Child Labour in Beedi Making - At a Glance

Abstract

Education is a key factor for the wholesome development of an individual as well as our Nation building. Education is a powerful weapon to eradicate poverty, unemployment and underemployment and hunger from our country. Children who are drawn to child labour are basically driven because of economic deprivation and lack of schooling and engagement of family for their daily needs. Child comes in many forms. If can be visible or invisible many children work at dumpsites, cut stones, work in small factories, car workshops or as a carrier in ports or on construction sites, parents also sent their out to go begging on the streets, other work as prostitutes or domestic slaves. Over 1.7 million children work as laborers in India’s beedi-rolling. This information was released on children’s day by public health organization, NGOs and there are some studies which have found that there is low enrolment in schools with increased rates of child employment. School education is the most important platform for early intervention against child labour. The National Child Labour Project (NCLP) scheme was launched in nine districts which are observed to have a high prevalence of child labour in the country. Under the scheme funds are given to the district collectors for running special schools with the objective of eliminating child labour. Most of these schools are run by the Non-Governmental organizations in the districts. Under the scheme those children are provided formal and informal education along with vocational training at a stipend of Rs.100 per month and health check-up are also done for them. Few abuses of human rights are so universally condemned, but at the same time so universally practiced as child labour. This issue should rank high on the global agenda but in practice, it is surrounded by a wall of silence and perpetuated by ignorance. Child labour continues to be an affront to the conscience of the world community