Words and action

The Himalayan Times

13 June 2014

Words and action

World Day Against Child Labour was also marked in Nepal on June 12 with various programs. According to the news report “Child labour still a real scourge” (THT, 12 June, Page 2), more than a million and a half child labours have been deprived of their basic rights to education, health and above all their childhood. Likewise, around 1.6 million between the ages of 5 and 17 are involved in some kind of child labour. Out of this, 621,000 children are engaged in life threatening work. Child labour is work that deprives the children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity. It is harmful to their physical and mental development.

Simply marking Child Labour Day once a year does not make any sense unless the concerned authorities become sensible and act responsibly for the welfare of these children. Strict measures should be taken to completely eliminate the child labour if possible. It is encouraging to know that the government with the initiation of the Ministry of Labour and Employment is working to amend the National Child Labour Policy and Child Labour at 2056. It was also good to know that this plan has already been approved by the National Planning Commission and is in the process of being passed by the government. However, simply amending the policies may not be effective unless and until it is effectively put in place and seriously implemented.

The other factor to address the issue is to improve the living condition of the poor families for which the government has to show its commitment. Until the government brings out appropriate plans and programs to address this issue and implement them with full commitment, the child labour problem will continue in Nepal.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu