Child Labor in the Eateries along the Prithvi Highway of Nepal

Abstract

Child labor is one of the social problems in Nepal and around the world. Child labor in transportation, a carpet factory, mine, hotels and restaurants, tourism and other sectors create a critical problem for children. Many factors contribute to child labor causing many consequences. To find out those factors is the main purpose of this research. A total of 214 eateries along the Prithvi Highway from Naubise to Muglin Bazar were recorded for the study, 43 child laborers age 10 to 18 years were found from the 39 eateries. 67% of total child laborers (which is 29 respondents) were the sample size through simple random sampling. Schedule and questionnaire were used to collect the data through the face-to-face interview and participatory and non-participatory observation. Key information was collected from the key informants. The result showed the causal factors and the risk factors of the child laborers along with the status of the working condition in the eateries. Lack of food, shelter, clothes, lack of awareness of the parents and the child laborers, lack of education, family conflict, polygamy, punishment towards children, and attraction of money are the major causal factors. Child trafficking, road accident, physical and sexual exploitation, health problem are the major risks of child laborers. Maximum eateries have not maintained proper working conditions. Child laborers work daily in unfavorable working conditions. The study recommends intervention from the Government and other agencies against the problem in receiving foods, shelter, clothes, etc. first and subsequently other factors.