India's unfinished battle against child labour

By Harasankar Adhikari

Despite the enactment of laws and the implementation of rehabilitation programs, child labor remains a glaring issue in India. The illusion of success, bolstered by international recognition such as a Nobel Prize for Peace, masks the harsh reality faced by countless children who are still trapped in exploitative work conditions. This is not a victory but a daydream, as the plight of child workers continues unabated.

The government's budget allocations for child labor rehabilitation and welfare have dwindled to zero, with claims that investments in education, health, and nutrition suffice. While initiatives like midday meals and free education up to Class VIII are commendable, they fail to address the root causes of child labor—poverty, broken families, and systemic neglect. With one-third of India's population living below the poverty line, the eradication of child labor seems like an unattainable goal.

Take the case of Badsha, an 8-year-old dishwasher in Kolkata, who works 12-14 hours a day for a meager wage of ₹2,000. His earnings are crucial for his family's survival, highlighting the grim reality that many children are forced into labor to support their families. Stories like Badsha's are not isolated; they are a testament to the failure of policies and campaigns that lack effective monitoring and assessment.

The propaganda of a "Vikshit Bharat" by 2047 rings hollow when the future of millions of children remains bleak. Political strategies focused on vote favoritism and wealth disparity only exacerbate the issue, creating a new middle class while neglecting the most vulnerable sections of society. Consumerism and changing lifestyles may benefit the economy, but they do little to uplift the lives of child workers.

Urgent intervention is needed to protect children from the workforce and ensure their right to education and a better future. Family support and care must be prioritized, alongside robust monitoring of existing laws and policies. The government must recognize that the fight against child labor is far from over and take meaningful steps to address this persistent curse.

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