India is among few countries, that have not ratified ILO Conventions on Child Labour, Worst Forms of Child Labour and Minimum Age of Employment. While elucidating the reasons for the same, discuss the current policy stance of the government.

Some of the reasons which can be attributed for India not ratifying ILO Conventions on Child Labour, Worst Forms of Child Labour and Minimum Age of Employment could be-

• India has not totally abolished of all forms of undeniable worst forms of child labour on account of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labour, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances; use procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities in production and trafficking of drugs as defined in the relevant international treaties.
• Ratification would create legally binding obligations on India which may be inconsistent with our laws and practices.
• Also, ratification of the Conventions would involve granting of certain rights that are prohibited under the statutory rules of our policies.

Child Labour is a socio-economic problem, which requires consistent efforts. The Government of India has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for eradication of child labour which is as follows:

• A legislative action plan in the form of Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986.
• Project-based action plan in areas of high concentration of Child Labour under National Child Labour Project Scheme.
• Focus on general development programmes for the benefit of the families of Child Labour.
• Bachpan Bachao Andolan
• Right to Education a Fundamental Right for children under the Constitution.

Topics: GS-II: Social Sector Services Education Human Resources