Corporate Social Responsibility, another 'hope' for child labourers

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The number of child workers in the age group of 5-14 years has increased from 11.59 million in 1991 to 12.66 million in 2001, according to the official data of the Union Ministry of Labour.

This is despite the implementation of several national-level policies and schemes for eradication of Child Labour in the country.

Union Labour Secretary Sudha Pillai admitted that there had been ''lapses'' in the implementation of the policies when asked why even after almost 20 years of formulation of the National Policy on Child Labour, the problem had aggravated.

Talking to UNI, Ms Pillai said ''Considering the magnitude and nature of the problem, I think it is essential that a concerted effort be made by all sections of the society, including the corporate sector, to put an end to the practice.'' ''Several steps have been taken but I think a lot more still needs to be done. Education is the best weapon to eradicate the menace.'' Ms Pillai added.

Earlier, speaking at the seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility focussing on 'Eradicaton of Child Labour and Labour Related Issues in BPO Sector' Ms Pillai said, ''Not a single organ in the society possesses resources to address challenges like poverty and economic fragility that India faces today. The solution lies in the combined effort of all stakeholders like workers, employers, government and civil society so that the problem can be overcome.'' Ms Pillai said the corporate houses should be pro-rural governance for eradication of child labour by involving of panchayat members, particularly women panchs and emphasised that there is a need to display Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by giving enough publicity among their employees regarding the menace of child labour of corporate sectors, urging them not to employ children in their households and give such assistance as they consider appropriate to NGOs and Self Help Groups who are helping in elimination and rehabilitation of Child Labour.

Highlighting the ''flip side'' of India's sunshine sector BPO, Ms Pillai said, ''the BPO, IT and ITES sectors have an urban bias favouring technocrats as well as students with an English background which has resulted in increasing urban-rural divide and is causing disenchantment among rural youth.'' ''CSR initiative should ensure that the rural youth is not deprived of the emerging job opportunities in this dynamic sector after providing special training facilities,'' she added The work environment in certain areas was characterised by insecurity of employment, odd working hours, monotony, lack of promotional avenues and want of safety for women, she said.

''Even though this sector is covered under existing labour laws like Industrial Disputes Acts, the Trade Unions Act and others, the plights of the workers are highlighted with a demand for having separate labour laws to improve the working conditions in BPO, IT and ITES sector,'' she added.

Delhi High Court Chief Justice M K Sharma, speaking on the occasion, emphasised that the judiciary should also ensure that the laws for protection of child labour were enforced in the right spirit.

He also made a special reference with regard to need for amendment in labour laws to address the labour related matters in BPO sector which is different from conventional business enterprieses.

Among others present at the seminar, organised by PHDCCI in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ICCI), were PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sanjay Bhatia, Society of Indian Law Firms President Lalit Bhasin and Patron, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry K K Modi.

UNI