A Study on Child Labour in Assam with Special Reference to Dibrugarh Town

Abstract

Background- As is the case with other developing countries of the world, child labour is also a problem in India. Though child labour in the country has been banned by the Supreme Court, the order of the apex court is yet to be implemented in true spirit. It has become a common sight to see a child working in a garage, hotel, and business establishment and under hazardous condition as well throughout the country. Assam is also not an exception in this regard. The present study was done to understand the causes and consequences of child work prevalent in the consciousness of the work force involved in child development and to suggest ways and means to divert erroneous and deeply engraved notions on sociological perspective. Objectives- To assess the reasons for the exploitation of child labour the nature and magnitude of problems encountered by child labours. Method- Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in this study. Findings- A total of 60 child labours participated in the survey. About 40% of children were below the age of 14 years and were engaged in employed labour. None of the child labours interviewed was at school during the study period. The reason for child labour included poverty (33.3%), loss of parents (16.6%), parental separation (27%) and shortage of food (23.3%). Among the respondent 28.3% were domestic child labours, 20% were street child labours and 35% were working in private organizations. Two third of the child labours were working for more than 10 hours a day and their daily income of less than 150 Rs. Most of them did not visit their parents or relatives for long period of time. Conclusion- The study indicated that child labourers are denied the liberating benefit of education, their health, growth and development are threatened and that they have lost the love and affection, care and protection of their families and could not enjoy the rest and recreation that are rights of every child.