CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
The Nation’s Children are assets of our nation. Their nurture and solicitude are
our responsibility. Children’s programmes should fine a prominent part in our
national plans for the development of human resources so that our children
grow up to become robust citizens, physically fit, mentally alert and morally
healthy, endowed with the skill and motivations needed by society. Equal
opportunities for development would serve our large purpose of reducing
inequality and ensuring social justice. If a child is a national asset, it is the duty
of the state to look after the child with a view to ensuring full development of
But from the beginning of human society children have been exploited
mercilessly and indiscriminately. Child Labour has been the cheapest and
disciplined. Children were made to work at home and outside, in factories and
fields, in hazardous occupations, in hotels, restaurants and as domestic aids.
Children have been working even at an early age of 6 to 8. Their working hours
have been long and their wages have been meager.
The major determinant of child labour is poverty. Even though children
are paid less than adult, whatever income they earn is of benefit to poor
families. In addition to poverty, the lack of adequate and accessible sauces of
credit forces poor parents to engage their children in the harsher form of child
labour—bonded child labour. Some parents also feel that a formal education is
not beneficial, and that children learn work skills through labour at a young
age. These views are narrow and do not take the long term developmental
benefits of education into account. Another determinant is access to education.
In some areas, education is not affordable, or is found to be inadequate. With
no other alternatives, children spend their time working.
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 2
But compulsory education may help in regard to these attitudes. The
example of Sri Lanka and Kerala show that compulsory education has worked
in those areas. There are differences between Sri Lanka Kerala and the rest of
India. What types of social welfare structures do these places have? Is there
some other reason why the labour market for held laborers is poor in these
areas? These are some questions that need to be answered before applying the
concept of compulsory education to India? Is making progress in terms of
educational policy. The Deep has been implemented only four years ago, and
sores its are not apparent at this time hopefully the future will show that this
program has made progress towers universal education and eradicating child
labour. Child labour cannot be eliminated by focusing on determinate for
example education, or by brute enforcement of child labour laws. The
Government of India must ensure that the needs of poor are filled before
attacking child labour. If puberty is addressed, the need for child labour will
automatically diminish. No matter how hard India tries, child labour will
always exist until the need for in remover. The development of India as a
nation is being hampered by child labour. Children are growing up illiterate
because they have been working and not attending school. A cycle of poverty is
formed and the need for child labour is reborn after every generation. India
needs to address the situation by tackling the underlying causes of child labour
through governmental policies and the enforcement of these policies. Only then
will India succeed in the fight against child labour. Considering the magnitude
and extent of the problem and that it is essentially a socio – economic problem
inextricably linked to poverty and illiteracy, it requires concerned efforts from
the government ant from all sections of the society to make a dent in the
problem i. e. success can be achieved only through social engineering on a
major scale combined with national economic growth because child labour is
both an economic and social problem. One of the greatest achievements of
progressive democracies in the last century is to have recognized the rightful
place of the child in the societal fabric. Both in the International forum as wells
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 3
Domestic policies, positive action for the child’s welfare is evidenced by way
of various United Nations Conventions, State legislations and judicial
interpretations. The efforts towards preserving the environment and bringing
about sustainable development are aimed at giving our children what is
naturally theirs. Child-centric human rights jurisprudence has come to be a
new dimension to the larger role of low in social engineering Starting with
the Declaration of the Rights of the child , adopted in 1924 by the League of
Nations that “mankind owes to the child the best it has to give”, there have
been many endeavors of the international community in protecting the interests
of the child. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, the
International Covenant on Civil and political Rights and the Covenant of
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966 are the other instruments that
convey that rights of the child. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, 1959
and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 of the United Nations
ratified by our country as well, contain legal standards necessary for granting
social. Economic and cultural rights for children’s. International program on
the Elimination of Child Labour is a global program launched by the
International Labour Organization in December 1991. India was the first
Every child in the country as a legitimate claim and is entitled to its
share in the finance of the republic for harmonious and comprehensive
development of its personality. There is a need to enhance the share in the
budget for the development and welfare of children in their interest of the
country. As a plant needs protection nourishment and proper environment to
grow into a big fruit bearing tree, a child also needs protection, nourishment
and proper environment to grow into a useful and responsible citizen to serve
Spending money on education of the child is not an expense on the
public exchequer but an asset in the long run. It is the best infrastructure that
could be laid for the prosperity of a nation. About 42 million children in the
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 4
age group of 6-14 do not have access to basic education. Female education,
which Palkiwala calls the priority of priorities, hampered not only by the deep-
rooted cultural prejudices but also due to lack of real concern. Initiatives like
operation blackboard, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and mid-day meal scheme, etc.
