Session on Child labor at Shaheed Major Alok Mathur Senior Secondary School, Jhotwara, Jaipur, Rajasthan (February, 2020)
Child labor
Child labor is a global phenomenon. Its magnitude and dimensions, however, vary widely from country to country. India possesses the largest child labor force in the world despite various measures undertaken by the government and non-governmental agencies to tackle this issue. According to an estimate, there are over 60 million child laborers in India who constitute nearly 25 % of the working children of the world.
Child labor is the exploitation of underage children in many forms, forcing them to work illegally which harms or abuses them. This abuse may be physical, mental, or sexual; depriving the children (child laborers) of their right to basic education. According to the International Labor Organization(ILO), "child labor is where children are deprived of their childhood because they are forced to work long hours for little or no money, deprived of education and in conditions harmful to their mental and physical development.” It is present everywhere i.e. in developed, developing, and the underdeveloped worlds though ratios differ. Asia leads by 61% followed by Africa at 32%. According to UNICEF, there are 250 million children aged between 5-14 years employed as child labor in developing countries out of which 120 million work full time.
Among the developing countries, India has the highest number of child laborers under the age of 14 years which is approximately 12.6 million. Children are engaged in every sector of the economy like match stick making, fireworks, domestic labor, construction, carpet-making industry, brick kilns, etc.
The framers of the Indian Constitution incorporated relevant provisions under various articles in Part III and IV to ensure justice to children.
Selected articles of the Indian Constitution in this regard are presented as follows: Article-23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor. Article-24: Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories, mines, or in any other hazardous employment. Article-45: Provision of early childhood care and education for children until the age of six years (86th Constitutional Amendment Act-2002). Article-21(A): Provision of free and compulsory education of children of the age of six to fourteen years (86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002). Article-51A (k): Fundamental duties of parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education of children between the age of six and fourteen years.
Activity conducted during the session
Pre-session assessment:
What is child labor? The majority of students responded that child labor refers to children working before the age of 18. Why do children work at an early age? Some students responded that children work due to their family's financial condition, poverty, desire to fulfill dreams, or having an unemployed, alcohol-addicted father. Some mentioned orphans as a reason, while others said family pressure and compulsions. One student cited bonded labor as a reason for child labor.
Documentary screening
Child labor in India - In Delhi, there are three dump yards where all the city's trash is thrown. Some people earn their living from this trash, including children like seven-year-old Ravi, who sorts through the trash to support her unwell family. Ravi is the only healthy member of her family and has to work to manage the household. Although she is supposed to attend school, she works at the dump yard instead. This story has become the reality of many children in the area. (Video link: https://youtu.be/5f_ra1q5pHc) Childline 1098, Child rights and Child labor in India- The problem of child labor in India is growing rapidly and needs to be stopped. Childline works for child protection 24 hours a day. (Video link: https://youtu.be/FJNAuz6FsPw) Darpan - Child Labor In India- This thought-provoking film is about Bholu, a 12-year-old boy who had to leave school and work in a hotel due to a tragedy with his parents. The hotel is owned by a kind-hearted old man named Rahim, who gets arrested for employing an underage child. But then something unexpected happens. (Video link: https://youtu.be/40s7Qlseyh8)
Post session assessment
What are your thoughts on child labor now? Some students responded that there is a difference between child labor and children being forced to work due to circumstances. Therefore, whether or not a child is engaged in child labor depends upon the situation they are in. What options are left for those children for whom working is necessary? Students responded that a child can manage both work and studies, but they should not do any hazardous work and should take care of their mental and physical health.
Facilitator asking questions to students during the session
Documentary screening on child labor and child line 1098
Students watching videos shown to for the better understanding of the different perspective of child labor
Facilitator asking question after showing the documentary
Movie screening on child labor
Executive director of JFF interacting with the students