This refers to the editorial "Ending child labour" (May 20). The recent amendments brought by the Union Cabinet in the law prohibiting child labour - allowing children to "work in family enterprises" - have garnered controversy. But the hullabaloo over these amendments is meaningless, as they only allow children to be a part of "family-owned enterprises", and hence do not push them into child labour.
This decision by the Union Cabinet paves way for more vibrant vocational skill development in our country. Allowing children to start earning at a young age and allowing skill development shall be a boon for our country. As the editorial rightly points out, the "mom and pop" store culture in Western countries allows children to be financially self-reliant and independent. This can be replicated in India as well. The government can undertake various methodologies to promote an "earn while you learn" system, which would go a long way in strengthening the capabilities of our future workforce. If followed properly, it could take the country to new heights of self-sufficiency and human resource development.
However, restrictive clauses are necessary to curb the engagement of children in "dangerous" family-owned enterprises such as the production of crackers and so on.
The unilateral decision by the learned ministers is a double-edged sword that has to be carefully assessed before being implemented.
Abinash Dash Choudhury, Odisha
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