The Union Government is contemplating to bring a Bill banning Child labour in India.  In this Bill, there are stringent provisions, like,  if someone is found employing a child below 14 years of age. He has to pay a fine of $900 or Rs 45000.

At present, the child labour is everywhere. Even in hazardous industries. When, our Constitution clearly bans the employments of children below 14 years of age in hazardous Industries.

Yesterday, 52 people died in a fire in a Sivakasi Cracker factory. Notably, Cracker factories mostly employ young children. Sometimes as young as 5-6 year olds.

More than the wage advantage, it's the 'work' which makes the Sivakasi cracker factory owners employ small children.  Cracker making involves filling small paper tubes and pasting small paper bits; a child with small fingers can do this work better than an adult.

But, whatever the reason may be, a child working to feed his family is a shame for the Nation.



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