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April 28, 2007
Child Labor Laws Require Proper Implementation: Justice

New Delhi
Terming child labor as a "stupendous problem", Delhi High Court Chief Justice M.K. Sharma Saturday said there are plenty of laws to deal with the socio-economic menace but their proper implementation is lacking.

"There are enough laws to tackle the child labor problem in the country. What we lack is proper implementation. Corporates, social sector, law enforcing departments and judiciary need to work hand in glove to handle the issue," he said.

"I think people are not coming out to take the help of judiciary in such matters. In last 12 years I have not handled a single case - neither in northeast, nor in Patna nor now in Delhi," he told IANS on the sideline of an anti-child labor conference here.

India is home to more than 11 million child laborers.

He said though the child labor problem cannot be eradicated completely in a short run, yet a concerted effort from all sections of society can help such children to a large extent.

"Poverty and illiteracy are the two major reasons for the increasing number of child laborers. Unless we give their families economic stability and children proper education, we cannot expect responsibility and restraint on the part of these families," he added.

The conference on 'Corporate Social Responsibility: Eradication of Child Labor' was organized by the industry lobby PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking at the event, Sudha Pillai, secretary, ministry of labor and employment, said: "Looking at the magnitude of the problem, the government cannot eradicate it in isolation. May be the government can shoulder 60 percent of the responsibility, the rest needs to be shared by industries, NGOs and other social watchdogs." 

IANS | April 28, 2007

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