have been taken so that school dropout rate is curtailed. But be must also
ensure that the policies and effort to serve the purpose must be consistent and
continuous and not momentary promise. Education of the child is inextricably
intertwined with the programs of a democracy. Democracy can succeed only
with an informant citizenry. The consequence of India clearly states that child
labour is wrong and the measure should be taken to end it. The government of
India has implemented the child labour Act, in 1986 that out less child labour
in certain areas and sets the minimum age of employment at 14
Year. This Act, falls short of making all child labour illegal, and fails to meet
the ILO guideline concerning the minimum age of employment set at 15 year
of age. Through policies are in place that should potential reduce the incidence
of child labour, enforcement is a problem. If I child labour is to be eradicated in
India, the government those responsible for enforcement need to start doing
their jobs. Policies can and will be developed concerning child labour, but
without enforcement they are all useless.
Various welfare enactments made by parliament and the appropriate
start legislatures are only teasing illusions and a promise of unreality unless
they are effectively implemented and make the right to life to the child driven
to labour a reality, meaningful and happy.
The constitution of India articulates the concern for children as can be
seen from Articles 15(3), 24, 39(e), 39(f), 47 and 51-A (k). The provision in the
constitution provide right to the children against exploitation through
hazardous employment, on free and compulsory education and to make special
provision for them. Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits employment of the
child below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any other
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 5
hazardous employment, butt is a hard reality that dues to poverty the child is
driven to be employed in a factory, mine or hazardous employment.
The Eighty-sixth Constitutional Amendment that made education a
fundamental right for children in the age group of 6to 14 ears is a result of the
empathy shown by public-spirited individuals and institutions towards the
child. Many states are in place to make the life of the child easier and
Pragmatic, realistic and constrictive steps and actions are required to be
taken to enable the child belonging to poor, weaker sections, Dalits and Tribes
and minorities, enjoy their childhood and develop their full blossomed
personality-educationally, intellectually and culturally with a spirit of inquiry,
reform and enjoyment of leisure.
It is suggested that instead of each state having its own children’s Act,
different in procedure and content from the children’s Act in other states, it
would be desirable if the central government initiates parliamentary
Legislations on the subject. So that there is complete uniformity in regard to the
various provisions relating to children in the entire territory of the country.
Despite the above, the stark reality is that in our country, children are exploited
lot. Child Labour is a big m problem and has remained intractable, even after
Years of our having become independent despite various legislative
enactments prohibiting employment of a child in a number of occupations and
Child Labour, therefore, must be eradicated though well –planned,
poverty-focused alleviation, development and imposition of trade actions in
employment of the children etc. Total banishment of employment of may drive
the children and mass them up into destitution and other mischievous
environment, making them vagrant, hard criminals and porn to social risks etc.
The role and concern of the Indian Supreme Court has been profound in
making beater the lives of numerous children who were objects of exploitation.
The Supreme court in Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs. Union of India had to say1
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 6
This right to live with human dignity enshrined in article 21 drives its life
breath from the directive principles of State Policy and particularly clauses (e)
and (f) of article 39 and articles 41 and 42and at and the least therefore, it must
include protection of stat the health and strength of worker, men and woman,
and of the tender age of children against abuse, opportunities and facilities for
children to develop in healthy money and in conditions of freedom and
dignity, educational facilities, just and humane conditions of work and
maternity relief. These are the minimum requirements which must exist in
order to enable a person to live with human dignity….”
The observations made yet in another judgment in Bandhua Mukti
Morch vs. Union of India-are relevant in the context, which read ”The child of
today cannot develop to be a responsible and productive member of
tomorrow’s society unless an environment which is conducive to his social and
physical health is assured to him. Every nation, developed or developing, links
its future with the status of the child. … Neglecting the children means loss to
the society as a whole. If children are deprived of their childhood-socially,
economically, physically and mentally-the nation gets deprived of the potential
human resources for social progress, economic empowerment and peace and
order, the social stability and good citizenry. The Founding Fathers of the
Constitution, therefore, have emphasized the importance of the role of child
and the need of its best development.”
