Author: Sehaj Sarin
II Year | The Law School, Jammu University

Introduction:

The Constitution of India contains rights against exploitation under Article 23 and Article 24. In simple words, one can define exploitation as treating someone unfairly and getting benefit from their work or using someone or his/her resources for one’s benefit. Additionally, child exploitation refers to the use of children for unjust benefit.

There are various examples of child exploitation like child labour, child prostitution, child pornography, etc. This article particularly discusses the menace of child labour and sheds light on the loopholes in the constitution that prevent effective implementation of legislation.

Rights against Exploitation in Constitution:

Article 24 of the Constitution of India states that “No child below the age of 14 years shall be employed with work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.” However, what is noteworthy is that the provision allows the employment of children in non-hazardous work.

The Legislature passed many laws in pursuance of Article 24 in India like:-

1. The Factories Act 1948.
2. The Mines Act 1952.
3. The Child Labour (Protection and Regulation) Act 1986, Amendment Act 2016 and Amendment Rules 2017

According to data census 2011, the number of child labourers in India is 10.1 million of which 5.6 million are boys and 4.5 million are girls.[1]

Loopholes in Constitution Preventing Implementation:

The Child Labour (Protection and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016 seems progressive at a first glance. It prohibits the working of children in hazardous occupations. However, it possesses certain drawbacks.

Firstly, it slashed 83 hazardous occupations to just explosives, mining, and occupations mentioned in the Factory Act. These can be removed under Section 4.

Secondly, Section 3 (5) allows child labor in family or family enterprises. This clause does not define the hours of work. It also states that a child can work after school hours in non-hazardous factories.

Thirdly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (passed in 2009) became ineffective due to the Child Labour (Protection and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016.

Certain loopholes in the constitutional provisions and enabling Acts exist. Hence, an immediate resolution of the issues is the need of the hour.

Conclusion:

Child Labour is an unfortunate issue for our society. Despite the Acts and Articles, child labour and exploitation still exist. As a consequence of exploitation, a child faces devastating setbacks for his/her entire life. It often also results in emotional problems, mental disturbances, cognitive impairments, and long-term problems. A democratic society providing civil liberties to all the citizens should rise against such social evils. However faint the voice may be, every voice matters.

[1] Child Labour and Exploitation, UNICEF, ( March 28, 2021, 4:35 pm) https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/child-labour-exploitation.

Editor: Keshav Pandey