Assets Taxable Under Wealth Tax in India

Child Labour 

The Whitley Commission, officially known as the Royal Commission on Labour in India (1929-1931), was established by the British government to assess the conditions of labor in British India and recommend improvements. The commission, chaired by John Henry Whitley, made several important recommendations that addressed the welfare and rights of workers in various sectors. Below are some key recommendations:

1. Improved Labor Conditions

• Reduction of working hours in factories.
• Implementation of proper measures for the health and safety of workers.
• Better housing and sanitation facilities for workers.

2. Minimum Wage

• Introduction of minimum wages in industries where wages were extremely low.
• The concept of a living wage was emphasized to ensure workers could meet basic needs.

3. Regulation of Child and Women Labor

• Prohibition of child labor below a specific age.
• Reduction of working hours for women and children to ensure their health and well-being.

4. Trade Unions

• Encouraged the formation and recognition of trade unions.
• Suggested legislation to protect trade union activities and promote collective bargaining.

5. Social Security

• Recommended schemes for workmen's compensation for injuries at work.
• Suggested provision of unemployment benefits and maternity benefits.

6. Dispute Resolution

• Emphasized the establishment of mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of industrial disputes.
• Encouraged the establishment of labor courts and conciliation boards.

7. Agricultural Labor

• Highlighted the poor conditions of agricultural laborers and suggested measures to improve their status.
• Advocated for the reduction of rural indebtedness.

8. Government Role

• Recommended greater government intervention in labor issues.
• Suggested the appointment of labor officers to oversee labor welfare measures.

These recommendations laid the groundwork for labor reforms in India and influenced subsequent labor legislation, including the Factories Act and the Trade Unions Act. The commission's work was crucial in shaping the labor policies of pre- and post-independence India.

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Child Labour

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Child Labour: Definition and Issues

Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them of their childhood, education, or physical and mental well-being. It is a pressing social issue, particularly in developing countries, where poverty and lack of access to education drive children into labor.

 

Types of Child Labour

1. Domestic Work: Children working in households for meager wages.
2. Agricultural Work: Engaged in farming, often in hazardous conditions.
3. Industrial Work: Found in factories, mines, and other industries.
4. Street Work: Selling goods, begging, or scavenging.
5. Hazardous Work: Involving dangerous environments or substances, like chemical factories or construction sites.

 

Causes of Child Labour

1. Poverty: Families rely on children to supplement their income.
2. Lack of Education: Absence of affordable education leads children to work.
3. Cultural Norms: Acceptance of child labour in certain communities.
4. Demand for Cheap Labour: Employers exploit children for low wages.
5. Family Disruption: Orphanhood or family instability forces children to work.

 

Impact of Child Labour

1. Health Issues: Physical injuries, malnutrition, and exposure to harmful substances.
2. Educational Deprivation: Prevents children from attending school and acquiring skills.
3. Psychological Impact: Leads to stress, trauma, and social isolation.
4. Perpetuation of Poverty: Lack of education keeps them trapped in low-paying jobs.

 

Legislation Against Child Labour

International

1. ILO Conventions:
• Convention No. 138: Minimum Age for Admission to Employment.
• Convention No. 182: Worst Forms of Child Labour.
2. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): Protects children’s rights, including the right to education and freedom from economic exploitation.

India

1. Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986:
• Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in certain occupations.
• Regulates working conditions for children aged 14-18 in non-hazardous industries.
2. Right to Education Act, 2009:
• Mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.
3. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015:
• Penalizes individuals who employ children in hazardous work.
4. National Child Labour Project (NCLP):
• Provides education and vocational training to rescued child workers.

 

Efforts to Combat Child Labour

1. Government Initiatives:
• Awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws.
• Rehabilitation programs for child workers.
2. NGOs:
• Organizations like Bachpan Bachao Andolan actively work to rescue and rehabilitate child laborers.
3. Community Role:
• Community awareness and support for education initiatives.
4. Global Efforts:
• Observance of World Day Against Child Labour on June 12.
• Collaboration among nations to tackle the issue through funding and policy support.

 

Conclusion

Eliminating child labour requires a multi-pronged approach involving strict enforcement of laws, poverty alleviation, access to quality education, and awareness campaigns. It is imperative to create a society where every child can enjoy their right to education and a dignified childhood.