The Supreme Court of India in Rosy Jacob vs. Jacob A. Chakramakkal2
observed “The children are not mere chattels: nor are they mere playthings for
their parents. Absolute right of parents over the destinies and the lives of their
children have, in the modern changed social conditions, yielded to the
considerations of their welfare as human beings so that they may grow up in a
normal balanced manner to be useful members of the society. We should
remember and remind ourselves that it is only strong, knowledgeable and
virtuous children who can make the country strong and great.”
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 7
Children are innocent, vulnerable and dependent. Abounding children
and excluding good foundation of life for them is a crime against humanity.
Millions of children live under especially difficult circumstances-as orphans,
street children, refugees, displaced persons, as victims of war and other
manmade disasters. For the full and harmonious development of his or her
personality, a child should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere
of happiness, love and understanding. Adults cannot barter away the future of
the children. There must be conscious and continuous effort by all concerned to
take care of children to ensure whole some development of their personality.
If we neglect and do not provide or meet the bare needs of food, health and
education of children, heavy price will have to be paid in the future. There is
needed to make people aware about rights of children and as to the importance
of their growing up and responsible and productive citizens, Educational
institutions, Governments, NGOs and media can play a vital role in this regard.
Social communication needs to be stimulated at different levels and through
multiple channels across the plural society. This requires sensitive and
professional handling in a decentralization manner. Methods and mechanics are
to be designed to inform children and parents through the educational system
and other media to sensitize public functionaries and opinion-makers.
Voluntary organizations could be a powerful means of social mediation and
communication in promoting the rights of children and equally in preventing
their exploitation and suffering. In a domestic set-up, the most important need
in institutional support at the political a policy levels.
Even today, millions of children in the metropolitan slums are growing
in an environment of crime and drug abuse. Who is to care of them and what is
to be done? Ignoring children is nothing but wasting a supreme national asset.
Many of them, if properly groomed, may occupy various vital and useful
positions in all walks of life in the health, food, clothing and shelter; visualize
what our country is going to be in the future. We relies the importance and
worth of oxygen when it is withdrawn, resulting in suffocation and leading to
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 8
serious consequences. Neglecting or ignoring the welfare of children and their
all-round development may create like atmosphere where oxygen is withdrawn
making the life of the country miserable over the years. We have a full-fledged
ministry of Human Resources Development and numerous agencies engaged in
child welfare work. It is true that the health, education and general well being
of children have received the focus and attention of officials and public but in
effect and practice a lot is required to be done yet. In a sense, children are
custodians of the glory and greatness of the nation. The proper growth of our
children will be a true tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru-- the builder of
modern India. Almost 65 years ago he asked: “who lives if India dies? Who
dies if India lives?” If India is to live , children are to live Children are to be
looked after and groomed well, not merely on the basis of Constitutional to
Statutory provisions but also with great human touch and concern. We have
both obligation and duty towards them. “ A New Deal for India’s Children”, as
envisaged and highlighted in the address of the distinguished speaker making
positive, concrete and constructive suggestions, is in a way great deal to the
nation itself in the ultimate analysis when children take over the reins of this
country to govern. If children are of great concern to all those who are in a
position to guide their destiny, it will produce great results. The deeds of
people, in particular of those in power with commitment and concern for the
welfare of children well speak more eloquently than words in the days to come.
Growing old is mandatory but growing wiser is optional. Let us exercise our
option right now in favors of the latter in dealing with children. Continuous and
sincere efforts lead to success.
