2. Children….
Infants and children : they are innocent, devoid
of any negative feeling, free-minded, happy
and unaware little beings who house a big
house of innovation and ideas.
They need care, love and emotion to grow to
their fullest and be a self-sufficient, aware and
productive young citizen.
They are the future of any country or state.
Their education, physical and psychological
health determines the country’s future
development.
3. But…..
Today around the world and in India, the poor
children suffer numerous issues.
They are unable to access their basic right to
education, and a burden free life.
The fact that they are unaware of most issues is
taken into advantage by grown up individuals for
their own profit.
They are physically harassed, made to work for
less payment, beaten just because others are
frustrated and their carefree childhood and mental
peace is disturbed.
4. Why?
Poor parents unable to meet their daily
necessities donot send them school.
The little elder ones are sent to work and earn
for the family.
The girls are made to stay at home to care for
their younger siblings, cook and do daily
chores while their parents are out to work.
Children, especially girls, are kidnapped and
made to work in sexual firms.
5. A peep into reality!!!!
As per census 2001, population of children (014 yrs) is about 360 million, and 35.3 percent
of total population.
“The international labour organization
estimates that 215 million children (between
ages 5 to 17) currently work under conditions
that are hazardous, illegal, or extremely
exploitive.”
In India there was about 12.26 million working
children in age group 5-14 yrs as compared to
11.3 million in 1991. (census 2001).
7. Where in India?
Uttar Pradesh accounts for about 15.2 percent
of all child workforces in India(Census 2001)
whereas it was just 13% in 1991.
Andhra Pradesh 10.8%, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Bihar respectively 10,8.8 and 8
percent of India’s child employment.
Out of 12.14 million child labourers, 9.07 were
in rural areas. (2004-05 NSSO)
8. Who?
2004-05 NSSO data reveals, about 3% of
children belonging to scheduled castes are
engaged in some form of employment
whereas about 2% of the “others” castes are
involved.
6.5% of children in age group 10-14 were
engaged in gainful employment as against
over 4.5% of Hindu Children.
About 50% of all the child workers are found in
families where the head is illiterate.
9. Sectors involved..
Agriculture and allied activities account for
about two-thirds of child employment.
Manufacturing sector accounts for 16.55
percent of child employment.
Trade, Hotels and restaurant account for
8.45% of total child labour workforce.
Empirical studies reveal most children are
involved in informal sectors of the economy on
a casual basis with low wages and long hours
of work.
10. Proposed scopes of
improvement:
Regular camps in the areas inhabitated by
daily wage labourers to educate children and
generate awareness.
Running evening schools in areas inhabitated
by migrant workers so that even after work
children can learn
Monetary rewards for families below a certain
minimum income level where a child is
enrolled in Secondary schools.
11. Proposed scopes of
improvement:
Providing solar lamps to families where
children read in secondary school and above.
As many drop-out from school due to lack of
amenities to study.
Law against employers employing children
below 14 years to be made stricter.
Law should be made so that it is compulsory
for every child below 18 years employed in
any sector to complete minimum secondary
school, else the employers are to be
penalised.
12. Proposed scopes of
improvement:
More actions are to be taken to eradicate
poverty.
Examples include: educate women in poor
families to make crafts, potteries, weaving etc
so that they can earn to support their family.
Labour laws should be made to set a bar for
wages of daily labourers in various sectors.
Current laws on child labourers, education of
children are to be implemented in a better way.
13. Proposed scopes of
improvement:
Upliftment of various castes and minority
religious groups are to be focused by Govt.
More NGOs are to be encouraged to work for
educating adults in this group and to make
them aware camps are to be held.
Industrial towns are to be made primary focus
for helding training camps and educating the
workers to send their child to study beyond
primary school.
