A farmer in Karnataka's Haveri district has sparked outrage after reportedly using his own children to plow his land instead of bullocks or agricultural machinery. The incident came to light when villagers noticed Shankarappa, a resident of a small village in Haveri, forcing his young children to pull the plow in the fields.
Details of the Incident
According to villagers, Shankarappa owns three acres and 16 guntas of land but does not possess bullocks or any modern farming equipment. In the absence of animals or machines, he allegedly resorted to using his children to till the soil. Witnesses described seeing the children, aged around 10 and 12, straining to pull the plow under the hot sun while their father guided them from behind.
Villagers Express Shock
The practice has drawn sharp criticism from local residents, who called it inhumane and a violation of child rights. “We have never seen such a thing. Even the poorest farmers here use bullocks or rent tractors. Using children like animals is shameful,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. Some villagers have threatened to report the matter to child welfare authorities.
Background of the Farmer
Shankarappa, a small-scale farmer, reportedly struggled to afford bullocks or a tractor. He told local media that he had no other option as his crops needed immediate plowing. “I don’t have money to buy bullocks or rent a tractor. My children are strong and help me. It’s not wrong,” he was quoted as saying. However, child rights activists argue that no circumstance justifies child labor, especially in hazardous tasks like farming.
Legal Implications
Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, children under 14 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, including agriculture with heavy machinery or animal-driven plows. Authorities in Haveri have taken cognizance of the incident and are investigating. District officials said they will counsel the family and ensure the children are enrolled in school.
Community Response
Local leaders have offered to help Shankarappa with access to government schemes for small farmers, including subsidies for bullocks or rental tractors. “We want to solve his problem without punishing him. But using children is unacceptable,” said a village panchayat member. The incident has also sparked a debate on rural poverty and lack of mechanization in Indian agriculture.
The children have been temporarily removed from farm work and are being examined by a medical team. Child welfare committees in the district are monitoring the situation to prevent recurrence.
