Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence due to the very small land holdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area.
a. You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura.
b. Identify the ethical issues involved.
c. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the over-all economic scenario in the district? (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
Ethical Issues and Specific Steps for Improving Rampura’s Economic and Social Conditions
**1. Ethical Issues Involved
a. Child Labour Exploitation:
Minor girls are coerced into working in harsh conditions on Bt Cotton farms, which is both illegal and unethical. This exploitation leads to severe health problems and violates their rights to protection and education.
b. Inadequate Welfare Program Benefits:
Despite the existence of targeted welfare programs, their inadequate implementation reflects an ethical lapse in addressing the needs of the tribal population effectively.
c. Poverty and Migration:
Extreme poverty forces youth to migrate for better opportunities, exposing them to risky and exploitative work environments, which highlights systemic issues in local economic development.
**2. Specific Steps to Ameliorate Conditions and Improve Economic Scenario
a. Addressing Child Labour and Health Issues
Collaborate with law enforcement and child welfare organizations to rescue minor girls from exploitative conditions. Ensure their rehabilitation through medical care, psychological support, and reintegration into educational institutions.
Enforce stricter regulations against child labour and ensure robust monitoring of employment practices in neighboring states. For example, recent interventions by the government in Tamil Nadu’s textile industry have strengthened enforcement against child labour.
Conduct awareness campaigns within Rampura to educate parents about the legal implications and health risks associated with sending minors to work. Utilize local media and community leaders to disseminate information.
b. Improving Economic Conditions
Introduce sustainable agricultural practices and crop diversification to improve productivity. Programs similar to the “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)” can provide irrigation facilities and support.
Develop local industries and handicrafts to create employment opportunities. For example, the promotion of traditional handicrafts in Uttarakhand has successfully generated local employment and reduced migration.
Implement skill development programs focusing on vocational training for youth. Initiatives like the “Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)” offer valuable training and employment opportunities.
c. Enhancing Welfare Program Effectiveness
Ensure that existing welfare schemes are effectively implemented and reach the intended beneficiaries. Establish a monitoring mechanism to track the impact of these programs.
Work closely with NGOs to enhance their effectiveness in addressing child labour and local development issues. Provide them with necessary resources and support to ensure impactful interventions.
Conclusion:
Addressing the ethical issues of child labour and poverty in Rampura requires a multi-faceted approach, including immediate rescue operations, legal enforcement, and economic development. By implementing these specific steps, the conditions for minor girls can be improved, and the overall economic scenario of the district can be significantly enhanced.
Model Answer
Introduction
Rampura, a remote district with a predominantly tribal population, struggles with extreme poverty and backwardness. The reliance on subsistence agriculture, combined with the migration of youth and the exploitation of minor girls for labor in cotton farms, highlights the urgent need for intervention. The ineffectiveness of NGOs and welfare programs exacerbates the plight of these vulnerable populations.
Ethical Issues Involved
1. Exploitation of Minor Girls
The use of child labor in cotton farms violates the rights of minor girls, exposing them to hazardous working conditions and health risks.
2. Lack of Protection and Support
Parents, labor contractors, and NGOs have failed to protect these girls, contributing to their vulnerability and compromised well-being.
3. Neglect of Welfare Programs
Inadequate implementation of targeted welfare initiatives illustrates a lack of commitment to addressing the specific needs of the tribal population in Rampura.
4. Compromise of NGOs
The ineffective state of NGOs raises concerns about their integrity and capacity to advocate for the rights of minor girls and promote local development.
Steps to Ameliorate Conditions and Improve Economic Scenario
1. Strengthen Child Protection Measures
Implement strict enforcement of child labor laws to prevent the exploitation of minor girls in cotton farms.
2. Empower and Educate Parents
Initiate awareness programs for parents, emphasizing the importance of education and discouraging child labor practices.
3. Improve Access to Education
Enhance educational infrastructure in Rampura to ensure that all children, particularly minor girls, have access to quality education.
4. Enhance Healthcare Facilities
Establish healthcare centers to address health issues faced by minor girls and the local community, providing essential medical services and preventive care.
5. Promote Skill Development and Employment Opportunities
Introduce vocational training programs to equip youth with employable skills, reducing migration and enhancing income generation.
6. Strengthen NGOs and Civil Society Engagement
Collaborate with credible NGOs to advocate for the rights of minor girls, address systemic issues, and promote sustainable development.
7. Encourage Local Entrepreneurship
Facilitate small-scale industries and promote entrepreneurship based on local resources to create jobs and improve economic conditions.
Conclusion
By identifying and addressing the ethical issues at play and implementing targeted interventions, the District Collector can significantly improve the conditions of minor girls while fostering sustainable economic development in Rampura. This multi-faceted approach is critical for breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation in the district.