PM’s unplanned demonetisation had earned him criticism nationwide. However, it came as a blessing in disguise for young child labourers working in jewellery, gem and bangles factory. Several factories running in the city have fired young workers, due to currency crunch existing in the market. So far, child welfare NGOs and government authorities have recovered 16 children who were about to board a train to Bihar. These kids were intercepted on Jaipur Railway Station by the Railway Childline.
The Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Amendment Act of 2016 prohibits children, who’re below the age of 18 to work as daily labourers. Despite strict vigilance by the officers, several kids from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar illegally enter Rajasthan, in search of employment. Most of these kids hail from poor backgrounds. Due to the existing financial crisis, they’re forced to take up menial labour jobs. Sadly, they lose their precious childhood at an age when they’re supposed to enjoy their school life.
Demonetisation might provide a new alternative to these kids.
16 Child Labourers were Recovered from Jaipur Railway Station Till Now
The Railway childline (a collaboration of state government and NGO Antakshari Foundation) rescued 16 young children from Jaipur Railway Station. A few of these kids were sent to their native homes in different states whereas some of them were sent to childcare homes for proper care and upbringing.
As reported by Reena Sharma, a member of Railway childline, most of the children rescued by the authorities were within 10 to 14 years of age. They’ve been handed over to child welfare committees that will aid them as per the provisions mentioned in the law.
As of now, two members– one from female and one from male community will be appointed at Jaipur railway station to rescue suspicious activities. This move is likely to prevent child labour and trafficking cases. The authorities have requested help from Rajasthan government and Railway police (Railways Protection Force) to rescue these kids.
According to the NGO members, they’ve started rehabilitating children after the rescue session. They were counselled and educated on the impact of child labour. Post-demonetisation, the manufacturing procedures have slowed down due to the cash crisis prevailing in the market. Therefore these children were asked to leave. Hopefully, this will bring in more opportunities for the kids.
Vijay Goyal, the coordinator of One Stop Crisis Management Centre said that the authorities will make an attempt to educate these kids. Seeing that market is out of jobs now, they’re better off at schools where newer opportunities wait for them ahead.
