‘60% of all child labour globally is in agri sector'
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Michiko Miyamoto, the director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) talks to TOI's Kritika Tiwary on the global and local dimensions of child labour, prevailing challenges and interventions to eliminate child labour in line with global development goals.
Excerpts...
Globally, what's the current trend of child labour?
We are seeing a downward trend. However, this progress is uneven and fragile. The last major increase occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was a serious setback. The most recent global estimates show a reduction from 160 million children in 2020 to 138 million in 2024.
What are the sector-wise trends? Which sector is the most affected?
The agriculture sector remains the most dominant, accounting for nearly 60% of all child labour globally.
It is followed by industries and services. Agriculture is particularly difficult to regulate due to its informal and scattered nature, especially in rural areas, making inspection and enforcement challenging.
What changes have been observed in the context of child labour in India in recent years?
In India, there has been a notable shift. Many big brands have cleaned up their formal supply chains due to global scrutiny and awareness.
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However, child labour persists in the informal sectors, particularly in agriculture and small-scale family-based enterprises. There has been progress in public awareness but hidden forms of child labour remain a major concern, especially in rural and tribal belts.
What are the major causes, especially in India?
The root causes are poverty, lack of access to quality education and weak social protection systems.
When families are economically vulnerable, there are no safety nets and children are often forced to work. Cultural factors like child marriage and gender also perpetuate child labour. Women education and empowerment play a vital role and an educated mother is more likely to prioritize schooling for her children.
Are the existing national or state action plans in combating it effective?
Action plans are crucial. They reflect the official commitment of the govt and provide a structured roadmap for all stakeholders. For instance, Jharkhand had a state action plan from 2012 to 2016, but no updated version was released after that. However, after consistent dialogue, the state labour department has recently agreed to revive and update the plan and the draft of the new plan is ready for launch. With proper implementation, budgeting and coordination, such plans can bring systemic and sustained change.
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