Child Labor, by Basil Khan, X-B
In this world, at this day, the production is at such a level that none of the earlier human beings would imagine. To meet such a huge production mankind are doing a threat to other persons especially children. The employment of children in any work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, socially or morally, dangerous and harmful is called Child Labour. Its’ evolution can be traced long back during the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) when the world began to know that is Industry. These children worked in agriculture, home-based assembly operations, factories, mining etc. Some worked night shifts lasting 12 hours.
In 2010, sub-saharan Africa had the highest incidence rates of child labour, with some African countries, witnessing over 50% of children working, aged between 5-14.
Can we eliminate child labour? Though it is a desirable goal, it is virtually impossible to do away with child labour since the socio-economic status of some families are very, very weak.
Talking of India, realizing the harm caused by child labour, the Indian Government made laws to protect children from worming and give them compulsory education. One such law is Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 was enacted to prohibit child labour. Though it is almost impossible to do away with, due to very poor socio-economic status, the Indian Government is still committed to the task of ensuring that no child remains hungry, illiterate, or without medical care. When this will be achieved is a Million Dollar question.
But in a society where many households may have to suffer the pangs of hunger if their children is withdrawn from work, beggars can’t be chooders. These families have to send their children to work, despite the fact that their future is ruined, as that is only the choice open for them to survive in this world. Therefore, unless the socio-economic status of the poor families is improved, not only India but the world has to live with child labour.