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Ethics – Mains Question 43
1. Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local
economy of the area is largely dependent on the firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic
development and improved standard of living in the area. So far as child labor norms for hazardous
industries like the firecrackers industry are concerned, the International Labour Organization (ILO)
has set the minimum age as 18 years. In India, however, this age is 14 years.
The units in industrial clusters of firecrackers can be classified into registered and non-registered
entities. One typical unit is household-based work. Though the law is clear on the use of child labor
employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based work.
Household-based work means children working under the supervision of their parents/relatives. To
evade child labor norms, several units project themselves as household-based works but employ
children from outside. Needless to say, employing children saves the costs for these units leading to
higher profits for the owners.
On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi, the owner takes you around the unit which has about 10-
15 children below 14 years of age. The owner tells you that in his household-based unit, the children
are all his relatives. You notice that several children smirk when the owner tells you this. On deeper
inquiry, you figure out that neither the owner nor the children can satisfactorily establish their
relationship with each other.
(a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
(b) What would be your reaction after your above visit? (25 Marks 300 Words)
Approach:
Introduction: Start the answer by explaining the case study
Body: Discuss the ethical issues involved and the course of action.
Conclusion: Conclude by writing the long-term solution.
Answer:
The case study revolves around the manufacturing clusters of firecrackers and matches in Sivakasi, Tamil
Nadu, which significantly contribute to the local economy and standard of living. However, the area's
dependence on the firecracker industry has led to the unethical employment of children below 14 years,
violating international and national labor norms. The case highlights the deceptive practices of some unit
owners who falsely claim children as relatives to evade child labor regulations and maximize profits. The
study emphasizes the ethical issues involved in exploiting child labor for economic gains in hazardous
industries.
a) Ethical Issues Involved in the Case:
Child Labor Exploitation: The primary ethical concern in this case is the exploitation of
children below the age of 14 years as cheap labor in hazardous industries like the firecracker
industry. Child labor is considered unethical as it deprives children of their right to education,
health, and a safe environment while exposing them to potential physical and psychological
harm.
Deception and False Representation: The owner of the unit is attempting to deceive the
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authorities by claiming that the children working in the unit are all his relatives and that the unit
is a household-based work. However, this appears to be a false representation as there is no
satisfactory proof of their relationship. This deceptive practice violates principles of honesty and
integrity.
Violation of Labor Standards: The use of child labor in hazardous industries is a violation of
international labor standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which
establishes the minimum age for employment in hazardous work as 18 years. India's age limit for
such work is 14 years, but even this limit is being disregarded in this case.
Child Rights and Welfare: The engagement of children in such labor-intensive and dangerous
work denies them their fundamental rights, including the right to protection, education, and
proper physical and mental development. This raises concerns about the well-being and welfare
of the children involved.
Exploitative Practices for Profit: The unit owners are employing children to save costs and
increase profits, which reflects a profit-driven mindset that overlooks the well-being of
vulnerable individuals, in this case, the children.
b) Reaction After the Visit: After the visit to the unit and observing the presence of children below the
age of 14 years, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate action to address the ethical issues at
hand. The following steps can be taken:
Report to Authorities: As a responsible citizen and visitor, report the observed child labor
situation to the appropriate authorities, such as the local labor department, child protection
agencies, and the police. Provide them with all the necessary information and evidence to
conduct a thorough investigation.
Verify Relationship Claims: Inform the authorities about the owner's claims regarding the
children being his relatives. Authorities should conduct a thorough investigation to verify the
relationship claims and identify any false representation.
Provide Support and Rehabilitation: Ensure that proper support and rehabilitation measures are
taken for the affected children. They should be removed from hazardous work environments and
provided access to education, healthcare, and a safe living environment.
Ensure Legal Compliance: The authorities should strictly enforce child labor laws and ensure
that all units, including household-based workers, adhere to the minimum age requirements for
employment in hazardous industries.
Raise Awareness: Engage in advocacy and awareness campaigns to educate the local community
about the detrimental effects of child labor and the importance of respecting children's rights.
This can help prevent such practices in the future and promote ethical labor practices.
Monitor and Enforce: Continuously monitor the situation in the industrial clusters to prevent
child labor exploitation. Implement a robust monitoring system to enforce labor laws and take
legal action against those who violate child labor norms.
Engage with Local Stakeholders: Collaborate with local NGOs, community leaders, and
stakeholders to address the issue of child labor effectively. By involving different parties, a
collective effort can be made to tackle the problem.
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Sustainable change can only be achieved through a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government
agencies, industry associations, NGOs, and communities to create a child labor-free environment and
protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable children in the long term.