The prevention of child labour is a herculean task. The problems relating
to child labour are required to be dealt with in a manifold manner
encompassing legislatives efforts, judicial approach, and the role of NGOs,
IGOs, NHRC and the Government. It has to be seen that the tender age of
children is not abuse and that children should be given opportunities and
facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 9
dignity. It cannot be achieved by merely enacting laws; mere legislations
cannot be used for the massive task of social engineering. As long as the social
attitude and thinking remains deep rooted in the prevailing society and the law
enforcement agencies remain silent, justice cannot be promoted by paper
The laws enacted for the benefit and development of child labour should
be supported and backed by public opinion. If progressive legislation lacks the
support of public opinion it just becomes the dead law. It must be asserted that
a social reform be done in consonance with social thinking, behavior and after
creation of strong public opinion, as laws could be effective only if they are
backed by a major section of society. The law can be effective if two
conditions are to be satisfied; one, supportive public opinion must be there and
two, administrative willing-nets to implement that law.
But the biggest lacuna is that there is no universally accepted definition
of Child’ or ‘Child Labour’. Varying definitions are used by International
Organizations, Trade Unions and other interested groups. Further criteria of
basic minimum age as well as wages are also not followed strictly. The age of
working child is also not implemented in letters as well as spirits of the Acts. A
need of constant monitoring is required by appropriate authorities. Writers and
speakers don’t always specify what definition they are using, and that often
It is necessary to enacted laws in respect of child welfare and to make
provisions for effective enforcement of it and creating public opinion in its
favor. Apart from this, public awareness through education, media and other
means, political well and commitment combined with efficient administration
supports are needed to tackle the problem of children. Special Government
machinery should be set up for eradication of the problems related to child
labour and protection of their rights so that we can give them better deal in life
by providing them better citizens of our nation. It is an undisputable fact that
the child of today will be the future of our country. As a child is not a vase to
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 10
filled, but a fire to be lit, they should not be exploited by engaging them in
employment in all necessary amentias and support so that they become
responsible citizens of the nation and make the world a happier place to live in.
Therefore all globalization, liberalization, modernization and
privatization processes must have an element of humanization so that the
human rights of children in the form of child labour can be checked and
minimized. Efforts should be made from our dwelling places, by active
participating of the family and society. This requires sensitization of people
through dissemination of child awareness programs. Here the role of NGOs,
IGOs, and other social organizations become very significant. An integrated
effort on the part of Government as well as on the other actors (e.g. social
organization, IGOs, NGOs, society as whole, etc.) is required to be carried on
in order to combat the menace of child labour.
*************************
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
The Nation’s Children are assets of our nation. Their nurture and solicitude are
our responsibility. Children’s programmes should fine a prominent part in our
national plans for the development of human resources so that our children
grow up to become robust citizens, physically fit, mentally alert and morally
healthy, endowed with the skill and motivations needed by society. Equal
opportunities for development would serve our large purpose of reducing
inequality and ensuring social justice. If a child is a national asset, it is the duty
of the state to look after the child with a view to ensuring full development of
But from the beginning of human society children have been exploited
mercilessly and indiscriminately. Child Labour has been the cheapest and
disciplined. Children were made to work at home and outside, in factories and
fields, in hazardous occupations, in hotels, restaurants and as domestic aids.
Children have been working even at an early age of 6 to 8. Their working hours
have been long and their wages have been meager.
The major determinant of child labour is poverty. Even though children
are paid less than adult, whatever income they earn is of benefit to poor
families. In addition to poverty, the lack of adequate and accessible sauces of
credit forces poor parents to engage their children in the harsher form of child
labour—bonded child labour. Some parents also feel that a formal education is
not beneficial, and that children learn work skills through labour at a young
age. These views are narrow and do not take the long term developmental
benefits of education into account. Another determinant is access to education.
In some areas, education is not affordable, or is found to be inadequate. With
no other alternatives, children spend their time working.
