The deprived and disadvantaged sections of the society
constitutues that portion of the population which is denied the opportunity
to fully explore and utilise its abilities and thus enjoy a quality life.
These people are left behind in today's advancing economy and need special
attention and care. They should be empowered by providing basic education
and health care services to improve their social and economic conditions.
In this regard, the most important problem still posing
a challenge to the nation is that of child labour. Government has been
taking various pro-active measures to tackle this problem. Even our Constitution
contains provisions which aim at protecting children:-
- Right to Education:- The State shall provide free and
compulsory education to all children of the age of 6 to 14 years in
such a manner as the State, by law, may determine.
- Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.:- No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed in work in
any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
Consistent with these constitutional provisions, the Government
has made various statutory provisions and developmental schemes. For example,
National Child
Labour Projects (NCLP) scheme is a Central sector scheme, aimed at
withdrawing and rehabilitating children working in identified hazardous
occupations and processes through special schools and finally mainstreaming
them through formal education system.
Also, a National
Resource Centre on Child Labour (NRCCL) has been set up in V.V.
Giri National Labour Institute in Noida. Its main objective is to
assist the National and State Governments, NGOs, policy makers and other
social groups in the field of child labour through a research, training,
technical support, advocacy, media management, documentation, publication
and dissemination to various target groups towards progressive elimination
of child labour in India.
However, considering the magnitude and extent of the problem
and the fact that it is inextricably linked to poverty and illiteracy,
its elimination will require concerted efforts from all sections of the
society.
