2016 could mark the beginning of a new world, where every child will have the right to study and play on school premises and dream for a bright future - IIPM News

There has been conscious and collective efforts to eradicate child labour. International Labour Organization (ILO) has set 2016 as the deadline for the eradication of child labour across the globe. However, figures reveal that this might take some more time to happen. According to the ILO’s 2010 global report on child labour, the number of child labourers had declined 3 per cent globally between 2004 and 2008 (from 222 million to 215 million) which reflected a ‘slowing down of the global pace of reduction’. It also hinted that the global economic slowdown could ‘further brake’ progress towards its 2016 goal. The gender break-up shows that it decreased by 15 per cent amongst girls but increased by 7 per cent amongst boys. Though the number fell by 10 per cent amongst children between 5 and 14 age group, child labour among those aged 15 to 17 increased by 20 per cent.

Though at a slow pace, millions of children have now taken to pen and pencil. India too has been progressing towards elimination of child labour. It acknowledges that the problem is inextricably linked with poverty and illiteracy and cannot be solved by legislation alone. What started in 1979 when the first panel, the Gurupadswamy Committee was set up to look into the child labour issue and suggest measures, has today become an inter-linked agenda of several ministries such as the HRD. Looking at it as a socio-economic problem, the government today strongly regulates the working conditions where children are not prohibited from working. The wages per manday of child workers was INR 27.57 and INR 30.12 in 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively. This is much less than the 2000-01 statistics. The most common form of child employment as domestic servants and at small tea stalls and restaurants has been banned in late 2006. Click here to read more...

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Third party can spoil the broth an Interview with Prof. Pranabesh Ray (Dean, XLRI, Jamshedpur)

The recent trouble at an automobile plant in Manesar brings out the reality that trade unions have not become redundant. How effective are trade unions in addressing the plight of workers?

A. The answer is a bit complex. The term trade unions generally has a negative connotation. But if we look at the concept of trade unions, it is basically related to collectivisation, to promote workers’ interest.

We should know what trade unions actually mean. Collectivisation is inherent in any democratic society, not only for workers but for employers as well. Organisations like CII, ASSOCHAM and FICCI, all have been collectivised to promote and protect worker interests. Till the time collectivisation is the inherent quality that is required to promote their interest, trade unions will play a vital role.

Q. Are they really effective or do they bring chaos to an already disturbed situation?

A. For that chaotic situation to arrive, both both the management and the labour union are equally responsible. To understand a situation, we need to see the previous occurrences. If we study any industry or labour management relation in context of a specific organisation, there could be many factors.

Q. At times, there are several trade unions in the same establishment. Does not this multiplicity, sometimes with clashing interests and issues, hamper the cause of workers?

A. Certainly, the multiplicity of trade unions hampers the cause of workers. But it is not the only problem that affects the cause of workers. There are various reasons for multiplicity, one being our labour law. Our IR structure is such that it can legally allow employer to bring in multiplicity. Click here to read full interview...

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Striking the chord

Curriculum is a cardinal element with regards to the success and potency of higher education. It does not matter how curriculum is defined, for it is one of the most important matters in higher education. But sadly, we have paid less attention to its progression, analysis and alteration in the educational establishments. Although it can be contended that higher education in India has provided beneficial assistance to the society, most would agree that it requires a major overhaul. It has served as the path for motion of the society and has provided the Indian economy the skilled workforce that it requires. Yet, critics say that higher education in our country languishes due to certain deficits in the system, namely, deteriorating standards of instruction, the weak examination system and the curriculum followed in many institutions that has existed for a very long time.

If we look at the present situation of Indian education, we will find a marked pattern, which is arising in the form of absence of relevance of curriculum in students’ lives. There lies a wide disconnect between the subject matter studied and the life of a student. And this leads to classroom learning that tends to take place on a very superficial level where students are left ignorant of the relation between classroom teachings and their lives. The absence of this connection in majority of the schools in India is the reason students do not develop the skill to analyse. And John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer, has rightly demonstrated the significance of linking teachings imparted in a class to society through constructing education around active-participation technique of learning in order to improve the experience of students.

In India, achieving top grades in the class through repetitive memorisation has become the norm today. Does this actually help students, the future of a nation, prepare for what the country and its economy actually need? Click here to read more...

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Indian universities have a long way to go in terms of quality research.

Q. Today when universities are mushrooming, attracting and retaining competent faculty members has become a major challenge. How do you deal with it?

A. We provide total academic and professional freedom. The faculty is free to undertake research and conduct training programmes.

The faculty is encouraged to network with peers nationally and internationally. The university has tie-ups with five leading institutes globally for joint research and academic collaboration. The faculty is also encouraged to attend conferences and is nominated to present papers in India and abroad.

Q. Many students are increasingly heading offshore for higher education. Does this reflect the poor state of our higher education system? What can be done to alter the scenario?

A. The need is to encourage and appreciate good institutions in the country. There needs to be a proper mechanism to support quality upcoming institutions. Another need is to encourage Indian institutions collaborate and to tie up with well-acclaimed foreign institutions.

Q. What are your thoughts on providing global exposure to students?

A. The interaction of students with global academia is already happening. India is fast emerging as a global player on the educational landscape, attracting the attention of best academia across the world. Global academia is visiting India and local students are able to interact with international faculty directly or through video conferencing now.

Q. How does your university frame its curricula? Is there any education policy you follow to meet the challenging global standards of education?

A. We constantly review the curricula of leading institutes in India and abroad and have a finger on the pulse of emerging trends. There is a lot of deliberation on this subject and the contribution of the faculty is vital. Click here to read full interview..

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