Development of a Backward Area

Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject (extreme) poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is subsistence due to the very small landholdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income.

Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton.

The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls.

NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area.

You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura.

a)      Identify the ethical issues involved.

b)      Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the overall economic scenario in the district (250 words)

Key Points

Ethical Issues

·         Lack of political will and administrative skill; 

·         Lack of Proactive governance

·         Lack of sufficient conditions to attract industries

·         Corruption (Nonperformance of duty)

·         Child labour – against law and ethics; Means vs End - Immanuel Kant;

·         NGOs  – Extended hand of govt – civil society – crucial role;

Steps - Minor Girls

·         Rescue and rehabilitation

·         Provision of healthcare

·         Implementation of Right to Education

·         Vocational training + Skill development

·         Consult - Bachpan Bachao Andholan – Kailash Satyarthi

·         Effective implementation of Child labour law

·         SABLA – Adolescent girls – Nutrition and Skills

Steps - Overall Economic Scenario

·         Stakeholders - NGOs, SHGs, Media, Local/religious leaders

·         NGO – Regulation and motivation; positive collaboration

·         Political will – persuasion; reports; generates funds;

·         Modernization of Agriculture – Irrigation; method; transport; price; marketing;

·         Welfare Schemes – Meeting with employees; motivation; steps

·         Industries – Agri-based; small scale; food processing; labour intensive; Ease of doing;

·         Employment - MGNREGA; Self employment, Skill development