Jharkhand Mica Mines Declared Child Labour Free After 20 Years

Koderma:The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) declared a monumental victory today, announcing the mica mines of Jharkhand are officially "Child Labour Free." This marks the culmination of a 20-year effort by the "Child Labour Free Mica" program, a collaboration between local, district, and state authorities, children, and communities.

NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo addressed the celebratory gathering: "Today, I am overwhelmed and proud to declare that all children are free from mica mine exploitation and are in school, not mines. This achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Child Labour Free Mica program, village panchayats, the state government, and the district administration. It proves that consistent efforts and a singular focus on child safety and justice can make a real difference."

In 2004, research by Bachpan Bachao Andolan revealed over 5,000 children working in mica mines. By 2019, that number had ballooned to over 20,000. The "Child Labour Free Mica" program was born from a collaborative effort between children, communities, civil society organizations, and the government. The program meticulously identified every child working in mica mines, ensuring their withdrawal from labor and enrollment in school.

Bhuwan Ribhu, who initiated the research in 2004, reflected on the program's significance: "The identification and subsequent withdrawal of 22,000 children from mica mining and their enrollment in schools is a landmark achievement. It serves as a model for eliminating child labor in global supply chains across the unorganized sector."

The program's success is even more remarkable considering the initial hurdle of Naxalite violence in the region. Through strategic collaboration and consistent effort, the "Child Labour Free Mica" program has eradicated child labor in all 684 mica-dependent villages. Over 20,000 children have been withdrawn from the mines, with 30,364 enrolled in school. The program's constant vigilance protects 137,997 children daily. Additionally, over 275,516 people have benefited from various welfare programs implemented through the program's collaborative approach.

A defining characteristic of the program is its child-centric approach. David Hircock, Executive Director of the Esteé Lauder Companies, a major program supporter, emphasized this: "To eliminate child labor worldwide, we must actively seek and act upon the voices and experiences of children. The Child Labour Free Mica program has spent 20 years educating children and communities about their rights and opportunities. This has empowered children and fostered a strong partnership with the community, government officials, and all stakeholders working together to end child labor and build safer communities."

Bindiya Kumari, a former child laborer from Nauwadih village, shared her inspiring story: "Working in the mica mines caused constant pain. The Bal Mitra Gram program allowed me and my friends to return to school. Now, as a Class 10 student and secretary of the Bal Panchayat, I dream of becoming a government officer to fight child exploitation." Bindiya, along with others, has successfully enrolled 45 children from her village in schools.

While all children are now in school, the "Child Labour Free Mica" program will continue monitoring these villages until 2025. This ensures no child is ever again drawn into the mica mining supply chain.