Child Labour Is a Curse to the Society Essay Example

and fail to provide sufficient support. They overlook the crucial role of education and instead exploit their children for economic gains.

It is evident that there is no specific law in India addressing the elimination of child labor. The constitution mandates the state to ensure that economic pressures do not force adolescent children into unsuitable employment (Articles 24 and 31). However, there is no explicit mention of abolishing child labor within the constitution. Although the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act of 1986 provides guidelines for reasonable working conditions for children in hazardous occupations, there is a lack of clear definition for "hazardous" in both the constitution and related legislations on child labor. As a result, due to the government's failure to pass legislation specifically targeting the eradication of child labor, it continues to persist as a social issue.

If the current societal backwardness persists for another ten years, it will impede the achievement of our farmer president Dr. A. P. J Abdul Kalam's objective to convert India into a superpower by 2020. The eradication of child labor is essential not just for societal advancement but also for the welfare of these young children who deserve the chance to pursue their dreams instead of being compelled to work at such a young age. It is truly disheartening to witness that the fate of our nation relies on those who are exploited through child labor.

Child labour is a sad reality that not only affects future societies, but also has multiple causes such as poverty, employment and migration to urban areas, large family size, illiteracy and ignorance of parents, and traditional attitudes.

• Child labour persists for various reasons.

The Government of India has already taken numerous measures to address this issue.

The Government formed the Gurupadaswamy committee on Child Labour. The committee states that child labour has undergone significant changes due to industrialization and urbanization. In the past, children were primarily engaged in agricultural and plantation tasks like sowing, reaping, and harvesting. However, industrialization has led to their participation in hazardous occupations such as bidi rolling, firecracker making, matchbox making, pencil making, bangle making, and carpet making. Child labour is a prevalent issue in developing countries and can be considered a global phenomenon.

The occurrence of child labor is widespread in different industries globally. In Nepal, leather industries employ numerous children, and in Spain, orchards and plantations have over a hundred thousand child workers. The International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a study that showed 20% of workers in the Department of Madre de Dios are involved in gold production. Likewise, countries such as India and other Asian nations observe a substantial number of female workers working as domestic servants, particularly in urban areas. To tackle this problem, the government has introduced the Food for Education program.

The Government intends to amend the Child Labor Act, granting

district magistrates more power to enforce it and eliminate child labor in dangerous conditions. In exchange for attending school, a child laborer's family will receive 1 kg of cereal daily. However, children can still work in less exploitative areas but with regulated hours and assurance of proper meals. Failure to comply with these rules will result in severe consequences. To combat child labor, suggestions include revising the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act to increase imprisonment rates, implementing compulsory education for all children to address unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and exploitation. Additionally, conducting awareness campaigns is seen as crucial. The Government has allocated Rs.6.65 crore for district-level awareness campaigns in 133 districts with high instances of child labor. It is disheartening that children who are considered "the future of our nation" often engage in domestic chores such as cleaning homes and washing dishes. As individuals, it is essential for us to be aware that child labor is a crime; we should educate ourselves about this issue and support organizations that raise awareness and provide help to exploited children.The text stresses the significance of concentrating on enhancing family incomes and providing education to children for future job prospects. It emphasizes the crucial role social services play in assisting families during tough times, such as illness or homelessness. Additionally, it underscores the importance of family planning in averting overwhelming challenges for families. The conclusion acknowledges the Government of India's efforts to prohibit child labor in certain establishments but recognizes that this issue extends beyond specific cities or companies. It highlights the need to rehabilitate and protect children working as domestic servants or in similar positions due to poverty

and exploitation by employers, while urging trade unions to safeguard their rights.

The lack of rights for child laborers may be attributed to poor enforcement of laws, the greed of profit earners, and insufficient government attention. Eliminating this problem requires the collaboration of the general public, NGOs, various movements, and social groups to ensure a better future for these children.

1. http:www. publishyourarticles. org/knowledge-hub/essay/the-place of-mother-in-the-home-essay. html 16-02-2012
2. Ibid
3. http:www. publishyourarticles. org/knowledge-hub/essay/the-award- winning-essay-on-child-labor.

html 16-02-2012