New Delhi,LOK SABHA:The Government does not propose any fixed target date or time bound programme to abolish Child Labour since this problem emanates from other issues such as poverty and it is not possible to fix a specific period for its complete abolition. However, the Government is already implementing the National Child Labour Project Scheme for the elimination of child labour in 250 districts of 20 States of the country. Under the Scheme, children working in identified hazardous occupations and process are withdrawn from work and put in Special Schools where they are provided with accelerated education, vocational training, nutrition, stipend and healthcare facilities etc., before they are mainstreamed into regular education system.
The ILO has supported child labour elimination efforts in the country through the IPEC (International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour). However, the contribution of the ILO in terms of financial aid is not very high in comparison to Government of India allocation. The UNICEF also similarly contributes a very small amount for specific programmes of elimination of child labour. While these financial inputs have been helpful, it is the Government of India funding which is the primary source for combating child labour in the country.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Oscar Fernandes (Independent Charge) in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.