Mukunth, a 12 year old lad is the sole bread-winner of his weak family. Since the death of his father, Mukunth relinquished his studies. He was apprenticed to a baker who is his neighbour. Later he was made a daily wager in that shop.
Mukunth’s sister Asha is a grade III student in a Government school and his mother is a paralytic. It was on 30th of October 2006, I had a chance to meet this family. It was nearly 7.30 in the evening. The poorly-built hut reflected their economic inadequacy. Asha was explaining to her brother about the “Child labour prevention Act” that was implemented by the central Government, earlier that month. On seeing me, their conversation was broken and both came near to me. As, Mukunth was my acquaintance, he introduced me to his mother and sister. It was my maiden visit and I gave some note books to Asha, she was quite excited and thanked me. His mother who wore a grave smile didn’t speak much.
When I was talking to Mukunth, I could sense that he was desperate. After adding some words of hope in the conversation, I asked him whether he is interested in pursuing his education. His reply was very much an authentic fact. He just said, ‘If I am going to leave the job, who is going to take care of my family? When the Government is ready to get twenty thousand from our employer, why don’t they at least give us 20 Rupees, per day to make our living?" I was startled by his words. With an immeasurable grief, I departed promising Asha to bring her some stationery on my next visit.
I really felt embaracing when I was not able to answer Mukunth’s question. His words are still lingering in my ears. Many movements and communities are working for the betterment of child labour. We all know that this is not the first time; the Government is passing child labour prevention act. We have already got Article - 24 (prohibition of employment of children in factories and other work places). Article - 45 (Provision for free and compulsory education for children) and so many in the Indian constitution. But what are these acts doing? They are only paving way for the new acts in the Indian Constitution.
India is a country with both the extremes. We have people like Sachin Tendulkar, who earns roughly rs.1057 per minute (especially from advertisements) and family like Mukunth’s who could not even make Rs.1000/- for a month.
So, where is the problem lying? Is it due to the reckless society? Or the acts that become submissive in the long run? A question more easily asked than answered.
From the start, we get only timely solutions, but till now, we have not put an end to the cries of the anguish child labours. So as an individual or as a cell we the YCS/YSM members, who are working for the welfare of the deprived classes, in the society, must accomplish our mission i.e. ABOLISHMENT of CHILD LABOUR.
I pray God that the children be bonded to their families and not to the employers.
G. Bharathi
St. Joseph’s College of Art & Science
Cuddalore.