Education: A powerful weapon to nip Child labor in the bud, says Jagmohan Garg
Children are future citizens of the Nation. Being the bearers of our legacy, their skills, efficacy and capabilities will stimulate the development of a new era in the long run. Jagmohan Garg, the leading real estate tycoon emphasizes that there are a number of social issues that hinder the growth and development of a country.
As a matter of fact, India is one of those countries ranking high when it comes to social devils like Child labor. Unfortunately, it is the home to the largest number of child laborers in the world. According to International Labor Organization, there is approximately 5.5 million children labor in Asia, while the Bonded Labor Liberation Front placed 10 million bonded children in India alone.
Forced to give up on their education, shouldering responsibilities way beyond their capabilities, these children never get to know what childhood is. The term “child labor” covers all the jobs that deprive children of their childhood. It has engulfed the happiness, joy and innocence of children across the country. Jagmohan Garg, owner of Mera Baba Group states that it is a major threat to their potential and physical-mental development. Around 60 per cent of the working children concentrated in the rural areas are below the age of 10 years. The children employed in the fireworks and match box units, mining sector and the slate pencil industry are among the most exploited ones. They are usually preferred in the sectors where it is quite easy for employers to circumvent laws.
The issue of child labor in India is addressed by the Child Labor Act, 1986 and National Child Labor Project. The Indian Constitution Article 24 and Article 39(f) hold that, no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to work in any factory or in any hazardous employment and the youth is to be protected against exploitation and moral and material abandonment, respectively.
However, despite various measures by the Constitution of India to prohibit employment of children younger than 14 in 18 hazardous occupations, child labor is still prevalent in various sectors of the economy. Jagmohan Garg of Mera Baba Group, believes that, in imparting education lies a pragmatic solution to the perceived problem of child labor. He firmly believes in the philosophy of Nelson Mandela, which says, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Certainly, Education is the foundation of growth and development. India's transition into a knowledge-based economy necessitates skilled, competent and educated youth. Thus, it is imperative to ensure appropriate measures to strengthen the education system, expanding its reach to one and all.
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