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
