Child Labour in India : A Serious Issue

 Child Labour in India : A Serious Issue

Introduction

Childhood is usually considered the best part of life. Sadly, for some children, it is a time of struggle. Instead of playing and learning, these children are forced to work hard to help their families. They work in factories, offices, or as domestic helpers. This situation denies them a happy childhood and a chance for education.

What is Child Labour?

Child labour refers to the employment of children in work that harms their physical and mental growth. It also keeps them from getting an education and enjoying their childhood. Child labour can take place in various forms, from working in factories to working at homes or on the streets.

Statistics

According to the 2011 Census, there are about 10.1 million child labourers in India. Of these, 5.6 million are boys, and 4.5 million are girls. This number highlights the severity of the problem in the country.

History of Child Labour in India

In the past, children helped their families with farm work like sowing, harvesting, and taking care of animals. This was common in rural areas. However, as industries grew and cities expanded, the nature of child labour changed. Children started to work in factories, rolling bidis (cigarettes), making crackers, and in industries like pencil making, bangle making, and hotels. These industries are often dangerous and unhealthy for children.

Health Risks for Child Labourers

Children working in factories or dangerous jobs face serious health risks. Some examples include:

Bidi Rolling: Children roll bidis, which can lead to breathing problems and other lung diseases.

Cracker Industry: Working in the cracker industry exposes children to explosive materials, which can lead to accidents or even death.

Bangle and Pencil Making: Children working in these industries face respiratory problems, and in the worst cases, they can develop lung cancer.

Apart from these, children working in garment, leather, and jewelry industries face health issues due to poor working conditions. These jobs are risky and harm the children's overall health and development.

Causes of Child Labour

Child labour is caused by many factors, especially in poor families. Some key causes include:

1. Poverty: In poor families, children are seen as a way to earn extra money. Families often have many children and expect them to help out financially.

2. Lack of Education: Many parents are not educated and do not understand the importance of sending their children to school. They see education as an unnecessary expense and prefer children to work.

3. Low Wages for Children: Employers prefer to hire children because they can pay them less than adults. Children work longer hours for lower wages, making them an attractive option for employers.

Hardships Faced by Child Labourers

Child labourers face many hardships. They work long hours in poor and unsafe conditions. Most of them are underfed and suffer from various health problems due to the tough work. Their emotional and mental health also suffers. Children often have to work in dirty places with no rest, which affects their development. Some children are even forced to work to pay off family debts. This practice is called bonded labour, and it is one of the worst forms of child labour. Bonded children are sometimes trafficked and forced to work as domestic helpers or in small factories.

Role of Government and NGOs

The government plays an important role in fighting child labour. It needs to ensure that all families have access to basic necessities like food, water, and education. The government should also provide job opportunities to the poor so that they do not rely on their children for extra income.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also help by providing vocational training to adults, so they can get better jobs and not depend on child labour. They also work to raise awareness about the importance of education. The government and NGOs should work together to teach parents about free education and encourage them to send their children to school rather than to work.

Efforts to Stop Child Labour

Many efforts are being made to stop child labour. One example is the work of Kailash Satyarthi, who won the Nobel Prize for his efforts to end child labour. He started the organization Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), which works to rescue children from dangerous jobs. The former president of India, Pranab Mukherjee, launched the "100 Million for 100 Million" campaign to end child labour and violence against children.

Educated citizens can also help spread awareness about child labour. Wealthier families can donate money to support the education of poor children. Schools and colleges can also help by offering free education to children of low-income workers.

Laws to Protect Children

The Indian government has made several laws to protect children from labour. These laws include:

1. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: This law bans the employment of children under 14 years old in hazardous jobs.

2. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009: This law ensures that all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years receive free education.

3. The Juvenile Justice Act, 2000: This law protects children from abuse and exploitation.

In addition, the Indian government has passed laws to stop bonded labour and prevent child trafficking. These laws are important in protecting children's rights and ensuring their future.

Conclusion

Child labour is a serious issue in India and around the world. The government must make sure that its laws are strictly followed and that those who break them face strict punishment. The community must also come together to support efforts to eliminate child labour. If children are allowed to enjoy their childhood and receive an education, they can grow into healthy and productive citizens who will help the nation grow. Therefore, it is important for everyone—government, society, and citizens—to provide a safe environment where children can reach their full 

potential and build a better future for themselves and the country.