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 2
But compulsory education may help in regard to these attitudes. The
example of Sri Lanka and Kerala show that compulsory education has worked
in those areas. There are differences between Sri Lanka Kerala and the rest of
India. What types of social welfare structures do these places have? Is there
some other reason why the labour market for held laborers is poor in these
areas? These are some questions that need to be answered before applying the
concept of compulsory education to India? Is making progress in terms of
educational policy. The Deep has been implemented only four years ago, and
sores its are not apparent at this time hopefully the future will show that this
program has made progress towers universal education and eradicating child
labour. Child labour cannot be eliminated by focusing on determinate for
example education, or by brute enforcement of child labour laws. The
Government of India must ensure that the needs of poor are filled before
attacking child labour. If puberty is addressed, the need for child labour will
automatically diminish. No matter how hard India tries, child labour will
always exist until the need for in remover. The development of India as a
nation is being hampered by child labour. Children are growing up illiterate
because they have been working and not attending school. A cycle of poverty is
formed and the need for child labour is reborn after every generation. India
needs to address the situation by tackling the underlying causes of child labour
through governmental policies and the enforcement of these policies. Only then
will India succeed in the fight against child labour. Considering the magnitude
and extent of the problem and that it is essentially a socio – economic problem
inextricably linked to poverty and illiteracy, it requires concerned efforts from
the government ant from all sections of the society to make a dent in the
problem i. e. success can be achieved only through social engineering on a
major scale combined with national economic growth because child labour is
both an economic and social problem. One of the greatest achievements of
progressive democracies in the last century is to have recognized the rightful
place of the child in the societal fabric. Both in the International forum as wells
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 3
Domestic policies, positive action for the child’s welfare is evidenced by way
of various United Nations Conventions, State legislations and judicial
interpretations. The efforts towards preserving the environment and bringing
about sustainable development are aimed at giving our children what is
naturally theirs. Child-centric human rights jurisprudence has come to be a
new dimension to the larger role of low in social engineering Starting with
the Declaration of the Rights of the child , adopted in 1924 by the League of
Nations that “mankind owes to the child the best it has to give”, there have
been many endeavors of the international community in protecting the interests
of the child. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, the
International Covenant on Civil and political Rights and the Covenant of
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966 are the other instruments that
convey that rights of the child. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, 1959
and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 of the United Nations
ratified by our country as well, contain legal standards necessary for granting
social. Economic and cultural rights for children’s. International program on
the Elimination of Child Labour is a global program launched by the
International Labour Organization in December 1991. India was the first
Every child in the country as a legitimate claim and is entitled to its
share in the finance of the republic for harmonious and comprehensive
development of its personality. There is a need to enhance the share in the
budget for the development and welfare of children in their interest of the
country. As a plant needs protection nourishment and proper environment to
grow into a big fruit bearing tree, a child also needs protection, nourishment
and proper environment to grow into a useful and responsible citizen to serve
Spending money on education of the child is not an expense on the
public exchequer but an asset in the long run. It is the best infrastructure that
could be laid for the prosperity of a nation. About 42 million children in the
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 4
age group of 6-14 do not have access to basic education. Female education,
which Palkiwala calls the priority of priorities, hampered not only by the deep-
rooted cultural prejudices but also due to lack of real concern. Initiatives like
operation blackboard, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and mid-day meal scheme, etc.
have been taken so that school dropout rate is curtailed. But be must also
ensure that the policies and effort to serve the purpose must be consistent and
continuous and not momentary promise. Education of the child is inextricably
intertwined with the programs of a democracy. Democracy can succeed only
with an informant citizenry. The consequence of India clearly states that child
labour is wrong and the measure should be taken to end it. The government of
India has implemented the child labour Act, in 1986 that out less child labour
in certain areas and sets the minimum age of employment at 14
Year. This Act, falls short of making all child labour illegal, and fails to meet
the ILO guideline concerning the minimum age of employment set at 15 year
of age. Through policies are in place that should potential reduce the incidence
of child labour, enforcement is a problem. If I child labour is to be eradicated in
India, the government those responsible for enforcement need to start doing
their jobs. Policies can and will be developed concerning child labour, but
without enforcement they are all useless.
Various welfare enactments made by parliament and the appropriate
start legislatures are only teasing illusions and a promise of unreality unless
they are effectively implemented and make the right to life to the child driven
to labour a reality, meaningful and happy.
The constitution of India articulates the concern for children as can be
seen from Articles 15(3), 24, 39(e), 39(f), 47 and 51-A (k). The provision in the
constitution provide right to the children against exploitation through
hazardous employment, on free and compulsory education and to make special
provision for them. Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits employment of the
child below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any other
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 5
hazardous employment, butt is a hard reality that dues to poverty the child is
driven to be employed in a factory, mine or hazardous employment.
