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| Kids continue to toil despite ban on child labour | | Beyond News | | JAMMU | OCT 11
Several kids sit dejectedly, taking a break after getting a break from their work, even as the media makes headlines on banning of child labour. A ban on employment of a child below fourteen years of age in households, restaurants, hotels and resorts came into effect in entire country on Tuesday but nothing has changed for these tired-looking kids, dressed in shabby and dull dresses. Ubiquitous ‘chottu’ is openly visible in all the nooks and corners of the city.
Maximum of the working kids come from poor families and are few of the millions of them work in roadside food stalls or in the homes of India's upper and middle-class. Officials hope the new ban, which will apply to children under 14, will protect underage workers from psychological and sexual abuse as well as from strenuous working conditions. On the eve of the ban, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned of "firm action" against violators but appealed to Indians to give up the practice voluntarily.
Under the country's existing Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986, children under 14 are already banned from working in industries deemed "hazardous" such as fireworks, matchstick making, auto workshops or carpet weaving.
Many of the social activists have laid apprehensions over the manner in which authorities will implement the new ban, given their past record. "This ban on child domestic labour is a welcome step, but changes on paper are not enough and require some stringent measures for the implementation of the ban in full spirit”, said one of the activists. Activists also say that the new ban will expose the problems faced by child servants whose living and working conditions are not exposed to public scrutiny including sexual exploitation.
Whereas, authorities are of the view that results from the new ban will not come overnight, as many Indians do not see the age-old practice of employing children from impoverished families as a crime. But, the new ban for children in food stalls and working in homes is aimed at providing legal protection to millions more children. Those found violating the law could face up to two years' jail and a maximum fine of 20,000 rupees or both. |
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