By Rajib Roy
SHILLONG: Despite tall claims by the Central and the State Government, the ‘evil’ of child labour is rampant in the State. A walk on the streets of the town or a visit to any of the eateries in the city will reveal the familiar sight of kids selling kwai (betel nut and leaves), cigarettes, page markers and other materials to eke out a living for themselves and their family members in this age of inflation.
Some of these bread earners, mostly under the age of 15, when spoken to, revealed that they had to drop out of school and take to the streets to supplement their family income while others were forced to work by their parents.
These children carrying small baskets are seen in several areas of the city such as Mawlonghat, Iewduh, Khyndailad, besides office buildings and parking lots across the city, selling light products.
A 12-year-old boy, who was found selling his wares in Mawlonghat area, said, “I sell kwai and cigarettes from morning till evening and even move to government offices in the daytime because I can earn more profit there.”
Another boy who was doing business in Iewduh said that though he wanted to study his parents could afford to send him to school. “Since I had no other choice I now work in Iewduh as a light weight porter”.
Another such child, who was selling knickknacks at Khyndailad, said that sometimes when the earning is not good, he even resorted to begging or else he would be rebuked back home by his parents for not returning home with enough money. On an average day, these children earn around Rs 100 and the income goes up on special days and occasions like festivals etc.
Most of these children also revealed that a good earning from a particular day meant a full meal for them.
When asked, almost all the children replied that neither they nor their parents were aware of any government scheme meant to benefit them. A rag picker from Butcher Road area of the city said such schemes were useless as they do not mean anything for those people who live from hand to mouth.
More than half of the children interviewed revealed that they were not satisfied with their way of life, but there were some children, especially those working in eateries and small hotels and restaurants in the city, who replied that they were happy with the work they were doing since they did not have to worry about arranging two square meals in a day. Most of them were also happy with the fact that their employers allowed them to stay on the premises of the eateries, thus alleviating their worry for a safe shelter at night.
One thing noticeable among these child workers was their pathetic health condition and the deplorable work condition they were being subjected to. There was rampant exploitation of these children in terms of their work load and the payments made to them.
Most of these children suffered from common ailments such as cough. Others were found suffering from TB, skin diseases, impeding physical growth among others.
These children are also addicted to various banned substances such as sniffing adhesives like thinners and dendrite, besides consuming alcohol and smoking.
Despite all talks of children being the future of the nation, these children with baskets strung around their necks and selling knickknacks on the roadside have no hope for the future.
Only time will tell whether these children become the future of the nation or lose their childhood and youthfulness in the rat race that life hold for them.