Child Labour in India: A Politico-Legal Study

摘要

Child is an important segment of human society. They are our most precious asset of the nation. They are tiny apostles of peace but we forget that they are, at first, very much human being though young. Child is the future of a nation. In the long run strength, prosperity, culture and dignity of a nation depend to a great extent upon how its children are brought up and trained. The task of making children useful citizens presents a host of problems, which starts with proper care of the mother during and after pregnancy including balanced diet, adequate rest and periodical medical check up. After the birth of the child problem which nation faces are nutritious food to both mother and child, vaccinations and general medical care, legitimacy, nationality, physical and social environment , education, recreation, prevention of exploitation and hazards, bonded labour, child abduction, misuse of abducted children for smuggling and other nefarious activities, their physical and mental torture.;The practice of child labour has been rampant since time immemorial. With the industrial revolution in Europe, child labour being cheap and disciplined proved to be a boon to industrialists. It is interesting to note that employment of children in the agricultural sector is not less wide spread. It being cheap and docile, its contribution to both industry and agriculture has been a blessing. Yet, it is most neglected and exploited class of human labour. At present in India there are about hundred million working children. The child is the most innocent and helpless human being. He is incapable of enforcing his rights. He is peculiarly susceptible to certain harms. He can't raise his voice against those who injure or deprive him of his rights. The peculiar position of the child arising from his physical and mental disability and position of dependence recognizes the need for special provisions in many matters and the law should take care of all this in the interest and welfare of the child. The protective arms of the law have, therefore to be long and strong enough if distributive justice to the adults of tomorrow is to be secured. Mankind owes to the child the best that it has to give. The proper growth of the today's child sets the future of the country. It is, thus, an obligation of every generation to bring up children in a proper way. Every society must, therefore, devote full attention to ensure that children are properly cared for and brought up in proper atmosphere where they would receive adequate training, education and guidance in under that they may be able to have their rightful place in society when they grow up.