Alakananda Mohanty, BBA-LLB, SOA National Institute of Law, Bhubaneswar
ABSTRACT
A topic on children and their development, whether it be physical, cognitive or socio-emotional, has been the least discussed topic in India. The extent of child labour even in this modern world is an unfortunate fate the entire world is facing at large. The reasons for child labour and its initiation and continuance are deep-rooted in the socio-cultural history of the country which is also added upon by illiteracy and poverty rate. Child labour is a complex issue the consequences of which are borne by the entire nation. Childhood is one of the most significant stages in a person’s life. The childhood of today shapes the man of tomorrow. Involving children of age less than 14 years in works that are exploitative in nature does not only destroy their formative years of life but also prevents them from dreaming different for a better future. It deprives them of their physical and social development and also deteriorates their potential to build a distinct future. Forced labour fills their childhood with the most pathetic scenarios and traumatic experiences. There have been innumerable cases of physical, psychological and sexual abuse of child domestic workers.
The main reason behind the forced child labour practices being followed is the widespread unemployment and lack of education to fight unemployment. Even now a great part of the country is still ignorant of education and the benefits of it. In some parts of the rural area, people are not willing to accept the change and are continuing such practices with a view of dependent earning rather than being creative and unique.
However, now the global consciousness has been created and the developed, as well as the developing countries, are working towards eradicating child labour completely and shifting the focus of people more towards education and its benefits in shaping a better tomorrow. Several organisations and committees have been appointed by the Government of India to look after the child labour issues and find solutions to them. A huge number of voluntary national, as well as international organisations, are working on the process of stopping child labour that jeopardises their development of any kind and their necessary education.
