Jessica Otey/ April 24, 2008/ 7:54 pm/ Labor Problems
Sadly, child labor is a huge problem in India. The government estimates that 12.7 million children under the age of fourteen are involved in some kind of work. The United Nations’ estimates are even higher. They believe that there may be more than forty million children in the labor force. Astonishingly though, child labor is completely legal right now in India. Children under fourteen are allowed to work as long as their job is not considered hazardous.
Even though the practice is legal the government is taking some steps to limit the practice, and is making more jobs off limits to children. Many organizations are even going and raiding factories that employ children, sending them back to their families. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily work. Many parents will send their children back into the work force shortly after they come home.
This policy of child labor makes it extremely difficult for countries who import things from India. Many countries do not want to support any country that allows such practices to take place and therefore do not want to by their goods. Gap has had to shut down factories that have used child labor in order to produce some of its clothing. Many are trying to encourage these young children to unionize in order to protect themselves and others.
It is really hard to believe that India allows the practice of child labor to continue. It seems like they would be doing more in order to combat the issue. These children are having to grow up way before their time.
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1 comment:
It is really sad that child labor is still considered legal. I think it seems like a good thing that the government is trying to limit the practice but the fact is it still exists. I understand how it could be difficult for companies to import things from India, hopefully their unwillingness to receive imports will help the situation.
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