Nine-year-old Donboklang is least aware what the future holds for him or his family. He rushes and dangles on local Taxis selling Kwai (betel nuts), cigarettes in the never-ending streets of hardship, here in Shillong the capital of Meghalaya, India and at times extends it as his elusive school playground.
He is the bread-earner of his four siblings and single mother. For him, a day at the office begins at 7 in the morning and closes at 7 PM. It is full of thrill, and he is least bothered about the hazard of running in this heavy traffic.
" I am not scared. I enjoy it," he confided with childlike innocence. "I earn Rs 60 to Rs. 100 daily and give it to my mother in the evening," Donboklang said.
There are scores of children like him working on the streets, Hotels and other hazardous work places here. Most are unaware that they might lose their job and subsequently right to provide their family's sustenance.
Ban on Child Labour would be enforced from October 10 throughout India.
Minster in-charge Labour ED Marak told the Assam Tribune that the state was 'not in a position' to implement the ban on Child-labour from tomorrow in the state, as per the centre's directive.
"The government has sought Rs 15 lakh assistance from the centre, a month ago, to survey first the number of Child, below the age of 14, employed as labour in Meghalaya," Marak said.
The state does not have any data regarding children employed as labour. " First, the age has to be ascertained, if the child in question is below or above 14 years of age," the minister added.
Chief Secretary SK Tiwari would be holding meeting with various departments to brainstorm and take a decision on this vital aspect, Marak said.
Till that time, for Donboklang and his ilk, there are no roads leading to Perestroika.
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