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3RD Semester - Sociology - Bonded Labour-Child Labour

Bonded labour, or debt bondage, is a form of modern slavery where individuals are forced to work to repay debts under exploitative conditions, often seen in sectors like agriculture and mining. Child labour, defined as the employment of children below the legal working age, deprives them of their childhood and education, with major causes including poverty, lack of education, and cultural practices. Measures to combat child labour in India include legislation, poverty alleviation programs, compulsory education, and community participation.

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4 views3 pages

3RD Semester - Sociology - Bonded Labour-Child Labour

Bonded labour, or debt bondage, is a form of modern slavery where individuals are forced to work to repay debts under exploitative conditions, often seen in sectors like agriculture and mining. Child labour, defined as the employment of children below the legal working age, deprives them of their childhood and education, with major causes including poverty, lack of education, and cultural practices. Measures to combat child labour in India include legislation, poverty alleviation programs, compulsory education, and community participation.

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3RD SEMESTER – SOCIOLOGY- BONDED LABOUR-CHILD LABOUR

Who can be regarded as ‘Bonded Labour’? Explain the term child labour? What
are the main causes for the prevalence of child labour in India? What are the
measures used for ameliorating child labour in India? -

Bonded Labour

Bonded labour, also known as debt bondage, refers to a system in which individuals
are forced to work to repay a debt or loan under exploitative conditions. They are often
trapped in a cycle of debt as the terms are heavily skewed against them. In this system:

 Workers cannot leave until the debt is repaid, which may take years or even
generations.
 It is commonly seen in sectors like agriculture, brick kilns, carpet weaving, and
mining.

Bonded labour is a form of modern-day slavery and is illegal under Indian law,
particularly the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.

Child Labour

Child labour refers to the employment of children below the minimum legal working
age in work that deprives them of their childhood, education, and dignity. It often
involves hazardous or exploitative conditions that harm their physical, mental, and
emotional well-being.

According to Indian law:

 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibits the


employment of children below 14 years in hazardous occupations.
 The Right to Education Act, 2009, mandates free and compulsory education
for children aged 6–14 years.

Causes of Child Labour in India

1. Poverty:
o Families in poverty rely on children to supplement their income.
2. Lack of Education:
o Limited access to quality education forces children into work.
3. Unemployment and Underemployment:
o Parents' inability to find sustainable jobs pushes children into the
workforce.

4. Cultural Practices:
o Acceptance of child labour as a norm in certain communities.
5. Debt Bondage:
o Children are often forced to work to pay off family debts.
6. Demand for Cheap Labour:
o Industries employ children because they are cheaper, easier to exploit, and
less likely to protest.
7. Migration and Displacement:
o Children of migrant families often end up working due to lack of stability
and resources.
8. Weak Enforcement of Laws:
o Inadequate monitoring and enforcement allow child labour to persist.

Measures to Ameliorate Child Labour in India

1. Legislation:
o Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
(Amended in 2016): Prohibits child labour under 14 years in all
occupations and adolescents (14–18 years) in hazardous industries.
o Right to Education Act, 2009: Ensures free education for children aged
6–14 years.
2. Poverty Alleviation Programs:
o Initiatives like MGNREGA and rural employment schemes aim to
reduce family dependence on child labour by improving adult incomes.
3. Compulsory Education:
o Schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Mid-Day Meal
Scheme encourage school attendance.
4. Rehabilitation Programs:
o Establishment of National Child Labour Project (NCLP) to rescue,
rehabilitate, and educate child labourers.
5. Awareness Campaigns:
o Government and NGOs run campaigns to sensitize communities about the
harmful effects of child labour.
6. Economic Support for Families:
o Providing financial aid and vocational training to parents to reduce
dependence on children's earnings.
7. Corporate Accountability:
o Enforcing laws to prevent businesses from employing child labour and
promoting ethical sourcing practices.
8. Community Participation:
o Engaging communities in identifying and reporting cases of child labour.
Conclusion

Child labour and bonded labour are critical social issues requiring a multifaceted
approach. Combating these problems involves strict enforcement of laws, poverty
alleviation, universal education, and increased public awareness. By addressing the root
causes, India can strive towards a future where every child enjoys their right to
education and a childhood free from exploitation.

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