Child Labour by Vedant Karia at LexCliq
God loves children. They are considered a source of joy, happiness, and hope wherever they go. Children are undoubtedly the stepping stone in shaping the future of any nation. A nation's future performance will be reflected if it treats its children well and provides them with basic needs. The nation has a moral duty to protect every child's childhood.
Child labour is a global issue, not just a national issue. Child labour is defined as any manual work performed by children. A “child” is anyone under the age of 14. At a young age, a child is forced to work to support himself and his family. It not only affects his/her physical and mental development, but also places a heavy financial burden on the child. Children are frequently forced into labour due to hardships such as lack of financial support, food, clothing, shelter, and livelihood.
According to the 2001 Indian Census, a child under the age of 17 engages in economic activity, either physically or mentally. Child labour includes unpaid work on farms, family businesses, and other economic activities like cultivation and milk production for sale or domestic consumption. In India, there are two types of child labour:
1. Main workers: Main workers work for a year or more, and
2. Marginal child workers are those who work less than 6 months per year and work at any time.
Child labour is a major issue in India and other developing countries because it physically and mentally harms children. Poverty has increased child labour, not just in India but globally. Children are a nation's hope and future, so it's a social issue. Many laws have been passed to prevent child labour, but they have had little effect.
Child labour is caused by poverty, previous debts, and professional needs.
Child labour has a huge impact on a country's economic welfare. Children who work cannot learn or develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, or psychologically. In addition, children lack the mental and physical strength of adults, so they cannot work longer hours without becoming exhausted, which reduces their physical strength and makes them more prone to diseases.
Child labour has long-term effects in India. A country's economy will only prosper if its workforce is educated, skilled, and technologically advanced. If widespread child labour continues, human capital accumulation will be compromised.
India's child labour laws
Compared to other countries, India has more child labour. India has had child labour laws since 1933. These laws are:
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Act, 2000
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009
Children under the age of 14 cannot work in any of the occupations or factories. If employed, the employer is liable. And children aged 14 to 18 cannot be employed in any hazardous occupations or processes.
Hazardous work requires an age minimum of 18. The kids can't work from 22:00 to 6:00 am or overtime for more than 4 1/2 hours. The above article defines all hazardous jobs and processes. Part A and B of Section 3 of the Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, 1986.
A child under the age of 14 cannot be employed in a factory, mine, or any other hazardous occupation, according to the Indian Constitution. Employment requires a minimum age of 14. This rule can result in a fine or jail time. No child may work for more than six hours per day. After three hours of work, there is an hour of rest. Children are not allowed to work between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. or overtime.
No child under the age of 14 shall be employed in a factory. A factory must also follow rules if it employs pre-adults aged 15-18.
A child under 14 years of age shall not be employed in any hazardous occupation listed in a law. The article expands on this list. This list was updated in both 2006 and 2008.
If a person employs a child in hazardous work or uses a child as bonded labour, they are punishable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000.
Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009: Every child under the age of 14 must receive free and compulsory education. In fact, to comply with the Act, 25% of seats in every private school are reserved for children from disadvantaged groups and those with disabilities.
Article 24 of the Indian Constitution and Section 67 of the Factories Act, 1948 expressly prohibit children under the age of 14 from working in factories.
Article 45 of the Indian Constitution provides for free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14.
Child labour is still a national issue. The government has taken various measures to actively combat child labour. However, due to socio-economic issues like poverty and illiteracy, which cause child labour, it can only be solved by all members of society working together. We can solve this problem and build a better India if everyone takes responsibility for child labour. Child labour can be greatly reduced if the public supports the government's functions. It is vital to raise awareness about the ills of child labour and the value of a child's childhood as our country's future.
Vedant Karia
Comments
Post a Comment