Causes and Implications of Child Labor in District Faisalabad
Abstract
Child labor is a significant issue in Pakistan, with millions of children working in various industries under harsh conditions. Some of the problems faced by child laborers in Pakistan include lack of access to education, exposure to hazardous working conditions, physical and emotional abuse, and low wages. Child laborers are often underpaid and overworked, with some receiving no payment at all. They are frequently subjected to exploitation by their employers. The present study was performed in Faisalabad District. Faisalabad is an industrial hub. Faisalabad's economic landscape inadvertently perpetuates the exploitation of child workers, who endure numerous hardships in their daily lives. Children under the age of fourteen who are employed constituted the study's population. A sample of 200 working children (child labour) were selected conveniently from workplaces such as hotels/restaurants, Bricklin, tea-stalls, and shops. A lack of interest in studies emerged as the primary reason behind their child. A significant proportion of child labourers worked full-time with earning between PKR 5001-10000 monthly. It was found that child employment had negative effects on their personality including bad language and mental health issues. Overall, the exploitation of child labor in urban settings presents severe challenges that hinder their development and well-being. To minimize child labor issues, it is essential to strengthen and enforce child labor laws, ensuring strict adherence to minimum age requirements and safe working conditions through regular inspections and significant penalties for violations. Enhancing access to education is crucial, which can be achieved by providing free school supplies, meals, and transportation to alleviate financial burdens on families, as well as offering vocational training and after-school programs as alternatives to early employment.
Keywords: Child Labour, Industry, Personality Development, Poverty, Punjab.
