Sir — This refers to the report, “Govt puts child labour to rest” (May 14). I’d like to question the intelligence of those who suggest an amendment to the Child labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, banning the employment of children below 14 years of age. Innumerable poor families in India are unable to educate their children, and send them for some sort of work to supplement the family income. Also, a large number of children, though poor in studies, are talented in technical matters and/or sports.
There is no sense in forcing children to study beyond a limit, if it is against their temperament. Moreover, those who have an aptitude for mechanical work, if they are allowed to pursue it, can turn out to be successful in life.