Child labour in India: A neglected case of millions of children

India is the home of 33 million children aged below 14 years. The country is committed to providing them with all the fundamental facilities to shape their future. But what is the ground reality? Out of these children, a whopping number of 10.2 million are bound to work as child labour. Almost one-third of the total child population is involved in labour and denied to access even the average facility meant to provide to a child. Haven't you ever seen a poor child, serving you plates at local dhabas, working in garages, local stores, welding shops? If you have your bike serviced from a small garage, there is a good chance it involved a poor child who has no access to school, books, proper food, clothes and care, leave alone getting a good sleep on a cosy bed. 
                                

The situation is worse than that as a huge number of child labours are a result of human trafficking. They have been taken away from their families and forced to work in hazardous factories and farms. Cotton growing farms, glass, matchbox and brass factories, embroidery,beedi-rolling rag-picking, carpet making industries, and mining are the most common places where children are working in inhumane conditions at negligible wages.

What causes child labour?

Poverty and family indebtedness: Poverty is the root cause of many social evils and child labour is one of them. The unfulfilled need of daily bread compels younger family members to contribute to the family income. Poverty also tends farmers, workers to take loans with a higher interest makes them unable to pay and after a few years, the horrifying cycle of interest never let them debt-free. Now children who should have admitted to schools enjoyed their childhood, are forced to take their steps to the factories and mines.

Human trafficking: This is another major concern and a frightening situation. An underground network of human trafficking has always been active in India. Poor children are taken away from their families and sold to work as slaves. Girls are often sent to work at homes and boys are majorly sent to factories or big farms. Closed and well-structured factories silenced the voice of children very soon and the syndicate of police, politicians and businessmen make them out of the society’s reach.

Is the government aware of the situation?

Of course, government bodies, institutions and lawmakers are all well aware of the situation. What do you think, from where all these data have come from? Indian census itself produces all the data which stated in 2001 census that child labour constitutes 13% of the total workforce in India. Do you think the situation must have changed in 2011 census reports, after 10 years? Yes, it has changed. In 2011 census reports the number of child workers reduced from 12.3 million to 10.2 million. So the Indian government can pat its back for reducing the number by almost 2%. In these ten years, you may have witnessed a lot of development in India from ambitious space projects to the expensive military dealings. But in these ten years, we managed to get free only 2% of child workers. There are also doubts whether they have been provided better facilities or they still are forced to face the harsh reality of life in this phase of age.

What about laws?

UN conventions and International labour organization (ILO) convention set up laws on the right of the child 1989, on the minimum age for admission to the employment of 1973 and the worst forms of child labour of 1999. However, India has not ratified any of these ILO conventions exactly the same but there is Indian legislation that protects children.

• According to Child labour prohibition act 1986, the employment of children below the age of 14 is prohibited in domestic labour, hospitality trade and other professions. However, it can not be implemented in agriculture and some other sectors. It also makes child labour punishable to employers with the punishment of a minimum of three months to maximum one years of imprisonment or 10,000 to 20,000 fine or both.

• The right to education act 2009 provides all children 6-14 years right to free and compulsory education.

Although there are some concerns about the coverage of this legislation as it does not prohibit child labour as a blanket ban and there are major concerns about the implementation as well. Indian policymakers make new laws on a regular basis but how many of them are implemented effectively. If these bans would have been imposed strictly, we had a significant number of reduction in child workers. Unfortunately, factory owners, politicians and police form a syndicate that protects their interest in employing cheap child labour. Lack of willpower, corruption, zero social awareness, and poor media coverage are some of the major factors responsible for letting children working as labour.

Some recognizable efforts:

Amidst the dark clouds of apathy and disappointment, there are some rays of hope in the form of some organizations, NGOs and movements trying to open fetters of child labour and brighten the childhood. The biggest name you can count on is the Noble peace prize winner Kailash Satyarthi who devoted his whole life fighting against the evil of child labour. Here are some other notable mentions:

• Child Right and You (CRY): Working since 1970 CRY foundation is dedicated to eradicating child labour. One can visit the site https://www.cry.org/ to know about their work and help them a monetary contribution.

• CHILDLINE Indian foundation: Visit https://www.childlineindia.org.in/ and get to know about their work against child labour. They offer a helpline number to help children in distress. They will appreciate your support and contribution.

• Save the Children India: They majorly rely on personal funds and institutional funds to provide needy children health and education facility and get children out of child labour. Check their website: https://support.savethechildren.in/.

• SOS Children’s village: They have managed it well to facilitate children in distress with shelter, clothes and education. Visit this site https://www.soschildrensvillages.in to know more and contribute.

• Bachpan Bachao Andolan: With blessings of Kailash Satyarthi the Bachpan Bachao Andolan has successfully freed more than 80,000 children from forced child labour and all the information you can get on this website: https://bba.org.in/.

• Uday Foundation: They are working for unprivileged children majorly in healthcare and have become a notable organization. Visiting their site https://www.udayfoundation.org/ will also be an appreciation.

• Pratham education: Working on the root cause of child labour and ensure a better education for children. Have a look http://pratham.org/ and appreciate their efforts and your contribution will surely motivate them.

What you can do:

Children are not voters thus we hardly see a government policy for children. The media coverage on the issue is also equivalent to null. In everyday’s life, we witness child labour in various places. This is the time we are supposed to be a responsible citizen and spread awareness against child labour. Next time when you see a child serving you a cup of tea or fixing your bike, take direct action by talking to the owner or inform the police. You can also call any of those organizations mentioned above. A bit of contribution from your side can make a childhood beautiful and our society a much better place.