February 8, 2007

KOLKATA -- Dr. Nandita Chatterjee, Mr. Dennis Gallaghar of REACH India, Mr. Harsh Neotia, Mr. Samar Nath, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to be here to inaugurate the workshop on “Dissemination of Learning” as part of CINI ASHA’s Capacity-building Support Initiative.  Since 1989, CINI ASHA is involved with the very important work of improving the quality of life for the disadvantaged urban children and has been on the forefront of the fight to protect the rights of children through education, health and social mobilization.  CINI ASHA has always been an important partner for the U.S. Consulate and I am glad that
I can play a small part today in continuing that close relationship.  I also want to thank the many participants in this workshop, whether from the NGO community, the government, the corporate sector and other stakeholders, for your presence here today as it reflects your individual commitment and that of your organizations to address the serious problems of urban poverty.

At a time when India is projecting incredible economic growth of 9 percent or more, we cannot forget those that are still left out of this era of economic dynamism.   Sadly, it seems that the young suffer the most from the persistence of poverty.  A study by UNICEF, quoting 2001 Census figures, reveals a shocking picture.  Of the 253 million children aged 5 and 14 years, 53 million are categorized as “main” workers and 68 million as “marginal” workers.  Moreover, half of these children workers are in the 10-14 age group.

Being categorized “main” and “marginal” workers in the Census means their contribution to the labor supply gets accounted in calculating India’s national income.  In other words,  a few percentage points of the 9 percent growth rate in India’s income will be driven by people who are in the 5 to 14 age group – by  children who should be spending time in schools and play grounds instead of working in factories, shops, roadside dhabas or as domestic help.

In October 2006, Government of India, through a Gazette notification, banned child labor nationally.  However, it is incumbent on all of us here today to see that what has been promulgated is actually enforced.   Gathered here are parents, teachers, government officials, activists, corporate leaders and concerned citizens.  Each of us has the capacity to make a difference in ensuring the laws protecting children are implemented.

Employment of children as workers is just one of the many social issues that must be addressed.  I congratulate CINI ASHA for highlighting the full range of problems experienced by the vulnerable, such as malnutrition, lack of education, abuse and exploitation.  But highlighting or raising awareness of the plight of disadvantaged children is only part of the solution.  Certainly, the key goal is actually combating the problem and here also, I commend CINI ASHA for showing the way through partnership.

The CINI ASHA-REACH partnership has opened up new possibilities for 30,000 disadvantaged children in and around Kolkata.  I want to thank the partner organizations of REACH for bring the initiative to the people of Kolkata.  I am happy to learn that USAID was able to support REACH in its outstanding work and I want to reiterate our continued support for such activities either through USAID or through the Consulate in Kolkata.

I am also pleased to see Kolkata’s leading corporate leaders devoting time here today to support this program and to share CINI ASHA’s experience.  Corporate social responsibility (CRS) is often discussed as a means to help bridge the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” and a means of mobilizing resources to augment the funds of governments or individuals.  However, the results of the CRS initiatives may not always be apparent.  Your presence here today is tangible evidence that there are corporate citizens who are willing to play an important role in helping to spread the benefits of India’s growing wealth to society’s disadvantaged.

Lastly, I would like to thank Mr. Partha Roy of CINI ASHA for asking me to be a part of this important workshop.  Such interactions will serve to strengthen the capacity of NGOs and other stakeholders in urban and rural areas in their work to help children.  I am confident that such exchanges will also complement Government of India’s Sarba Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims at universal elementary education by improving access, enrolment and retention of children in schools.

I wish CINI-ASHA and all those present today the greatest success in their important work and assure you of the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata’s continued support.

Thank you.