LOST CHILDHOOD

Child labour is illegal, several laws have been enacted to prevent exploitation of children below 14 years of age, yet everywhere, we see children from the poor strata of the society being exploited and abused. The IT city is also notorious for employing under-age kids.Many high profile Bangaloreans are known to keep under age kids as servants at homes. On the street, children can be seen doing various chores. While a little girl learns to weave bamboo wares, another child was ‘wise’ enough to sit and sell plastic toys on the street side. The automobile workshops are the worst offenders. They employ young boys for a paltry sum and make them do dangerous works. It’s hard to miss the ‘shoe-shine boy’ and the little girl who is trying hard to sell posters. These are everyday events that we rarely pay attention to. It’s time these children lived better lives.