5 Ways To Eliminate Child Labour

03/07/24

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When we examine the issue of child labour, we must consider two major facts: child labour is not a problem that is limited to India alone; in fact, it can be found across the world. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), almost one in ten children across the globe are engaged in labour. Secondly, at the same time, it is a problem that India is making significant headway in addressing.

We, as a nation, should be proud that a combination of successive and strategic government policies and stringent civil society initiatives by organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat have demonstrated an assertive direction in fighting for child rights. There is an entire ecosystem of an increasing number of socially conscious corporations and citizens, making it a problem that is finding many solutions, every day.

This is how India is proactively tackling the problem of child labour.

1. Spreading awareness

Parents and community leaders can play a forefront role when it comes to taking responsibility for addressing child labour. Responsible, alert and aware parents and communities can ensure that children’s futures are guided towards education. On the other hand, the lack of understanding on the part of parents creates specific vulnerabilities for children. Aware communities can comprehend and respond to children’s issues much more effectively. This enables them to prioritise, encourage and celebrate the growth, education, employment, and enterprise opportunities and create a socially and economically developed society.

2. Societal acceptance of the implementation of stringent laws

In India, policymaking is making steady and definitive impacts in tackling child labour. In parallel, advocacy for better laws demonstrates how considerable change can be achieved through. This is the role of NGOs, who conduct research and showcase findings, and use case studies to establish how policies can benefit children at the grassroots level. However, policy-level change is not unilateral – it requires building, sustaining, and harnessing relationships with several stakeholders – media, lawmakers, citizens, fellow civil society members and others. While proactively filing cases under the recent Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (2012) and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act has successfully translated into increased convictions, it must matched with a commitment to legal action. This requires all stakeholders to exercise due diligence and faith in the power of the judicial route.

3. Sending more children to school

It goes without saying that an active and engaged school life is one of the most effective deterrents to child labour. India has the world’s largest educational system; in parallel, it also has the largest programme of providing hot, nutritious daily meals to children to encourage their attendance and retention. A large range of programmes rooted in a commitment to inclusiveness is encouraging scholarship opportunities for children from less-privileged backgrounds. The results can be seen in greater commitment to literacy and more enrolment. The nation is also exercising a greater focus on investment in education infrastructure and ensuring these investments lead to tangible gains. Organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat execute several initiatives to boost children’s enrolment in schools. The organisation maps out-of-school children and those who are at risk of dropping out and ensures that they enter into the fold of education.

4. Discouraging people to employ children

NGOs today are playing a pivotal role in the fight against child labour. They are actively sensitising trade organisations to end this social evil, highlighting the long-term societal and economic impacts of child labour. They are also educating citizens about the importance of reporting instances of child labour at businesses and homes. This is done through various awareness campaigns, workshops, and community outreach programs. Furthermore, they are advocating for stronger laws and stricter enforcement to protect children from exploitation. Their relentless efforts are crucial in shaping a future where every child is free to learn, grow, and thrive.

5. Supporting NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat

Bal Raksha Bharat also offers support to children involved in child labour, while also working for long-term societal change through policy change. NGO works to ensure that existing policies are followed through with action. Bal Raksha Bharat works with state and national level authorities, including Police departments of states to prevent child exploitation incidents.

The NGO is committed to creating ‘Inclusive & Learner Friendly Environments’ for children aged 3-18 years across diverse settings, from urban slums to the remotest villages in India. Its approach involves creating a dialogue with children and their families to encourage school attendance and create fun and meaningful experiences in school through child-friendly and interactive teaching-learning methods. To support this, it drives funding for setting up libraries and infrastructure like computers, sports equipment, as well as Mobile Learning Centres. Through these efforts, it successfully brings back out-of-school children, including dropouts, never-been-to-school children and street children, to school. 

Geeta Lama

Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations

“I Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations at Bal Raksha Bharat. Based in New Delhi, I oversee Media Relations, Communication and foster relationships with government entities to promote the welfare of children. I have a strong background in public affairs and have successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and corporate partners."