“Ending child labour in all its forms in India, especially in the supply chains, will create an additional incentive for economic growth and enhanced international investments from companies,” said Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi.
He was speaking at a special programme hosted jointly by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, V V Giri National Institute of Labour (NLI), International Labour Organisation and Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation in New Delhi on Friday
“Economic growth cannot be achieved and sustained without eradication of child labour,” he added.
Pointing out that while the laws to end child labour exist, the collective resolve of the people can help overcome their lack of enforcement even as it should be the responsibility of the states.
“Businesses can play a positive role in reducing child labour, directly impacting its demand,” he further said.
The others who were present on the occasion were union labour minister Santosh Gangwar and International Labour Organisation (ILO) India Director Walter Dagmar.
Appreciating the steps taken so far by the government, Satyarthi said that if India hoped to achieve its global commitment to end child labour by 2025 as part of SDG Goal 8.7, it must establish a clear vision and roadmap, and act with urgency.
Failure to act with urgency today, by governments, businesses, civil society and communities, will push millions of children into exploitation and adversely impact India’s economic growth for decades.
Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation also a hosted special discussion on ‘Barriers and Solutions in Accessing the Rehabilitation Programmes’ for children involved in labour.
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University vice-chancellor Faizan Mustafa, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson Priyank Kanoongo and Rajasthan’s director-general of police (crime) BL Soni were the speakers.
The session was moderated by KSCF director (training) Jyoti Mathur.