Malabar: Child labour prevails despite efforts

KOZHIKODE: As the world observes June 12 as a day against child labour, children of migrant workers who accompany their parents are a source of concern now in Malabar region. “Often, not having a verifiable identification document is a problem in determining their age,” states C.J. Antony, member of Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. June 12 has been recognised as World Day Against Child Labour. Various government and non-government institutions have been tirelessly working towards the complete eradication of forced labour from God’s own land.   

Based on a report by Kozhikode Childline intervention unit, three cases from Kunnamngalam, four from Feroke and a staggering 25 cases from Kozhikode Corporation has been detailed. Majority of these numbers pertain to migrant workers’ children rather than locals. Other panchayats like Perambra, Balushery and Thuneri have reported single cases of child labour over the past year. “Affluent households employ children in a reticent manner involving abuse. It is tough to spot these,” observes Kasargod Childline coordinator Aneesh Thevar Kattil.

Border districts like Kasargod have the disrepute of large scale trafficking of children for household affairs. The secretive nature of the dealers and customers has rendered the data vague. “Ernakulam currently has the most observable cases of child labour”, said Anwar Karakkadan, Childline coordinator, Malappuram. “We have planned awareness drives for resident associations to promote a sense of responsibility among the public to report any suspicion of such activities”, Mr  Anwar added.  Though child labour across Kerala has seen a decline, Childline authority statistics point out that it is far from eradication. The state, which rests in a recess between cent per cent literacy and total eradication of child labour, is yet to open its eyes to such activities being carried out in secret.