The Eighty-sixth Constitutional Amendment that made education a
fundamental right for children in the age group of 6to 14 ears is a result of the
empathy shown by public-spirited individuals and institutions towards the
child. Many states are in place to make the life of the child easier and
Pragmatic, realistic and constrictive steps and actions are required to be
taken to enable the child belonging to poor, weaker sections, Dalits and Tribes
and minorities, enjoy their childhood and develop their full blossomed
personality-educationally, intellectually and culturally with a spirit of inquiry,
reform and enjoyment of leisure.
It is suggested that instead of each state having its own children’s Act,
different in procedure and content from the children’s Act in other states, it
would be desirable if the central government initiates parliamentary
Legislations on the subject. So that there is complete uniformity in regard to the
various provisions relating to children in the entire territory of the country.
Despite the above, the stark reality is that in our country, children are exploited
lot. Child Labour is a big m problem and has remained intractable, even after
Years of our having become independent despite various legislative
enactments prohibiting employment of a child in a number of occupations and
Child Labour, therefore, must be eradicated though well –planned,
poverty-focused alleviation, development and imposition of trade actions in
employment of the children etc. Total banishment of employment of may drive
the children and mass them up into destitution and other mischievous
environment, making them vagrant, hard criminals and porn to social risks etc.
The role and concern of the Indian Supreme Court has been profound in
making beater the lives of numerous children who were objects of exploitation.
The Supreme court in Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs. Union of India had to say1
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 6
This right to live with human dignity enshrined in article 21 drives its life
breath from the directive principles of State Policy and particularly clauses (e)
and (f) of article 39 and articles 41 and 42and at and the least therefore, it must
include protection of stat the health and strength of worker, men and woman,
and of the tender age of children against abuse, opportunities and facilities for
children to develop in healthy money and in conditions of freedom and
dignity, educational facilities, just and humane conditions of work and
maternity relief. These are the minimum requirements which must exist in
order to enable a person to live with human dignity….”
The observations made yet in another judgment in Bandhua Mukti
Morch vs. Union of India-are relevant in the context, which read ”The child of
today cannot develop to be a responsible and productive member of
tomorrow’s society unless an environment which is conducive to his social and
physical health is assured to him. Every nation, developed or developing, links
its future with the status of the child. … Neglecting the children means loss to
the society as a whole. If children are deprived of their childhood-socially,
economically, physically and mentally-the nation gets deprived of the potential
human resources for social progress, economic empowerment and peace and
order, the social stability and good citizenry. The Founding Fathers of the
Constitution, therefore, have emphasized the importance of the role of child
and the need of its best development.”
The Supreme Court of India in Rosy Jacob vs. Jacob A. Chakramakkal2
observed “The children are not mere chattels: nor are they mere playthings for
their parents. Absolute right of parents over the destinies and the lives of their
children have, in the modern changed social conditions, yielded to the
considerations of their welfare as human beings so that they may grow up in a
normal balanced manner to be useful members of the society. We should
remember and remind ourselves that it is only strong, knowledgeable and
virtuous children who can make the country strong and great.”
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 7
Children are innocent, vulnerable and dependent. Abounding children
and excluding good foundation of life for them is a crime against humanity.
Millions of children live under especially difficult circumstances-as orphans,
street children, refugees, displaced persons, as victims of war and other
manmade disasters. For the full and harmonious development of his or her
personality, a child should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere
of happiness, love and understanding. Adults cannot barter away the future of
the children. There must be conscious and continuous effort by all concerned to
take care of children to ensure whole some development of their personality.
If we neglect and do not provide or meet the bare needs of food, health and
education of children, heavy price will have to be paid in the future. There is
needed to make people aware about rights of children and as to the importance
of their growing up and responsible and productive citizens, Educational
institutions, Governments, NGOs and media can play a vital role in this regard.
Social communication needs to be stimulated at different levels and through
multiple channels across the plural society. This requires sensitive and
professional handling in a decentralization manner. Methods and mechanics are
to be designed to inform children and parents through the educational system
and other media to sensitize public functionaries and opinion-makers.
Voluntary organizations could be a powerful means of social mediation and
communication in promoting the rights of children and equally in preventing
their exploitation and suffering. In a domestic set-up, the most important need
in institutional support at the political a policy levels.
Even today, millions of children in the metropolitan slums are growing
in an environment of crime and drug abuse. Who is to care of them and what is
to be done? Ignoring children is nothing but wasting a supreme national asset.
