Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 3

If a 13-year old child is working in a factory, what is it called?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the legal and ethical implications of a child working in a factory.

Correct Answer: B) Child labour.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Child labour is a significant social issue that involves the exploitation of children in various forms of work. The term "child labour" refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and/or interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school, obliging them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work.

In the context of the question, a 13-year-old child working in a factory is a clear example of child labour. This situation is not only illegal in many countries, including India, but it also violates the rights of the child to education and a safe environment. The Indian government has enacted several laws to protect children from such exploitation, including the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, which prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in hazardous occupations and processes.

It is important to understand that child labour is not limited to factory work; it can also include domestic work, agricultural work, and other forms of employment that are harmful to the physical and mental development of children. The issue of child labour is complex and involves various social, economic, and cultural factors. Addressing child labour requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, economic support, and legal enforcement.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "Child labour" (Option B). This term accurately describes the situation of a 13-year-old child working in a factory, which is a form of exploitation that deprives the child of their right to education and a safe environment.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. "Freedom to education" refers to the right of children to receive education, not to work in factories. The question specifically asks about a child working in a factory, which is a form of child labour.
  • Option B: This option is correct. "Child labour" refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood and interferes with their ability to attend regular school. A 13-year-old child working in a factory is a clear example of child labour.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. "Both (a) and (b)" is not applicable here because the situation described in the question is specifically about child labour, not about the right to education or freedom of speech.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. "Freedom to speech" is unrelated to the context of a child working in a factory. The question is about the exploitation of children in the workforce, which is child labour.

Mnemonic: Remember: "Child labour" involves children working in hazardous conditions.

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 3 – Practice all questions