CHILD LABOUR – THE WORST FORM OF
EXPLOITATION Exploitation of the weak by the mighty has existed
in various forms down the ages. Whites reducing the blacks to slavery, economic superiority dictating terms to the less fortunate, the subjugation of women in all its repugnant shades, have all existed, been regularly condemned and to some extent been out-lawed . The most heinous, reprehensible and tragic of them all is the
exploitation of little children, Unfortunately in India too we have a record of child labour that is both shaming and alarming.
Tiny children are the bread winners of their families. They are treated like bonded labour, devoid and indeed, ignorant of their right to a life of dignity. Long working hours, inhuman work conditions, cramped living spaces, woeful nutrition and ridiculously low wages make the plight of hundreds of children pitiable and bring dishonour to the country. The fireworks industry, the carpet industry, the zari industry and the more unorganized ones like the automobile and service industries have all earned their millions working little children to death in the most hazardous of conditions.
The reasons for something as ugly as child labour are manifold, while crippling poverty and illiteracy top the list. Sometimes the parents of these children are so abjectly poor that they sell their children for a paltry amount. Children earning some money have entire households dependant on them. The illiterate parents are convinced that more children mean more working hands. A high infant mortality rate, again abetted by poverty and illiteracy, adds to the belief that the more children the better. The
population then exerts an unbearable pressure on already scarce resources. Needless to say, these children never get even a rudimentary education, health care or indeed , a childhood. This vicious circle is hard to break.
The only long term , viable solution is the total eradication of poverty and illiteracy and hence over population. It’s time all the children of this country got their fair share of caring and the chance to make something of their lives.