Child Labor

The worst yet widespread form of child exploitation is child labor. The economically backward classes believe that more hands bring in more resources. Thus they give birth to four to five children who eventually remain illiterate and they may even take to evil ways. In this way exploitation of child labor is perpetrated' indirectly by the parents themselves. Now let us consider some statistical data regarding the extent of child labor India. Of the 30 million street children of the world, 11 million inhabit the streets of India. The International Labor Organization has given us some figures of the composition of child laborers of different age groups, but with a rider that the figures may be underestimations, One third of the children who are less than 16 years of age in our counties engaged in child labor. About 73 million children who comprise about 13 percent of the child population in the age group or 10-14 years are also engaged in child labor all over the world.

Of the total child laborers, about 87 per cent are in the rural areas working in farms, plantations, fisheries and cottage industries. Primary education is free and compulsory but the children do not go to school as they have to work. This deprives them of the opportunity to attend school or acquire the type of human capital' which allows them to have a fair chance in the labor market. Child labor, as it is unskilled, fails to create a competent labor force for the future of the country. Another effect of this is that the abundant supply of the child labor reduces the bargaining power of all workers, thereby depressing' the wage rates of adults. However, the physical effect of long hours of work in the unhygienic and hazardous conditions on the one hand and the lack of proper nutrition and healthcare on the other leads them to contract various diseases resulting the untimely death of the child. The employer is however, only concerned with his own profit. He employs children since they are docile and willing to do monotonous jobs. Besides they are more trustworthy and less truant and do not form trade unions.

However efforts are being made to increase awareness among people and to alleviate some of the evils of child exploitation. The boycott of products which employ child labor in their production, by the western countries has moved us to ban child labor. Mention in this respect may be made of the carpet industry. In 1995, India. Carpet manufacturers, exporters and NGO's created a brand known as ‘Rugmark’ which certifies that no child was involved in carpet making. Also, under the auspices of the National Child Labor Project (NCLP), we have established special schools to provide non-formal education, vocational training, Supplementary nutrition, etc., to the children withdrawn from employment. However the number of working children covered under different programmes is nothing compared to the total strength of the work force.

With the universalization of elementary education there is a ray of hope. It will help us tackle the chronic problem of child labor. However, awareness and strict adherence to the two child family norm is essential for the success, of any governmental efforts. Another factor that is of great importance is that academic education, even up to graduation level does not ensure employment. The need of the hour is vocational and technical education right from the primary stage so that poor students 'earn' and 'learn' simultaneously. however in view of overpopulation, unemployment and poverty there is no harm in allowing children after a certain level of education, to take to their family vocation provided it is not hazardous to their health and they receive guidance from their parents. We also hope that education in general would also make them aware of their plight and they would gradually able to choose other way of earning their livelihood and not be exploited for money .

By: Sumit Jha
Published: 04/16/08