taken a step further. In a bid to curb the social evil of child labour, the board has recommended all its affiliated schools across the country — 9823 for those interested in details — that students and staff should take a pledge in this regard during morning assemblies.

Taking a stand that the redressal of child labour issue can no longer be postponed; CBSE is trying to reinforce the idea that ‘school is the best place for a child to work’. The board said the pledge could be repeated twice a week.

“The move will undoubtedly make an impact on children’s mind and help in reducing the menace in the long run. But only taking pledge will not help the cause, it has to be complemented with telling them why it is wrong,” Sherry Sabbarwal, professor of sociology at PU, said.

Notably, earlier in a similar drive wherein students were educated against firecrackers yielded positive results, besides reducing pollution in many cities. However, the city schools are yet to wake up to this idea.

SK Jena, assistant education officer, CBSE regional office, said, “The board has issued direction to schools, now it is up to school managements and government education officers to see that these are implemented properly.”

DPI (S) Samwartak Singh assured that he would make it a regular feature in schools. “The aim is to spread awareness among kids about the menace and we have been doing so through other programmes also.”

Daman Duggal, principal, Vivek High School, too said, “Taking a note of the circular, we have started programmes to spread awareness.”