Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their access to education and is physically or mentally harmful to them.
The main cause of child labour is poverty. Some poor families sell off their children to work as slaves to pay off a debt that they have incurred. Known as bonded labourers, these children work for long hours in miserable conditions for years in the carpet, leather and other kinds of industries. Many become sick or deformed. Children doing hazardous jobs in fireworks and matchsticks factories and in coal mines face the risk of injury and even death.
In India, the law prohibits the employment of children below age 14 in dangerous workplaces like construction sites, factories, garages, etc. Government officials have to rescue and rehabilitate such children and punish their employers. Sadly, law enforcement in our country is weak and a lot more needs to be done.
Education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty and child labour. It equips children with skills that will help them find better-paid work in adulthood. With higher income, they can look after themselves and their families well.
Do you know? Bachpan Bachao Andolan, an NGO founded by Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi, has rescued over 90,000 child labourers. Satyarthi also founded GoodWeave, an international scheme that certifies rugs as child labour-free.
Picture Credit : Google
