Jharkhand’s Mica Mines Achieve Child Labour-Free Status: A Landmark Victory for Child Rights

In a significant milestone, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has announced that the mica mines in Jharkhand are now free from child labour. This announcement, made at a celebratory event in Koderma, marks a major victory in the long-standing fight against child labour in the region.

Background and Challenges

The journey to eradicate child labour in Jharkhand’s mica mining industry began over two decades ago. In 2004, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, a child rights organization, conducted a study revealing that more than 5,000 children were involved in mica mining under hazardous conditions. Alarmingly, this number had increased to over 20,000 by 2019, highlighting the urgent need for an effective and targeted intervention to address the issue.

The ‘Child Labour Free Mica’ Initiative

In response to this growing crisis, a comprehensive strategy called “Child Labour Free Mica” was developed and implemented. This initiative was a collaborative effort involving community members, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and state and local governments. The program aimed to identify children engaged in mica mining, rescue them, and ensure their enrolment in schools. Additionally, the initiative focused on retaining these children in the educational system to prevent their return to dangerous labour.

Achievements and Impact

According to Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the NCPCR, all children previously involved in mica mining have been withdrawn from labour and are now attending school. This accomplishment is not only a significant victory for the affected regions but also serves as a model for similar efforts worldwide to eliminate child labour in unorganized sectors.

About NCPCR

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was established in 2007 under the CPCR Act, 2005, to safeguard child rights in India. Operating under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, NCPCR is tasked with addressing child-related grievances in various areas, including education and caregiving, and ensuring compliance with laws such as the Right to Education Act (2009) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The Commission also conducts oversight and inspections of childcare centres and youth justice systems to ensure they meet child welfare standards, thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of children across the country.

Child Labour Problem in India: Current Status

Child labour remains a significant issue in India, despite numerous efforts to eradicate it. The problem is multifaceted, influenced by socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of child labour laws.

Current Statistics

According to the 2011 Census, India had over 10 million child labourers aged between 5 and 14 years. Although this number has decreased in recent years due to various government initiatives and increased awareness, child labour persists, particularly in rural and informal sectors.

Government Initiatives and Legal Framework

India has implemented several measures to combat child labour, including:

1. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016: This Act prohibits the employment of children below 14 years and regulates the working conditions of adolescents aged 14-18 years.
2. National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Launched in 1988, the NCLP aims to rehabilitate child labourers by providing them with education and vocational training.
3. Right to Education Act (2009): This Act ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, aiming to reduce the number of out-of-school children who are vulnerable to child labour.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite these efforts, several challenges persist, including:

• Poverty: Many families rely on the income generated by their children, making it difficult to eliminate child labour entirely.
• Lack of Enforcement: There is often inadequate enforcement of child labour laws, particularly in remote and rural areas.
• Cultural Factors: In some communities, child labour is a culturally accepted norm, and efforts to change this mind-set take time.

To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is required, involving:

• Strengthening Enforcement: Improving the enforcement of existing child labour laws and increasing penalties for violations.
• Community Awareness: Raising awareness about the negative impacts of child labour and promoting the benefits of education.
• Economic Support: Providing financial support and alternative livelihood options to families to reduce their dependence on child labour.

The recent declaration of Jharkhand’s mica mines as child labour-free is a positive step forward, showcasing the potential success of collaborative and sustained efforts. However, continued vigilance and commitment are necessary to ensure that child labour is eradicated across all sectors in India.