BeyondHeadlines News Desk
Ranchi (Jharkhand): Child Labour is a crime against humanity and a violation of child rights. It deprives children of their right to education and physical, emotional and mental development.
In Jharkhand, there were 4 lakh (5.4%) working children of 5-14 years as per Census 2001. As per the latest Annual Health Survey (AHS) of 2011-12, there are about 2.2 lakh (3.2%) working children in the state.
The highest percentage of child labourers in the State, as per AHS, are in Pakur (6.4%), followed by Godda (6.2%), Sahibganj (4.4%), West Singhbhum (4.2%) and Palamu (4.1%). It is low in big and industrial districts. The rate is lowest in Bokaro (1.2%), followed by Dhanbad (1.3%), East Singhbhum (1.6%), Hazaribagh (1.7%) and Ranchi (1.9%).
The Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act 1986, prohibits employment of children below 14 years in 18 occupations and 65 processes. Any person who employs children in these trades could be punished with imprisonment for 3 months to 1 year and fine of Rs. 10,000 to Rs 20,000 or both.
The State government implements the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) in 8 districts – Garhwa, Sahibganj, Dumka, Pakur, West Singhbhum, Palamu, Ranchi and Hazaribagh. There are about 270 NCLP schools in the state covering about 13,000 children.
The state labour department has set up a toll free helpline Number -18003456526, to receive information on child labour and then initiate appropriate action. Panchyati Raj institutions have been given powers to monitor child labour at the community level. Jharkhand Government has formulated a plan for elimination of child labour in the State with the participation of all stakeholders.
UNICEF believes that education is the best insurance against child labour. If all children are enrolled and attend school regularly, there would not be child labour. There is a need to create a social norm against child labour in the society. It should be made socially unacceptable, whatever be the reason. Other steps to eliminate child labour include: strict enforcement of the laws relating to child labour, expanding social protection programmes, eliminating poverty and establishing child protection structures at village level.
