World over the children's rights are the most abused, knowingly or unknowly.

When a
minor child under 14 years of age works, we call that child labour. It is an undesired social
practice, but used to be a commonly seen everywhere. It is unfortunate that it is still
present. India has a lot poor people and many orphans. Children of many poor people have
to work for earning auxiliary income for their families. Around 10 lakh children in India
were seen in labour in the last Census.

Child labour problem is due to their helplessness, bonded labour or due to domination of
some bad persons. Government has introduced many strict laws against child labour. The
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 enforces it. It tells where and how
children under 14 yrs can work. Many children are rescued from labour work and joined in
children's rescue homes. They are being helped by the government for schooling, shelter,
food etc.

There were many news reports on such rescue operations in the last decade. Media,
police and social organization have worked very well to restrict the evil. In fact,
nowadays we observe that there not much of child labour. Poor people are working hard to
join their children in schools and not sending them to work. In some years the problem of
child labour will be eradicated totally. The law is helping the children to get their
fundamental rights of education and freedom. Bachpan Bacho Andolan was launched
nationwide and Amitabh Bachan campaigned for it.

I will be happy to see children enjoy their right of learning and playing. I hope you too
are happy in saying no to child labour. I thank you all for listening to me attentively.

Questions :
1. Why is child labour bad?
2. What is the related Act ?
3. What is one supposed to do when one sees a child working ?
4. Do you think the various orphan houses and welfare schemes are working well to
eliminate the child labour issue?