There is no better remedy for this problem than making education compulsory for all children on an equal basis
KARACHI: Child labour is one of the most complex problems our society faces. It is rampant in many developing countries where children are made to engage in work in order to earn their living, and that too at an age where they may be unable to care for themselves. These countries are depriving children of education, which is a huge loss for the children and society. Child labour can cause severe harm to children’s health and future as they are often forced into working in hazardous conditions.
Historically, the child labour issue was not regarded as a social problem until the introduction of the factory system, which caused children to develop poor health, poor mental growth and various diseases such as skin and respiratory disorders. It is a pity that in this day and age too, a child can suffer from serious psychological and physical harm because of the conditions they may be forced to work in. This problem is not only a source of worry for the families concerned but also for society, community and the government.
There is no better remedy for this problem than making education compulsory for all children on an equal basis and then ensuring that they actually do get educated. The government needs to pay attention to this area and ensure that all children are educated whether their families can afford to put them through school or not, with the state making sure that it covers expenses for those who do not have the resources to educate their children. In this regard, just making laws is not the solution unless we implement them strictly in every sector of the country. Strict laws followed by strict implementation can change the game and child labour could be reduced significantly.
Farah Fatima
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2015.
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