Children form
the most valuable element of human resources. They are the past, present, and future of the world. Every child around the world comes with a different
destiny and also is subject to different forms of exposure in life. Some are
born wealthy, while others are born poor. Some are born privileged, while
others are not.
Poverty and
survival becomes one of the biggest reasons for people to do whatever they can
to earn a living. It often so happens that even children have to do odd jobs to
earn a living for their families. In some cases they are forced by their
families and in other cases, they voluntarily decide to earn a living. In the
third world countries, child labor is a very common phenomenon and several
children are seen working in little stores, etc.
In India, even
after several poverty alleviation programs and schemes, yet absolute poverty
exists and relative poverty is predominantly visible. Over the years, children
have been subjected to various injustices in society. Every form of
violence or injustice that takes place in society, affects children either,
physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Child labour is
one of the most debated topics around the world. Several countries have banned
child labour, and in many countries, child labour exists, illegally.
International
Labour Organisation (ILO) defines the term child labour as, “work that deprives
children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is
harmful to physical and mental development. It refers to work that is mentally,
physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children, or work
whose schedule interferes with their ability to attend regular school or work
that affects in any manner their ability to focus during school or experience a healthy childhood.
Whereas
according to UNICEF, a child is involved in child labour activities if is
between 5 to 11 years of age, he or she did at least one hour of economic
activity or at least 28 hours of domestic work in a week, and in case of
children between 12 to 14 years of age, he or she did at least 14 hours of
economic activity or at least 42 hours of economic activity and domestic work
per week. UNICEF also suggests, “Children’s work needs to be seen as happening
along a continuum, with destructive or exploitative work at one end and
beneficial work – promoting or enhancing children’s development without
interfering with their schooling, recreation, and rest – at the other. And
between these two poles are vast areas of work that need not negatively affect
a child’s development.”
In India too,
child labour is strictly prohibited. The legal measures suggest that child
labour is a punishable offense (employment of a child below the age of 14 years
of age) if a person hires a child for work.
Since the longest
of times, we have seen children working in small tea stalls, doing odd jobs,
working in restaurants etc.
Due to several
circumstances, at an age when a child is expected to play and enjoy life, s/he
doesn't get to do so.
Through several
acts and measure like the Factories Act of 1948, the Mines Act of 1952, Child
Labour Act of 1986, The Juvenile Justice of Children Act of 2000, and the Right
of Children to Free and Fair Education Act of 2009, several judicial measures
have been undertaken.
Yet, due to several
reasons like poverty, hunger, debt, several constraints, encumbrance, and also
discrimination, children are put to work. But yet, to a great extent child
labour has been eradicated from society.
In the current
times, during this pandemic, we have seen an enormous amount of job loss in society. After the present scenario, according to several reports, poverty,
unemployment, hunger, etc. will surge and all these factors are going to
challenge the stability of the society. At such a time, there are chances that
child labour would enter the arena of debates again and several families would
look for jobs in order to fill their stomachs.
According to
several scholars, survival becomes the most essential need of human life.
'Survival of the fittest' is the most heard phrase given by Charles Darwin. And
in reality, too, we see people taking that as the most essential aspect to live
life.
The right to life is
a human right and all people around the world have the right to live a
dignified and secure life. But, it's not wrong to say that such a wish will
soon become a matter of privilege for several around the world.
- VIjayasree V
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