Poverty and lack of social security are the main causes of child labor. The increasing gap between the rich and the poor, privatization of basic services and the non-liberal economic policies are causing major sections of the population out of employment and without basic needs. This adversely affects children more than any other group. Entry of multinational corporations into industry without proper mechanisms to hold them accountable has lead to the use of child labor. Lack of quality universal education has also contributed to children dropping out of school and entering the labor force. A major concern is that the actual number of child laborers goes UN-detected. Laws that are meant to protect children from hazardous labor are ineffective and not implemented correctly.
A growing phenomenon is using children as domestic workers in urban areas. The conditions in which children work is completely unregulated and they are often made to work without food, and very low wages, resembling situations of slavery. There are cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse of child domestic workers. The argument for domestic worker is often that families have placed their children in these homes for care and employment. There has been a recent notification by the Ministry of Labor making child domestic work as well as employment of children in dhabas, tea stalls and restaurants "hazardous" occupations.
According to HAQ: Center for child rights, child labor is highest among schedules tribes, Muslims, schedule castes and OBC children. The persistence of child labor is due to the inefficiency of the law, administrative system and because it benefits employers who can reduce general wage levels. There is a lack of political will to actually see to the complete ban of child labor.
There is another type of child labor called bonded labor which is a hidden phenomenon as majority of them are found in the informal sector. Bonded labor means the employment of a person against a loan or debt or social obligation by the family of the child or the family as a whole. It is a form of slavery. Children who are bonded with their family or inherit a debt from their parents are often found in agricultural sector or assisting their families in brick kilns, and stone quarries. Bonded laborers in India are mostly migrant workers, which open them up to more exploitation. Also they mostly come from low caste groups such as dalits or marginalized tribal groups.
The government has made efforts to prohibit all kinds of child labor by enacting Child labor laws but fails to completely uproot it.
Sadly we still see children who are suppose to be playing and studying are working and losing their precious childhood. Together say no to child labor
One of the most burning social issue "child Labour" which raises so many questions n has been given due weightage for its drastic impact on the overall development of the children who were denied the right of basic education n mental n physical stability to enjoy their childhood... Ur article has almost covered all the aspects of this evil practice of engaging children as Labourers be it home, factory, shop or as bonded salves... No matter what laws hv been made or if they were effective enough to protect them. Failure of the different Govts to properly implement these laws z another reason for worry. These children too hv a right to free education what ever the reasons for their economic n social backwardness may be... Agreed with u son That we should unite together to raise our voice against this social injustice, this evil practice of child Labour n save these children's future n ensure their right to happiness n better future n the laws protecting their future should be properly implemented. Bravo son for this thoughtful article for an imp issue.
ReplyDeleteThanks mom for reading. Yes we should unite together against child labor. We can all do our bit by raising voice against ppl who have employed children, we see such cases everyday, be it a street vendor or even our neighbourhood where children are working as servants. All we need to do is speak up against it and take actions.
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ReplyDeleteWell said goldi ji. I am sure people like you can and will take action against child labor. Thank you again for reading.
ReplyDeleteEvery first step begins from home. We shouldn't employ children for domestic help merely to save our little money or just because they can easily be molded or scolded. This can be followed by opposing the act of child labour in our neighborhood and surroundings.
ReplyDeleteYour article, like always, is thought provoking and very well articulated.
Thanks for reading. Yes you are right every first step begins from home. Say no to domestic helpers underage. And stand and take action against those who provide them.
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