What actionable measures would you suggest to curb the recurrent child labour menace in India?. (UPSC CSE Mains 2023 - Sociology, Paper 2)
Child labour is a deeply rooted social issue in India. The prevalence of child labour is a blatant violation of child rights and a hindrance to the social and economic development of the country. Despite having laws against child labour, the problem persists due to a variety of reasons such as poverty, lack of quality education, and social norms. Therefore, to curb this menace, a multi-pronged approach is required.
- Strengthening Legal Framework and Enforcement: The first step towards eradicating child labour is to strengthen the legal framework. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, which prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes and adolescents in hazardous occupations and processes, should be strictly enforced. There should be severe punishment for those who employ children in work. For instance, in Bangladesh, the law imposes a fine of up to one lakh Taka and imprisonment up to six months for employing a child.
- Enhancing Access to Quality Education: Education is a powerful tool that can break the vicious cycle of poverty and child labour. The government should ensure that every child has access to quality education. This can be done by implementing the Right to Education Act effectively. For instance, in Brazil, the Bolsa Familia program, a conditional cash transfer scheme, has been successful in reducing child labour. The scheme provides financial aid to poor families on the condition that their children attend school and get vaccinated.
- Economic Empowerment of Families: Poverty is one of the main drivers of child labour. Therefore, measures should be taken to improve the economic condition of families. This can be done through various poverty alleviation programs, skill development initiatives, and providing employment opportunities to adults. For instance, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) can be effectively used to provide employment to adults and thus reduce child labour.
- Awareness and Sensitization: There is a need to create awareness about the ill effects of child labour among parents, employers, and society at large. This can be done through various campaigns, street plays, workshops, etc. For instance, the ‘Childline‘ service in India is a helpline for children in distress, and it also works towards creating awareness about child rights.
- Strengthening Child Protection Mechanisms: Child protection mechanisms at the local, state, and national level should be strengthened. This includes setting up child welfare committees, child protection units, and child rights clubs in schools. For instance, in Kerala, student police cadets are trained to report cases of child rights violations.
- Role of Civil Society and NGOs: Civil society and NGOs play a crucial role in the fight against child labour. They can help in identifying and rescuing child labourers, providing them with rehabilitation services, and advocating for child rights. For instance, the Bachpan Bachao Andolan led by Kailash Satyarthi has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of children from bonded labour.
The issue of child labour cannot be solved overnight. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders including the government, civil society, NGOs, and the community. With the right policies and actions, we can hope to see a future where every child is free from labour and has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
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