Research Abstracts on Child Labour Women Labour - Nipccd

Drug Abuse
Mohan, Jitendra, et al. (1998).
Drug abuse among child workers : an exploratory survey. Chandigarh : Punjab Univ,
Dep of Psychology. 186 p.
Key Words : 1.CHILD LABOUR 2.CHILD LABOUR-DRUG ABUSE 3.WORKING CONDITION 4.DRUG
ABUSE 5.CASE STUDY 6.CHILDREN IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.
Abstract : The present study focussed on the problem of drug abuse among male child
workers in Punjab. The study covered male 200 drug users and 200 male non-drug users
among child workers from the cities of Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Jalandhar. Data revealed
that majority of drug users among child workers were younger, predominantly Hindus and
scheduled caste or OBC in comparison to the non users of drugs working in similar
conditions. About 50% of the users had no education and 40% had education up to primary
level, whereas the non-users included 7.5% matric and 25% educated up to middle level.
Due to poverty children worked under unsatisfactory working conditions. It was the in-thing
to smoke/drink/abuse drugs in the group to which these children belonged. Drug abuse was
introduced to them by their friends (60%), co-workers (30%) and fathers (10%). Fathers
of 70% drug users and friends and siblings of 50% drug users were also using drugs. Even
the employers were using drugs. About 50% of them were willing to leave drugs. 40% drug
users and 37.5% non drug users would like to study, if given a chance. The remaining would
prefer to keep on working and not study. Non drug users (37.5%) were more uncertain
about their future plan than the drug users (10%). 60% of the drug users would like to
continue with the same work, whereas 30% of the drug users and 52.5% of the non drug
users want better and alternative jobs. It was observed that 70% of the users had no
suggestions to offer while 30% suggested that the Government or some agency should do
something and help them to study. From the above study it was found that children work
due to poverty; working conditions, wages and work itself was not at all satisfying; and
general awareness about their future is absent. Hence, it was recommended that the
problem should be tackled with the joint collaboration of different agencies, by pooling
resources, manpower and know how, so that meaningful social action could be taken up. It
also recommended preventive strategies at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Early
prevention and early treatment constituted early intervention activity. At the national level,
policies and programmes regarding drug abuse must be supported by a well conceived
organizational structure, that has the full support of government.
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<strong>Research</strong> <strong>Abstracts</strong> on Child Labour, Labour and Women Labour 1998 - 2009