Many of them, if properly groomed, may occupy various vital and useful
positions in all walks of life in the health, food, clothing and shelter; visualize
what our country is going to be in the future. We relies the importance and
worth of oxygen when it is withdrawn, resulting in suffocation and leading to
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 8
serious consequences. Neglecting or ignoring the welfare of children and their
all-round development may create like atmosphere where oxygen is withdrawn
making the life of the country miserable over the years. We have a full-fledged
ministry of Human Resources Development and numerous agencies engaged in
child welfare work. It is true that the health, education and general well being
of children have received the focus and attention of officials and public but in
effect and practice a lot is required to be done yet. In a sense, children are
custodians of the glory and greatness of the nation. The proper growth of our
children will be a true tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru-- the builder of
modern India. Almost 65 years ago he asked: “who lives if India dies? Who
dies if India lives?” If India is to live , children are to live Children are to be
looked after and groomed well, not merely on the basis of Constitutional to
Statutory provisions but also with great human touch and concern. We have
both obligation and duty towards them. “ A New Deal for India’s Children”, as
envisaged and highlighted in the address of the distinguished speaker making
positive, concrete and constructive suggestions, is in a way great deal to the
nation itself in the ultimate analysis when children take over the reins of this
country to govern. If children are of great concern to all those who are in a
position to guide their destiny, it will produce great results. The deeds of
people, in particular of those in power with commitment and concern for the
welfare of children well speak more eloquently than words in the days to come.
Growing old is mandatory but growing wiser is optional. Let us exercise our
option right now in favors of the latter in dealing with children. Continuous and
sincere efforts lead to success.
The prevention of child labour is a herculean task. The problems relating
to child labour are required to be dealt with in a manifold manner
encompassing legislatives efforts, judicial approach, and the role of NGOs,
IGOs, NHRC and the Government. It has to be seen that the tender age of
children is not abuse and that children should be given opportunities and
facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 9
dignity. It cannot be achieved by merely enacting laws; mere legislations
cannot be used for the massive task of social engineering. As long as the social
attitude and thinking remains deep rooted in the prevailing society and the law
enforcement agencies remain silent, justice cannot be promoted by paper
The laws enacted for the benefit and development of child labour should
be supported and backed by public opinion. If progressive legislation lacks the
support of public opinion it just becomes the dead law. It must be asserted that
a social reform be done in consonance with social thinking, behavior and after
creation of strong public opinion, as laws could be effective only if they are
backed by a major section of society. The law can be effective if two
conditions are to be satisfied; one, supportive public opinion must be there and
two, administrative willing-nets to implement that law.
But the biggest lacuna is that there is no universally accepted definition
of Child’ or ‘Child Labour’. Varying definitions are used by International
Organizations, Trade Unions and other interested groups. Further criteria of
basic minimum age as well as wages are also not followed strictly. The age of
working child is also not implemented in letters as well as spirits of the Acts. A
need of constant monitoring is required by appropriate authorities. Writers and
speakers don’t always specify what definition they are using, and that often
It is necessary to enacted laws in respect of child welfare and to make
provisions for effective enforcement of it and creating public opinion in its
favor. Apart from this, public awareness through education, media and other
means, political well and commitment combined with efficient administration
supports are needed to tackle the problem of children. Special Government
machinery should be set up for eradication of the problems related to child
labour and protection of their rights so that we can give them better deal in life
by providing them better citizens of our nation. It is an undisputable fact that
the child of today will be the future of our country. As a child is not a vase to
Conclusion and Suggestions Page 10
filled, but a fire to be lit, they should not be exploited by engaging them in
employment in all necessary amentias and support so that they become
responsible citizens of the nation and make the world a happier place to live in.
Therefore all globalization, liberalization, modernization and
privatization processes must have an element of humanization so that the
human rights of children in the form of child labour can be checked and
minimized. Efforts should be made from our dwelling places, by active
participating of the family and society. This requires sensitization of people
through dissemination of child awareness programs. Here the role of NGOs,
IGOs, and other social organizations become very significant. An integrated
effort on the part of Government as well as on the other actors (e.g. social
organization, IGOs, NGOs, society as whole, etc.) is required to be carried on
in order to combat the menace of child labour.
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