Where’s the budget for our kids? asks Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi

What are your expectations from the upcoming budget for children? 

For the last six years, the budget has not been appropriate, in this regard. 40 per cent of India is below the age of 18. At least 10 per cent of resources should be allocated to education, healthcare and protection. 
The education policies also need reform. Children also need to be made aware of their rights. Besides, anyone in contact with the children — parents, teachers and society as a whole — should be sensitised towards them.

Is there a need to streamline the definition of ‘child’ in law?

While child labour laws ban children below 14 years of age from labour, technically 18 is the age until which an individual is considered a ‘child’. Many countries, including India, do not have strong laws on child trafficking and child labour. The Juvenile Justice Act as well as the United Nations concur that 18 should be the legal age to work. Unfortunately, most countries, especially developing ones, have children working from 14.

There are many upsides to the Juvenile Justice Act but there still is lacuna. First of all, hazardous occupation should be clearly defined. The mention of the 63 hazardous industries should be brought back. All types of work should be prohibited until the age of 14, and only light work should be allowed for those above this age. Under no circumstances should this come at the cost of education. 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is increasingly being brought to light through active campaigning. What are your views on it? 

I have always been against the practice not just here but in all communities across the globe. In a village in Nigeria, I was almost attacked by the fundamentalist leaders while I was addressing the issue and supporting villagers to rise up against it.

I want to send out a message to all religious leaders to speak for the betterment of children and include FGM in its purview. Medical science theories should be respected and the repercussions of such traditions should be understood. Regressive and unscientific practices should be done away with. I appeal to the progressive to come forward against these evils. While I do not plan to speak immediately with the Syednas, I look forward to future opportunities for the same. 

What are the focal points of the Summit? 

A strong moral platform is urgently needed for exploited children. We have enough knowledge, technology, connect, and money globally for this. Unfortunately, slavery in its most conventional form is still on the rise and new trends of trafficking are emerging. It is quite heartening that 14 Nobel Laureates and other global dignitaries have decided to attend. 

Each laureate, leader, and 150 other prominent participants will pledge a ‘will for children.’ My priority is child slavery and communication with the government. Others will be pledging on violence, education, trafficking. 

Crime by children in groups is on the rise. What are the steps that need to be taken? 

The new Juvenile Justice Act will help create fear in young adults indulging in such activities. Education should be child-friendly, keep children busy, and be incentive-oriented. The peers of these children should also be sensitised. 

What are the new challenges we face when striving for more rights for our children?

We need to invest more in the future of our country. Technology should be used to better their lives by curbing online child pornography. Children should be made aware of its implications.

Where does India stand with respect to teacher-student ratio as well as in the education of special children and those with learning disabilities? 

An inclusive and dignified education system is crucial. I hardly see any investment in those areas even in Tier- I cities. The budget should be far more invested in teacher training than it currently is.

How has demonetization affected child trafficking and labour?

Demonetization will, to a great extent, curb child trafficking and child labour because most of this operates on black money. All transactions, even for those children above 14 years should be made via registered  bank accounts to keep a tab on whether they are being paid legal minimum wages or not.

Psychiatrists protest lowering the age of juvenile offender trials to 16 years because they feel it takes away two years of reformation. What is your opinion?

Socio-physiological issues were always there. The reforms need to be child-friendly and the rehab centres should focus on the children. We can’t have a blanket law on this, but if it is a serious case, it is justified.