In a compelling discourse at the three-day national seminar on child labour, Dr. M.M. Nazri, Head of Department, Commerce at Karim City College, emerged as a prominent voice shedding light on the causes, consequences, and potential pathways to eradicate child labour in India. The seminar, organised by the Institute for Social Development & Research in Gari Hotwar, Ranchi, Jharkhand, aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of this persistent issue and formulate effective strategies for its eradication.
Dr. Nazri, a distinguished resource person, delved into the heart of the matter, emphasizing the gravity of child labour in India. He underscored how this phenomenon continues to deprive countless children of their rightful childhood and poses a severe threat to their future prospects.
The causes of child labour, as outlined by Dr. Nazri, encompassed a spectrum of socio-economic factors. Poverty, lack of educational resources, social and economic backwardness, the allure of cheap labour, family traditions, and discrimination against girls were identified as key contributors to this alarming societal concern.
Furthermore, Dr. Nazri illuminated the dire consequences of child labour, ranging from the denial of education and severe health implications to emotional and psychological trauma. He emphasized that this perpetuates the cycle of poverty and hampers national development on a broader scale.
Proposing a roadmap for change, Dr. Nazri articulated a multi-faceted approach. His recommendations included poverty alleviation, strengthening the education system, raising awareness, enforcing fair labor practices, supporting rehabilitation programs, and fostering collaborative efforts involving government agencies, NGOs, civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Nazri painted child labour as a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. He highlighted the necessity of understanding root causes, acknowledging devastating effects, and actively pursuing comprehensive solutions to create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, free from exploitation and empowered to reach their full potential. Dr. Nazri's call for collective action, unwavering commitment, and sustained efforts resonated as a clarion call to build a future for India founded on the principles of child protection and empowerment.
