Q: What actionable measures would you suggest to curb the recurrent child labour menace in India ?

Model Answer:

Curbing Child Labour in India

Child labor remains a persistent challenge in India, rooted in poverty, lack of education, and socio-economic disparities. To address this issue effectively, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Here are key strategies to curb child labor in India:

1. Strengthen Legislation and Enforcement:
– Enhance the implementation of existing laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, to cover more sectors, especially the informal and unorganized sectors where most child laborers are employed.
– Increase penalties for violations and ensure strict enforcement to deter employers from hiring children.

2. Improve Adult Employment and Wages:
– Address the root causes of child labor by improving employment opportunities and wage rates for adults, particularly women, as higher wages for adults can reduce the economic necessity of child labor.
– Implement skill development programs for adults to increase their employability and income potential.

3. Promote Education:
– Ensure free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years of age, as mandated by the Constitution, to reduce the opportunity cost for parents who might otherwise rely on their children’s income.
– Provide incentives for families to send their children to school, such as scholarships, free meals, and transportation.

4. Raise Awareness and Community Engagement:
– Conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the negative impacts of child labor and the importance of education.
– Engage local communities and NGOs in monitoring and reporting instances of child labor.

5. Support Vulnerable Families:
– Implement social welfare programs to support families in extreme poverty, reducing their reliance on income from child labor.
– Provide financial assistance or subsidies to families to alleviate economic pressures that lead to child labor.

6. Focus on Rural Areas:
– Target interventions in rural areas where child labor is more prevalent, particularly in agriculture and home-based industries.
– Develop rural infrastructure and services to create alternative livelihoods and reduce dependency on child labor.

By addressing these areas, India can make significant progress in reducing child labor and ensuring a better future for its children.