CHILD LABOUR ISSUE: POLITY
NEWS: New study based on court data differs from NCRB, more child labour cases in six states
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
A study based on judicial data revealed a significant discrepancy in child labour cases, showing eight times more cases than reported by the NCRB. Despite legal efforts, child labour remains prevalent in India, driven by poverty, lack of education, and socio-cultural factors.
Study on Child Labour: Key Findings
• A study by Enfold and CivicDataLab, based on judicial data from the e-Courts platform, revealed a significant discrepancy between child labour cases reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and judicial data.
• Discrepancy in Data:
• NCRB reported only 1,329 child labour cases between 2015 and 2022 under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
• However, e-Courts data revealed 9,193 trials for the same period, showing a stark difference in the number of cases reported.
• The study analyzed 10,800 child labour cases across six states: Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Issues with NCRB Data:
• NCRB follows the "Principal Offence Rule," where only the most serious offence in cases involving multiple offences is counted, often leaving out minor crimes like child labour.
• As a result, many cases involving child labour may not be captured if they are part of larger criminal cases.
• Importance of Data:
• Accurate data is crucial for understanding crime trends and formulating effective solutions and policies to address issues like child labour.
• It helps researchers, policymakers, and academics devise more effective strategies for combating child labour.
Child Labour Issue in India
• Root Causes:
• Poverty and Illiteracy: Poverty remains the primary cause of child labour in India, with many families relying on their children’s income for survival.
• Effective solutions require societal involvement and addressing underlying issues like poverty and lack of education.
• Statistics on Child Labour:
• Census 2001: India had 1.26 crore working children aged 5-14 out of a total child population of 25.2 crore.
• Census 2011: The number of child labourers aged 5-14 years reduced to 10.1 million, representing 3.9% of the total child population in this age group.
Key Committees and Findings on Child Labour
• Gurupadswamy Committee (1979):
• The committee was formed to study child labour and propose measures for its elimination.
• It identified poverty as the primary barrier to eradicating child labour and recommended banning child labour in hazardous sectors while regulating work in other areas.
• The committee emphasized a multi-policy approach for tackling the issue, focusing on rehabilitation, education, and skill development.
Impact of Child Labour on Society
• Hindered Economic Growth:
• Child labour leads to long-term loss of productivity as children miss out on education, which prevents them from acquiring skills for future employment.
• Perpetuation of Poverty:
• Children who work instead of studying are less likely to secure well-paying jobs as adults, thereby contributing to the continuation of the poverty cycle.
• Lack of Skilled Workforce:
• The absence of education prevents children from becoming skilled workers, leading to a lack of a competent workforce in the future economy.
• Social Inequality:
• Child labour exacerbates social inequality, as marginalized children are more likely to be exploited and denied opportunities for personal development.
• Weakens Social Progress:
• Widespread child labour limits social progress by hindering improvements in education, health, and overall quality of life for communities and society as a whole.
Challenges in Preventing Child Labour in India
• Poverty:
• Families often depend on their children's income for survival, making it difficult to eliminate child labour.
• Lack of Access to Education:
• Poor infrastructure, limited schools, and inadequate education facilities, especially in rural areas, prevent children from accessing education.
• Cultural Acceptance:
• In certain regions, child labour is normalized as part of family tradition or livelihood, which makes its elimination difficult.
• Limited Awareness:
• Many families, employers, and communities are not fully aware of the harmful effects of child labour, which hinders efforts to eliminate it.
• Economic Exploitation:
• The demand for cheap labour in industries like textiles, agriculture, and construction continues to exploit children.
• Migration:
• Migrant families in urban areas often push their children into work due to instability and lack of access to education in new locations.
Constitutional Provisions and Legal Framework
• Fundamental Rights:
• Article 21A: The State is obligated to provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
• Article 24: Prohibits child labour in hazardous occupations for children below 14 years of age.
• Directive Principles of State Policy:
• Article 39(e): Ensures protection of children from exploitation and abuse.
• Article 39(f): Ensures children’s development in conditions of dignity and freedom.
Legislative Actions to Combat Child Labour
• Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986:
• Prohibits child labour in hazardous occupations and regulates work in non-hazardous sectors.
• Amendment (2016): Banned employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and extended the prohibition to adolescents (14-18 years) in hazardous jobs.
• National Policy on Child Labour (1987):
• Focused on a gradual and sequential approach to tackle child labour and prioritize the rehabilitation of children and adolescents involved in labour.
• National Child Labour Project (NCLP):
• Provides education, vocational training, and rehabilitation for children rescued from labour in high-concentration areas.
• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009:
• Ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 to keep them out of the workforce.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
• Encourages school attendance by providing free meals to children, thereby reducing the incentive to work.
• Labour Inspections and Raids:
• State governments regularly conduct inspections and raids to identify and prevent child labour in industries.
• Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS):
• Provides support and rehabilitation for children at risk of exploitation and abuse, including child labour.
Conclusion
• Despite government efforts, child labour continues to be a significant issue in India, primarily driven by poverty, lack of education, and socio-cultural factors.
• To effectively address this issue, a comprehensive approach involving better enforcement of laws, improved education infrastructure, and societal awareness is crucial.
• Long-term solutions require a combined effort from the government, civil society, and the community to ensure the protection and welfare of children across the country.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/new-study-based-on-court-data-differs-from-ncrb-more-child-labour-cases-in-six-states-9912270/