IS THE ENOUGH ATTENTION GIVEN TO THE ISSUE OF CHILD LABOUR IN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? DISCUSS BRIEFLY
- According to the ILO, child labour includes any work that deprives children of their childhood, potential and dignity, physical or mental development.
- It perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty (due to poor education-health, less economic opportunities), denying children their fundamental rights and a better future.
Constitutional provision in India
- Article 24 of the Constitution of India prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any hazardous employment.
India’s commitment to eliminate child labour
- India resolves to eliminate child labour by 2025 as per –
- The commitments made by the county after ratification of ILO conventions, and
- The target stipulated in Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 to end all forms of child labour.
Impact on Sustainable Development
- Economic Consequences: Child labor hinders sustainable economic growth by perpetuating cycles of poverty. Children deprived of education due to labor cannot contribute effectively to the economy in the future, limiting human capital development.
- Social and Ethical Issues: Exploiting children in labor deprives them of their basic rights, including the right to education, health, and a safe environment. This impedes the achievement of Social Sustainability, a crucial pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).
- Long-term Development: Child labor undermines human capital formation, which is essential for sustained development. It restricts children from developing skills, reducing the productivity of the workforce in the long term.
Challenges in Addressing Child Labor
- Poverty and Inequality: In many developing nations, child labor is a result of economic necessity. Poor families, especially in rural or marginalized communities, often rely on children’s income for survival. This structural issue needs to be addressed through comprehensive policies targeting poverty alleviation.
- Lack of Awareness and Enforcement: Although there are legal frameworks, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, lack of awareness, and cultural norms often allow child labor to continue, especially in informal sectors like agriculture and domestic work.
Conclusion
While there is considerable global and national attention on child labor, its persistence in the face of sustainable economic development remains a challenge. The key to addressing this issue lies in the holistic approach—ensuring strict enforcement of labor laws, improving access to education, and eradicating poverty through social welfare programs. Sustainable economic growth can only be achieved if children are empowered through education and not exploited through labor.
