Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Child labour, defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as work that deprives a child of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, remains a pervasive issue globally, particularly in developing nations like India. While often associated with the unorganized or informal sector – brick kilns, domestic work, agriculture – limiting its analysis to this sphere is insufficient. The issue of child labour exposes deeper structural vulnerabilities within the economy, governance systems, and even international trade relations, extending far beyond the confines of the informal economy. Recent reports indicate a resurgence in child labour due to pandemic-induced economic distress, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding.
The Prevalence of Child Labour in the Informal Sector
The informal sector provides fertile ground for child labour due to several factors:
- Lack of Regulation: The absence of stringent labour laws and enforcement mechanisms in the informal sector allows employers to exploit vulnerable children.
- Poverty and Economic Vulnerability: Families facing extreme poverty often rely on children’s earnings for survival, pushing them into labour.
- Limited Access to Education: Lack of access to quality education and high dropout rates contribute to the supply of child labour.
- Social Norms: In some communities, child labour is accepted as a traditional practice.
According to the Census of India 2011, there were 3.55 million child labourers aged 5-14 years in India. However, this figure is widely believed to be an underestimate due to underreporting and the difficulty in capturing data from the informal sector.
Beyond the Informal Sector: Systemic Implications
The issue of child labour transcends the informal sector in several critical ways:
1. Linkages with Formal Supply Chains
Many formal sector industries, such as textiles, garments, footwear, and agriculture, rely on supply chains that incorporate informal labour, including child labour. Consumers in developed countries indirectly contribute to the demand for goods produced using child labour. For example, the mica mining industry in Jharkhand, supplying the cosmetics industry globally, is notorious for employing children in hazardous conditions.
2. Governance and Policy Failures
The persistence of child labour reflects failures in governance, including:
- Weak Enforcement of Laws: Despite legislation like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended in 2016), enforcement remains weak due to corruption, lack of resources, and inadequate monitoring.
- Ineffective Rehabilitation Programs: Rehabilitation programs for rescued child labourers are often insufficient to address their long-term needs, including education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
- Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination between different government departments and civil society organizations hinders effective intervention.
3. Socio-Economic Inequalities
Child labour is deeply rooted in social inequalities based on caste, class, gender, and region. Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. For instance, children from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities are more likely to be engaged in child labour than children from other social groups.
4. International Trade and Economic Liberalization
Economic liberalization and the pursuit of export-oriented growth have, in some cases, exacerbated child labour. The pressure to reduce costs and compete in global markets can lead to the exploitation of vulnerable workers, including children. Global value chains often obscure the origins of products and make it difficult to hold companies accountable for labour practices in their supply chains.
The Role of Globalisation
Globalisation has created a demand for cheaper goods, which in turn incentivises the use of child labour in certain industries. The pursuit of competitive advantage in the global market often leads to the exploitation of vulnerable populations, including children. The demand for raw materials like cotton, cocoa, and minerals can drive child labour in producing countries.
| Sector | Type of Child Labour | Geographical Concentration (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Plantation, Harvesting, Animal Husbandry | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan |
| Mining | Coal, Mica, Stone Quarrying | Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan |
| Textiles | Spinning, Weaving, Embroidery | Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal |
| Domestic Work | Cleaning, Cooking, Childcare | Urban areas across India |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while child labour is visibly concentrated in the informal sector, its roots lie much deeper, encompassing systemic failures in governance, socio-economic inequalities, and the dynamics of global trade. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that goes beyond simply regulating the informal sector. It necessitates strengthening law enforcement, investing in education and social protection, promoting fair trade practices, and tackling the underlying causes of poverty and inequality. A holistic and integrated strategy is crucial to ensure that all children have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood and reach their full potential.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.