GS-1: Social Empowerment; Poverty & Developmental Issues
GS-2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and State
Child Labour & Pandemic
Context: This year is supposed to be the International Year for Elimination of Child Labour, whereby countries and networks come together in committing themselves to address the root causes of child labour.
Some of the root causes of Child Labour are
Poverty
Social marginalisation,
Lack of alternative or safe livelihoods for parents
Adequate child protection mechanisms
Lack of quality education.
Pandemic, Education and Child Labour
School Closures pushing Children into Labour: With 1.5 million schools closed for the last one year and more. In 2021, says UNESCO, 24 million children may not find their way back to schools after the pandemic. Any child who is not in school is a potential child labourer
Child Marriages: India witnessed an increase in the number of child marriages since 2020. Girls are further at risk – married off early, these child brides are also often child labourers. Save The Children puts half a million more girls at risk of early marriage
Abuse & Trafficking: Closure of schools and pandemic induced poverty has increased the vulnerability of children especially the girl child to abuse and trafficking
Reduced Education Budget: Despite knowing the impact of Pandemic on education system & thus on Children’s future, the Union budget has Rs 5,000 crore less to spend on education for children this year.
Way Ahead
There has to berelentlessly campaigns for
Increased allocation for education, at least 6% of GDP,
Better infrastructure in primary schools
Inclusion of breakfast along with mid-day meals
Remedial measures for loss of learning
Transfer of monies to vulnerable states and local governments on a priority basis.
