Recounting Velpur’s Story in Ending Child Labour

June 12 is annually observed as the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL).

World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL)

• Auspices: The day is observed under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• Purpose: WDACL aims to unite governments, employers, workers’ organizations, and civil society in the fight against child labour.
• Global Goal: Despite Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 calling for an end to child labour by 2025, the world is far from achieving this objective.

Prevalence of Child Labour

• Global Impact: Child labour globally deprives children of their dignity, childhood, and full developmental potential.
• Estimated Numbers: Approximately 160 million children are estimated to be involved in child labour worldwide, representing roughly one in ten children.
• Regional Concentration: Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions together account for nearly nine out of every ten children engaged in child labour.
• COVID-19 Exacerbation: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation for many underprivileged children, leading to school closures and forcing them into work to supplement family income. Many of these children have not returned to school.

Legislative and Policy Frameworks in India

• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (CLPRA) of 1986: Initially aimed at prohibition and regulation, with a focus on rehabilitation.
• National Policy on Child Labour, 1987: Advocated a gradual approach, strict enforcement of CLPRA, and implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) in high-incidence areas.
• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016: Replaced the CLPRA, prohibiting employment of children below 14 and adolescents (14-18 years) in scheduled hazardous occupations.
• Right to Education: Mandates free and compulsory education for all children aged 6-14 years.

The Velpur Model

• Exemplary: Velpur Mandal in Nizamabad district (now Telangana), once infamous for child labour, dramatically transformed into a rare exception.
• Community-Led Drive (2001): In June 2001, a community drive began to ensure all children aged 5-15 attended school, with no child engaged in labour.
• “Child Labour Free Mandal” Declaration: After a sustained 100-day campaign, Velpur was declared a “child labour free mandal” on October 2, 2001.
• Sustained Success (24 Years Later): Twenty-four years on, Velpur boasts 100% retention in schools and remains free of child labour.
• Committed Officials: The campaign to identify and enroll out-of-school children was initially led by dedicated officials.
• Large-Scale Resistance: Initially, there was significant resistance, with rumors of child kidnapping rackets spreading in villages.
• Persistent Efforts: Through continuous efforts and dialogues, the community’s cooperation was gained, transforming the initiative into their own movement.
• Bridge Schools: Children found working were sent to bridge schools under the NCLP.
• Public Awareness: Public meetings emphasized the importance of education and children attending school.
• Peer Pressure : Former employers, under peer pressure, publicly announced writing off debts (principal, interest, and penal interest) owed by parents who had mortgaged their children as labour.
• Support for Education: Employers even distributed school stationery to children.
• Significant Debt Relief: A study found approximately ₹35 lakh was written off for this good cause.
• Sarpanch Agreements: All Sarpanchs signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the government (District Education Officer in the presence of the District Collector) to ensure children aged 5-14 attended school.
• Government Commitment: The government, in turn, undertook to provide access, infrastructure, and teachers. This was the first such agreement between Sarpanchs and the government.
• Community Ownership: The community zealously guards its child-labour-free status, erecting boards in every village stating, “There is no child labour in our village.”

Recognition and Replication

• 20-Year Celebration: On October 8, 2021, the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) organized an event in Nizamabad to celebrate 20 years of Velpur’s success.
• Honoring Contributors: Sarpanchs, caste elders, Zilla Parishad members, and all involved in the campaign were honored.
• No Child Labour Identified: Local media challenged to find a single out-of-school child found none.
• Widespread Acclaim: The Velpur story is well-documented and appreciated by the ILO and media, with visits from experts.
• Presidential & NHRC Appreciation: Former President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and members of the National Human Rights Commission India sent letters of appreciation.
• Integral to Training Programs: The Velpur model, emphasizing complete community participation, is an integral part of all training programs at VVGNLI.
• Parliamentary Recognition: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development appreciated its success after a presentation by the then District Collector in November 2022.

Conclusion

The Velpur model is a community-led success story, proving that social issues can be successfully and sustainably addressed only when they metamorphose into a people’s movement.