CHILD LABOUR

3. The causes of child labour in India

Child labour in India persists due to a complex interplay of various social, economic, and cultural factors. Some of the key causes include:

• Poverty is one of the primary drivers of child labour. Families living in poverty may rely on the income their children can bring in to survive. Children are often forced to work in low-paying jobs to contribute to household expenses.
• Limited access to quality education, including factors such as inadequate school infrastructure, teacher shortages, and distance to schools, can push children into the workforce instead of attending school.
• Cultural attitudes and traditions that normalize child labour, especially in rural areas, contribute to its prevalence. In some communities, children are expected to work from a young age to support their families or learn traditional skills.
• Weak enforcement of labour laws and regulations meant to protect children from exploitation allows employers to hire children for work, often under exploitative conditions.
• Rapid urbanization and migration from rural to urban areas can increase the vulnerability of children to exploitation. Many migrant families end up in informal sectors where child labour is prevalent due to the lack of formal job opportunities and social support systems.
• Children from marginalized communities are often trapped in debt bondage or trafficked into exploitative labour situations, including domestic work, agriculture, and industries such as textiles and construction.
• In some cases, family dysfunction, including parental neglect, abuse, or substance abuse, can push children into the workforce as a means of survival or escape from difficult home situations.

4. The initiatives taken by the government to curb child labour

The Government of India has implemented various initiatives and measures to curb child labour and promote the welfare and rights of children. Some of these initiatives include:

• The government has enacted several laws aimed at preventing and abolishing child labour, including the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and its subsequent amendments, such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016. These laws prohibit the employment of children in certain hazardous occupations and processes and regulate the working conditions for children in permissible sectors.
• The National Child Labour Project (NCLP) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1988 to rehabilitate and mainstream child labourers into formal education and vocational training. It aims to provide education, vocational training, and other support services to rescued child labourers and children at risk of child labour.
• The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a flagship program of the Government of India that provides a package of services for early childhood care and development, nutrition, and maternal health. It aims to improve the health, nutrition, and development outcomes of children below six years of age and their mothers.
• The National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) is a comprehensive framework launched by the government to address the needs and rights of children in India. It includes strategies and action plans for child protection, education, health, nutrition, and other key areas.
• The National Policy for Children is a policy framework that outlines the government's commitments and strategies for promoting the well-being and rights of children. It covers areas such as health, education, protection, and participation, with a focus on vulnerable and marginalized children.
• India has ratified international conventions and protocols related to child rights, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions concerning child labour. The ratification of these conventions reflects the government's commitment to protecting and promoting children's rights.
• The government conducts awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about the harmful effects of child labour and promote the importance of education, child protection, and rehabilitation of child labourers. These campaigns aim to mobilize public support and encourage stakeholders to take action against child labour.

5. Role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) plays a significant role in combating child labour worldwide, including in India. Some of the key roles and contributions of the ILO in addressing child labour are:

• The ILO establishes international labour standards through conventions and recommendations. These standards provide guidelines for member states, including India, to develop and implement policies and legislation to eliminate child labour and protect the rights of children.
• The ILO provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to member states to strengthen their national policies, programs, and institutions for combating child labour. This assistance may include training for government officials, employers, workers, and other stakeholders, as well as support for the development of national action plans and strategies.
• The ILO conducts research and data collection on child labour trends, patterns, and root causes globally, including in India. This research helps to identify the prevalence and nature of child labour, assess its impact on children and societies, and inform policy and programmatic responses.
• The ILO raises awareness about the issue of child labour through advocacy campaigns, publications, and events. By mobilizing public opinion and engaging with governments, employers, workers, and civil society organizations, the ILO promotes action to eliminate child labour and promote the rights of children.
• The ILO collaborates with governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), employers' and workers' organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts and leverage resources for combating child labour. These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and joint action at the global, regional, and national levels.
• The ILO monitors the implementation of international labour standards related to child labour and evaluates the effectiveness of policies and programs in member states, including India. Through its supervisory mechanisms and reporting procedures, the ILO provides guidance and support to countries to fulfil their obligations and commitments to eliminate child labour.