NCPCR Declares Mica Mines in Jharkhand ‘Free of Child Labor’

NCPCR's Landmark Declaration

• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) declares Jharkhand's mica mines child labour-free on July 5, 2024
• Announcement made by NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo in Koderma, Jharkhand
• First successful effort to eliminate child labour from a supply chain in mica mining
• Significant milestone in India's fight against child labour

Mica Mining in Jharkhand: Historical Context and Challenges

• Mica abundant in Koderma and Giridih districts of Jharkhand
• Koderma once known as the Mica capital of India (Abkrah Nagari)
• India was formerly the largest mica exporter globally
• Forest Conservation Act of 1980 banned mining in forest areas without central government permission
• Led to rise of illegal mining operations
• Poor families, including children, engaged in collecting mica (locally known as dhibra)
• Approximately 20,000 children were once employed in mica collection

Child Labour-Free Mica Initiative

• Campaign launched 20 years ago
• Collaborative effort involving state government, district administration, village panchayats, civil society, and central government
• NCPCR joined the initiative later

Key steps:

• • Identification of out-of-school child labourers
  • Removal of children from mining activities
  • Enrollment of children in schools
  • Efforts to prevent children from returning to mining

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

• Statutory body established in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005
• Under administrative control of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development
• Considers individuals up to 18 years as children
• Composition: One chairperson and 6 members (including two women)
• Current Chairperson: Priyank Kanoongo
• Mandate:
  • Safeguard children's rights as per Constitution and other laws
  • Ensure rights provided by Right to Education Act, 2009 and POCSO Act 2012

Global and Indian Mica Production Context

• China is the world's largest mica producer
• India is the eighth-largest mica producer globally
• India remains the largest mica exporter worldwide, followed by China
• Within India, Andhra Pradesh leads mica production, followed by Rajasthan

This accomplishment in Jharkhand may have an impact on international standards and practices in mica mining and other extractive industries, since India is still a major player in the world mica mining. It is a potent illustration of how determined efforts, even in difficult socioeconomic environments, can result in positive change.