In August 2012, the government of India proposed an
extension to the prohibition of child labor for minors under 14, in an effort
to redirect more young towards conventional education, and thus address an
issue that has tarnished the country’s image as an emerging economic powerhouse.
The proposed amendment to the existing laws would impose a three-year jail term
and a fine of €690 to anyone who employs children under 14, or use children
under 18 in hazardous industries.
If approved by Parliament, the amendment would be the end,
at least in theory, of many years of official tolerance to the use of minors in
the workforce. Child rights activists, as well as the International Labor
Organization, welcomed the initiative as a milestone in the debate on child
labor, but admitted that its implementation would be a huge challenge. A 2009
survey by the Ministry of Statistics put the number of child laborers at 5
million.
The latest initiative against child labor includes
provisions for the law not to affect the poorest families, ensuring the right
to free education and offering scholarships to offset economic losses to
families. In addition, under the new law, police would no longer need a court
order to act.
However, the Parliament of India is about to end the year
without passing the most ambitious child labor law in its history. Despite
having the backing of most MPs, the amendment has been put in the back burner
since is not regarded as a “priority”.
Some say the problem is not the laws, but their lack of enforcement.
This view is supported by the fact that under current weak legislation, only
10% of 450,000 complaints were processed in the past three years. Although most
Indian MPs claim to support the law, they do not feel the urgency to vote on it.
But with each passing day, more children are doomed to become little
semi-slaves instead of enjoying a childhood that will support their development
through play and enjoyment.
Sources: washingtonpost.com
avaaz.org
