Essay on Child Labour in India

Child Labour in India

Child labour is a curse on our lives. The curse that we are still not free from. Many children in India do not have the privilege that other children have and they do not enjoy their childhood as they should. These children are compelled to work under the most inhuman conditions and there is no end to their sufferings. Though there are laws in India banning child labour. However, children continue to be exploited as they are affordable labour. This is because the officers are unable to enforce laws to save the children from being engaged as labourers.

India has not yet succeeded in curbing child labour. Unfortunately, the actual number of child labourers in India cannot be ascertained. Children are forced to work without adequate food, fair wages and rest. They are subject to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Causes of Child labour

Poverty, lack of social security, widening gap between rich and poor, adversely affect children as compared to any other group. We have failed to provide universal education. As a result, children have to leave school and enter the labour force. Lack of parental jobs during the recession, farmers' suicides, political conflicts and high cost of health care are other factors contributing to child labour.

Child labour a widespread problem

Due to high poverty and poor schooling, child labour is quite prevalent in India. you can find Child labour in rural as well as urban areas. Children have a 40% share of labour in the precious stone cutting area. They are mostly employed in industries such as mining, factories, hubs and embroidery units, Dhabas or small eateries, tea stalls, restaurants and in household labour.

Government officials and civil society organizations need to be in tandem to free children engaged in labour under unhealthy conditions. They should be protected from exploitative working conditions and supported with adequate education. Above all, there is a need to create public opinion with the aim of bringing about an effective policy initiative to eliminate child labour in all forms.