International perspective towards child labor
Introduction :
To be more specific, at first we have to elaborate more clearly the term “child labor”. Depriving a child from his natural, social and ethical rights, forcing him to do physical work of low standard that could be harmful for his health, all such acts defines a “child labor’. It is work that children should not be doing because they are too young to work or if they are old enough to work because it is dangerous or otherwise unsuitable for them (Resources for Speakers – UN). According to the UN Convention on the Right of Child 1989, a person below 18 years of age is a ‘child’ (Sharma & Herath, 2007).
A child is compelled to do odd physical jobs due to many reasons; it could be their family responsibility, poverty or unavailability of adequate educational facilities. It is now a global concern. Child labor has been attracting growing attention both within countries and at the international level, and has emerged as the single most important sources of child exploitation and abuse in the world today (Haspel & Jankanish, 2000).
Though issue of child labor is quite visible in almost every developed and un-developed countries but it is more common in the third world countries. India has come to acquire the dubious distinction of possessing the largest child labor force in the world (Misra, 2003). India is one of the largest nations on globe possessing oldest culture, comprised of multiple casts and religions. Being a huge nation accommodating varied ethical values and languages it is faced by many issues. The traditional values of certain casts in India have much influence on its overall culture. Upper class or the elites are a bit under western influence, contrarily the lower class are still ensuing their traditional beliefs.
In India many reasons are blamed for this large-scale child labor. One main reason is low rate of illiteracy among the youth in rural areas. As stated by (Weston. B, 2012) that culturally bound country like India tradition also plays a vital role, which deprives children from school. As in certain cast system there are limitations over getting education other than their religious studies. They believe acquiring skills through practical work is the real mode of life rather than getting westernized education.
India today stands among the developed countries of the world. But poverty is the main element of concern for Indian government. Many rural areas in India still lack basic amenities; residents of such area are compelled to spend life under much depression. Supporting large families in these areas is big hassle. All male members have to do work to earn their living, children of such families once there are able to do physical work irrespective of their age, do different odd jobs submitting their share in supporting family. Children in poverty do not have the luxury of a safe and joyful childhood or an education (Connell. R, 2010). Even in urban areas it’s a common sight, innocent children male/female working at workshops, construction yards, barber saloon or restaurants. These children have either came from rural areas or emerge from low-lying poor localities of urban areas (Connell. R, 2010). Moreover due to this poverty a significant number of Indian children, are not able to join schools or enjoy their childhood but are forced to do physical labor, contributing their share in the child labor force. Though poverty is cited as the major cause of child labor, it is not the only determinant (Sharma & Herath, 2007).
The Government of India has been greatly concerned about the plight of child labor in various sectors of employment in the country (Weston. B, 2012). Though the Government has imposed ban on hiring a child below 14 years of age but many factories ignoring the Governments directive, willingly hire children below the age. These children are equally productive of an adult labor but unfortunately are paid much less than an adult labor. More productive and less paid child labor reduces the productive cost, and thus in simple words benefiting the employers. There is a vested interest from many who use and employ child labor for their gains, and the Government needs to be more forthright about its role if it is serious about eliminating child labor (Nagel, 2000).
Different Indian states have formulated laws and policies in collaboration with the Central Government to ban ‘Child Labor’. According to such laws a child below the age of 14 cannot be hired for 16 specified jobs or any other job that can risk the health or life of the child.
Combating the dragon of ‘Child Labor’, needs more strategies besides Government policies. Free learning facilities should be made available in low lying areas, there should be some incentives for the children below 14 in poor families and there should be a strict ban on purchase of products that are made using child labor.
Navigate the complexities of Causes and Prevention of Child Labor with Assignmentstudio. Our thorough examination highlights socioeconomic factors, legislative frameworks, and grassroots initiatives crucial for eradicating child labor practices worldwide.
