Children in labour

 
Published: Sunday 30 June 2002

"I am hiding because I don't want to go to work today. But they will come and drag me. Look, here they come!"

This is 9 year old Pyaari, a child labourer who wants to play, not work.

This documentary film, titled Indebalya or "childhood now" explores the social compulsions that push children to labour in the thriving silk industry in Karnataka.

Through interviews with children, parents, policy makers and development workers, the film raises the issue of child labour in inhuman conditions, as a gross violation of children's rights. However, instead of attempting to evoke sympathy, the film projects this issue as a development indicator, warranting a multi-pronged strategy for its eradication.

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