Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi expressed confidence that by 2047 when India celebrates its 100th year of independence, the country will have done “far better” in the fight against child labor under the Narendra Modi government.
In an interview with PTI, Mr. Satyarthi stated that ending child labor in India requires both social and political will and that the government will require the backing of society and the commercial sector.
“Every child in India should be free, protected, educated, and given every protection and opportunity possible.” Mr. Satyarthi, who was in town to attend various peace events and meet members of President Joe Biden’s administration, think tanks, and parliamentarians, said, “I’m convinced it will happen (before 2047).”
“When I talk about the last person in society, my vision is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi in some ways.” I am hopeful that India will be able to achieve it by 2047. He stated, “It should happen before that.”
‘India will gain complete independence.’
India would gain full independence when a girl from a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or the south, belonging to the lowest social and economic strata, is free to attend school and has the opportunity to realize her ambitions, he said.
Mr. Satyarthi was replying to a question about his vision for India in 2047 when the country will celebrate its 100th anniversary of independence. This year marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, which is being commemorated worldwide as “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” by persons of Indian descent and Indians residing abroad.
More efforts to eradicate Child labor
India has done far more in the fight against child labor this year than in past years, he said.
“Like the law… prohibiting all types of child labor until the age of 14 and all dangerous forms of child labor until the age of 18.” Of course, enforcing the law is a challenge, and it can be difficult at times, but we have a good law,” he said.
“India has also ratified two ILO agreements, one on the worst kinds of child labor and the other on the minimum age of work.” Even though the United States has yet to ratify the Convention on the Minimum Age of Employment in the Edit, Mr. Satyarthi stated, “a lot of progressive initiatives have been taken.”
“However, a mix of social and political will, as well as a sense of urgency, is required, which is sorely lacking.” This is something that only the government can do. Because it is a national scourge and a national stigma if even one solitary child is sold or bought like cattle anywhere in the globe, society must collaborate with the private sector. So, while we’ve made a lot of progress in the last few years, there’s still a lot more to be done,” he said.
Mr. Satyarthi stated that the Covid pandemic is not only health or economic disaster, but one that would affect the entire society, with children suffering the most.
“In fact, they are the worst suffering already.” Millions of youngsters may be forced into slavery or trafficked child labor if we do not address their challenges with the utmost earnestness and haste. He predicted that “millions of children will be compelled to drop out of school.”