Even after 77 years of Independence, India is struggling with a disease called child labour, which refuses to go away. Even as India’s GDP veers around 7-8% and with the prospect of becoming a developed nation looming large in the wake of a positive investment climate and rising per capita income, you will find children doing labour in one form or another.
If the 2011 Census is anything to go by, around 10.1 million children aged between 5 and 14 years old work in India. Even more startling is the fact that there are 42.7 million children not studying. That tells you the grave picture of the country in the wake of child labour.
Even if India attains the ‘Developed Country’ tag, will it continue to achieve greater economic heights if child labour continues? Something to ponder upon for the country’s policymakers. Let’s find out the definition of child labour, its reasons and possible consequences.
Defining Child Labour
Child labour refers to a situation when children work at the expense of missing their childhood, education and other privileges. They often work in an environment that harms their mental, physical, social and moral well-being. Children instead of going to school work to earn their livelihood. However, not every work performed can be construed as child labour. Categorising a work as child labour depends on factors such as the age of the child, the type and work hours, the conditions in which work takes place and the rules of each country.
Explaining the Different Types of Child Labour in India
Child labour exists in different forms, each one is equally painful and disturbing for children and their well-being.
Domestic Labour
India often sees growing cases of girls aged below 18 years old doing household chores not only at their homes but even at others’ too. Working at other’s houses not only earns them low wages but also makes them subject to harsh physical torture with long work hours.
Manufacturing Labour
India’s manufacturing sector continues to see an influx of children in various activities. Whether it’s a textile factory or an automotive plant, children are found everywhere engaged in manufacturing work. Getting exposed to a harmful environment is often the case for children working in the manufacturing sector.
Agriculture Labour
Children in large numbers are found engaged in a series of agricultural activities. These activities expose them to harmful pesticides.
Street Vendors
You can find children working on the streets as tea sellers, fast food sellers and alike.
Strange, But True – Chori!
Some even become thieves and steal things even during their childhood stage. A dark reality for India. They barge into the houses to steal sofas and other furniture, beaks equipment and others. Imagine the precarious shape child labour takes in India.
Causes of Child Labour
Poverty – The Root Cause of Child Labour
Garibi aadmi se kya na karaaye! Yes, poverty is the biggest reason contributing to child labour in India. To support their families, children have to work in factories, streets or elsewhere instead of going to school and study.
Lack of Quality Education Access
Many children do not have proper schools in their vicinity, forcing them to work in factories, shops and other establishments.
The Rising Informal Economy
The informal economy, which contributes 50% to India’s gross domestic product (GDP), is not typically governed by labour law norms prohibiting children from working in factories, shops and other establishments.
Consequences of Child Labour in India
Child labour leads to a series of consequences that can be harmful not only to children but also to the country whose future depends on their progress.
Health Risks
Children working in factories, in particular, are exposed to harmful pollutants that can affect their health adversely.
Loss of Education
The future of education lies in educated people. Sadly with so many children opting out of school to work in factories and other establishments, India’s future still does not seem the brightest.
Cycle of Poverty
Child labour leads to exploitation and reduced wages. This does not alleviate poverty rather intensifies it. It even brings inequality in income.
Conclusion
Child labour is a retard for the country’s economy by preventing children from enjoying their studies and childhood. The government and social organisations need to step up campaigns on child education and ensure their admission to schools. Efforts to bring children out of work to schools should multiply. For more such insightful updates, connect with zarooribaathai.in.
