We were looking for a full time worker to assist me in house work .It is easy to find part time servants .They come do their work and go away .A full time maid is a different proposition altogether .For one thing a stranger in your home does invade your privacy and than there are other practical problems too like safety ,security etc .However due to certain circumstances it became imperative to hire one .So the search began .The first step was to book with the agencies dealing in this .The terms were spelt out Rs.4500 was the deposit and the agreement with the maid was for 11 months with replacement upto three till you meet your requirements .After endless phone calls one agency responded that there was a candidate available and if we are serious we should come immediately or else we will have to wait for some time .As we reached the agency we were asked to wait .There was no one inside except a very tiny kid on the opposite chair .Dr.Mehta ( she really is a doctor and runs a nursing home as well as the agency I think the agency is the better business of the two .)told us that the tiny kid was the the worker available .The kid was barely 11 years old .We were taken aback .Child labour is illegal and what could this kid do .Dr. Mehta ,s arguments were that the child belonged to a very poor family .As it is she and her younger siblings are starving .If the girl works there would be one less mouth to feed.She will also bring in some much needed cash .At home in such abject poverty she was likely to be pushed in and forced in criminal activities .At least she would be well fed ,cared for and safe at your home .Regarding work Dr.Mehta explained to us she would be a capable assistant .The child was looking with such hope at us that we decied to try her out for some days .
I must say that little Pinky is a very efficient helper and is a good child .We are trying to build up her health and also teach her .When ever I look at her I think about child labour and wonder what is correct and incorrect .Child labour is bad and cruel no doubt but than there should be alternatives .Staying home and doing nothing or begging is a worse alternative than working .As long as there are no schools and food for the children they should be allowed to work .People like us who employ them should also treat them well and look after their well being .I must say child labour should not be allowed but only when food shelter and education is provided for them or else let them work albeit with people who can look after them .