Centre for Distance Education
Acharya Nagarjuna University
Master’s Degree in Social Work (2010 – 11)
Project Proposal (Synopsis)
Submitted by Sattiraju L S Padmavathi
Registration Number A09SW999007
Introduction
Children are a nation’s greatest strength and resource. They are the best gifts we are endowed with. They are the instruments that decide what tomorrow is going to be like. When we say we must strive for the welfare of children, it is not just out of a humanitarian perspective, but in the larger interest of the community.
But it is common knowledge that the condition of children is far from satisfactory. Child labour and child abuse are almost taken for granted universally. The problem is prevalent not just in the Third World but even in the so called developed countries. The issue is multi-faceted with implications in a number of social and economic aspects. In spite of the efforts of governments and international agencies, the problem persists and the solution still evades the view.
Study Area
Tanuku is one of the fast – developing towns in the district of West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. It has very good future prospects in agricultural, industrial, political as well as educational sectors. The following are some of the remarkable features of the place:
- Andhra Sugars, a major sugar factory
- Akkamamba Textiles, a very old industrial unit
- A large number of people who came from other districts and states to settle in Tanuku by way of business or employment
- Several slums in different parts of the town which supply the child labourers
- Population of about 1 lakh
Focus on the Problem
This aspect of development notwithstanding, the contradiction remains that child labour seems to find patronage widely among the elite and the literate. The unfortunate practice may be found in shops, schools, hospitals, factories and obviously households. It is needless to say that the wage levels among child labourers are well below what may be considered reasonable while the work load prescribed is unduly heavy. It is a different thing that even if the wage levels and work load happen to be reasonable, child labour is still just as bad. In this study, the effort shall be to pinpoint specific measures, which, if effected, shall go a long way at least in the minimization of child labour, if not eradication.
The term child labourer refers to those who have not completed fourteen years of age. Being employed at such a tender age comes in the way of improving and sustaining their physical, mental, social and spiritual health. It is appalling that a large number of people who have hired child labourers regard it on par with philanthropy for the economic support it gives the child’s family. They do not realize the serious long-term implications it could have on individuals as well as society. Finding a solution to the problem becomes all the more difficult because of the temporary gratification it offers to the child and his parents. The gratification at the same time seals the child’s opportunities for growth, development and career planning.
Andhra Pradesh has the record of figuring among the Indian states foremost in the incidence of child labour. Sadly, it is not something that can be claimed with pride.
Significance of the Study
The problem chosen is of utmost importance because we are witnessing a period that projects India as a country with the potential to rise to be a global economic power. The rapid changes in the economy that have taken place in the last decade undoubtedly make us feel good. However, it must be borne in mind that unless the evils that have affected the system are treated from the grassroots level, the stakes shall be high.
Objectives
The study focuses on
- the social and economic picture of child labourers
- distribution of child labourers across various segments of population
- the exploitation that child labourers are subjected to
- the causes, consequences and remedies for the problem of child labour
- the degree of success of child labourers in substantially supporting their families
- the attitudes of parents and employers who are behind the problem of child labour
Assumptions
The study assumes that
- poverty is the root cause of child labour
- illiteracy aggravates the incidence of child labour
- parents of child labourers are unaware of the serious social consequences of the problem
- child labourers have no knowledge about the statutory protection that they are entitled to
- child labourers are exploited in terms of their wages, working hours and work conditions
- obtaining the cooperation of child labourers in their rehabilitation is a formidable task
Variables
The analysis will be done with respect to the following variables:
- earning levels of child labourers per day and per month
- earning levels of child labourers’ families
- gender-wise incidence of child labour
- community-wise incidence of child labour
- nature of work and length of experience
- age and literacy level of parents of child labourers
Research Design
Descriptive survey research design will be undertaken in the study of different facets of the problem of child labour.
Methodology
The study will follow the methods of interview schedule and observation in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
Sampling
In Tanuku town, seven child labourers will be selected from each of the following areas:
- Sajjapuram
- Old Town
- Main Road
- Velpur Road
- Teachers Colony
- Housing Board Colony
- Ikea Nagar
Tools of Statistical Analysis
The study will use the following tools in the analysis and interpretation of results:
- Averages
- Percentages
- Pie Diagrams
- Bar Diagrams
- Histograms
Limitations
While utmost care and caution shall be exercised in making the study in a scientific and accurate manner, it must be clarified that the study is by no means exhaustive. It is based on a limited geographical area and random samples. The results are generalized on the basis of this limited data. The averages and percentages are adjusted to two decimal points.
