CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA
1. Context
According to the ILO, a shocking 10.1 million children in India find themselves engaged in various forms of labour.
2. Child Labour: Definition
- Child labour typically means the employment of children in any manual work with or without payment. It is a deep-rooted social ill in India.
- Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful.
3. Child Labour in India: A Silent Epidemic
- International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates reveal that approximately 10.1 million children in India are victims of various forms of labour.
- Child labour deprives children of their rightful childhood, dreams, and opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and denying them fundamental rights.
- The district of Aligarh, known for its lock industry, unveils a tragic tale that exposes the harsh realities faced by child labourers.
- The plight of child labourers in India demands urgent attention and action to break the chains that bind these innocent souls.
- Child labour robs children of their chance for a better future and extinguishes the flicker of hope.
- Swift measures are needed to emancipate these young workers and provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve.
4. Child Labour in Aligarh's Lock Industry
- Ravi, a 12-year-old boy, works in the lock industry in Aligarh, facing gruelling conditions and heavy manual labour for a meagre wage.
- Children like Ravi operate heavy machinery with their small hands, enduring burdens beyond their capacity.
- Ravi's story exemplifies the urgent need for intervention and highlights the suffering of young workers in the lock industry.
5. Child Labour in India: Statistics
- Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of child labourers in India, estimated at 2.1 million.
- Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and other states also have significant child labour rates.
- These states account for nearly 55% of the total working children in India.
- Child labour is prominent in agriculture (70%), services (20%), and industry (10%).
- A significant percentage of children involved in child labour are out of school, with 28% of children aged 5-11 years and 35% of children aged 12-14 years affected.
- Boys are more affected by child labour than girls across all age groups, although the gender gap narrows when considering extensive household chores.
- Child labour prevalence in rural areas (14%) is nearly three times higher than in urban areas (5%).
Image Source: Down To Earth
6. Consequences of Child Labour
- Child labour exposes children to physical risks, health complications, and long-term developmental issues.
- Emotional scars, anxiety, trauma, and a sense of hopelessness plague child labourers.
- The cycle of poverty and child labour intertwines, crushing aspirations, denying education, and perpetuating a struggle for survival.
7. Constitutional and Legal Provisions
- The Indian constitution provides free and compulsory education for all children in the age group of six to 14 years as a fundamental right under Article 21A. Child labour in India decreased in the decade 2001 to 2011, and this demonstrates that the right combination of policy and programmatic interventions can make a difference.
- According to Article 23 of the Indian Constitution any type of forced labour is prohibited.
- Article 24 states that a child under 14 years cannot be employed to perform any hazardous work.
- Article 39 states that “the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused”.
- In the same manner, Child Labour Act (Prohibition and Regulation) 1986 prohibits children under the age of 14 years to be working in hazardous industries and processes.
- Policy interventions such as MGNREGA 2005, the Right to Education Act 2009 and the Mid Day Meal Scheme have paved the way for children to be in schools along with guaranteed wage employment (unskilled) for rural families.
- Further, with the ratification of International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 138 (Minimum age convention) and 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention) in 2017, the Indian government have demonstrated its commitment to the elimination of child labour including those engaged in hazardous occupations.
8. Combating Child Labour in India: Initiatives
- Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 strengthens child protection laws in India.
- The government has implemented legislation to combat child labour and protect children from exploitation.
- International Labour Organization (ILO) leads global efforts to fight child labour through technical assistance and promoting international standards.
- ILO facilitates dialogue and cooperation among workers, employers, and governments to address labour challenges.
- The conference held in Geneva from June 5-16, 2023, addressed various labour-related issues, including child labour.
- Delegates from member states discussed just transitions, apprenticeships, and labour protection.
- Non-governmental organizations and grassroots movements play a crucial role in raising awareness, rescuing child labourers, and advocating for their rights.
- Combating child labour requires a united effort from governments, non-profits, and individuals.
- Stronger policies, public awareness, and support are needed to eradicate child labour.
- Addressing root causes like poverty, lack of education, and weak enforcement of labour laws is essential.
9. Calls to Action
- Advocate for stronger policies and enforcement to protect children from exploitation.
- Raise public awareness about the issue of child labour.
- Support initiatives that provide education and opportunities for children.
- Address root causes such as poverty and lack of education.
10. The Journey Ahead
- Urgent action is needed to protect children from the injustices of child labour.
- Collaboration and compassion are essential in dismantling the shackles of child labour.
- Create a society where every child is nurtured, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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For Prelims: International Labour Organisation (ILO), Child Labour Act (Prohibition and Regulation) 1986, International Labour Organization Conventions Nos. 138 (Minimum age convention) and 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention), Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016.
For Mains: 1. How have the ratifications of International Labour Organisation conventions demonstrated the Indian government's commitment to eliminating child labour? (250 Words).
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Previous year Questions
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1. International Labour Organization's Conventions 138 and 182 are related to (UPSC 2018)
A. Child labour
B. Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
C. Regulation of food prices and food
D. Security
Answer: A
2. Which one of the following is not part of the aims and purposes of the ILO as per the Philadelphia Declaration? (UPSC EPFO 2016)
A. Labour is not a commodity
B. Freedom of expression and of association are essential to sustained progress.
C. Poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere
D. The war against want requires to be carried on with unrelenting vigour within each nation and is solely the responsibility of the government.
Answer: D
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Source: Down To Earth
