Can Ban On Child Labour Eradicate Poverty?

Can Ban On Child Labour Eradicate Poverty?

Introduction

A Parliamentary Standing Committee comprising of cross party law makers had cleared the pending legislation to ban child labour. However, the bill has been sent back to the labour ministry for further review, stating that child labour cannot be completely prohibited due to poverty. There are many experts who believe that child labour is necessary in India. Here, let us analyse the topic from a new perspective and discuss ‘Can Ban On Child Labour Eradicate Poverty?’

Yes

• Ban on Child Labour can pave way for education and it is really what can empower children with the skills required to support themselves and their family in the future,

• Child labour can have adverse impact on the health of the future. They can suffer from long-term health problems which again will only amount to more severe problems in an economy.

• It is not sustainable for nations to depend on child labour. An educated and healthy work force is required to achieve long-term productivity.

• It is essential that adults are paid fair wages so that they do not need to send their kids to work at the expense of their personal development and education. And it can be made possible only when the adults are educated.

• Kids are the cheapest form of labour and also are not aware of the rights. Pushing them to work ultimately hampers economy.

• As per a report released by International Labour organization, every $1 spent on the elimination of child labour would yield $7 in the next two decades.

No

• If kids are not working, then they and their families would be living in greater poverty. Banning child labour cannot eradicate poverty but will only increase it.

• A working child can sometimes serve as a source of income for entire family. It may help other members of the family to get education and proper health.

• Banning child labor can force kids to live in more dismal and harmful conditions, and can open them to more exploitation.

• There are many instances where survival would be in threat, if the child labor is banned. It in no case is definition of poverty eradication.

• The report released by International Labour Organization talks about future returns. But what about today? Who will support poor kids and their families?

Conclusion

It is truly said, poverty and child labour have a chicken-and-egg relationship. The kids born in a disadvantaged position have no option but to start working at an early age. They are devoid of education and thus, become economically vulnerable. They are forcefully pushed into mess of child labour and it comes at the cost of their education and health. However, by saying this government and society cannot step back from their responsibilities. The change has to start from day, and if it is not today, it can be never.