Er. Prabhat Kishore
Children are the future of a nation and the mirror of its development. Their shrivelled faces reflect the degradation of a country, whereas their blooming faces signify its advancement. Since ancient times, taking care of children has been the collective responsibility of society. Childhood is the stage in human life when love, affection, trust, responsibility, acceptance, and safety are most needed. Those who experience a secure, respectful, and nurturing childhood generally develop balanced personalities and contribute positively to society.
However, it is painful that a large section of children is forced to spend childhood in miserable conditions. Children who should grow up to contribute to the nation as engineers, doctors, scientists, officers, journalists, businessmen, or progressive farmers are, unfortunately, engaged as child labourers to support their families.
A child is meant to learn, not to earn. Chronic poverty, rapid population growth, lack of interest in education, migration, natural disasters, increasing landlessness, and rising unemployment are some of the root causes of child labour. These children often belong to families with no means of survival other than manual labour. Even after decades of independence, India has not fully overcome poverty. Economic and population policies have not achieved the desired results, leaving a large section of society deprived of basic amenities.
The problem of child labour has long been neglected at the national level, though it has existed in all ages. In earlier times, children participated in agriculture or family occupations. However, with industrialisation, the nature of child labour changed. Children became independent workers, often forced into workplaces without the protection of guardians and left to handle challenges on their own.
Child labour has been indirectly encouraged by industrialists, factory owners, hoteliers, and landlords, as children often work long hours for minimal wages without protest. The mindset of “more hands, more income” within struggling families has further aggravated the issue. These children are deprived of education and overall development, spending their entire childhood earning wages. Instead of books and notebooks, they are seen holding sickles, spades, and other tools.
Child labour exists in every corner of the world. Countries such as India, Brazil, Haiti, Kenya, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are among the most affected. A UNICEF report (2020) estimates that approximately 16 crore children are engaged in child labour globally, nearly half of them in Asia. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation, pushing millions more children at risk of entering labour.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing account for about 70% of child labour, followed by 20% in services and 10% in industry. Child labour is more prevalent in rural areas (14%) compared to urban areas (5%). It is more common among boys, though the gender gap narrows when household chores are included.
Several industries in India rely heavily on child labour, including the carpet industry in Kashmir, glass industry in Firozabad, cracker and matchbox industry in Sivakasi (Tamil Nadu), slate industry in Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), leather industry in Kanpur and Agra, diamond polishing industry in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the lock industry in Aligarh. Sectors like hosiery, bidi-making, and fisheries also depend on cheap child labour. Many roadside eateries and small hotels thrive on the long working hours of children.
Engagement in hazardous work exposes children to serious health and psychological issues, including chest and abdominal pain, skin infections, eye and ear problems, headaches, physical weakness, and respiratory diseases. Due to lack of proper care and supervision, these children are also vulnerable to theft, violence, criminal activities, physical and sexual abuse, and substance addiction.
Efforts have been made to address child labour through legal frameworks at national and international levels. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibits the employment of children in certain occupations and regulates working conditions in others. The Supreme Court, in its judgment of December 10, 1996, declared child labour illegal in hazardous sectors. Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous industries. Article 39 provides for protection against exploitation, while Article 45 ensures free and compulsory education, further strengthened by the Right to Education Act, 2009 (implemented in 2010). Other legislations include the Factories Act, 1948; Plantation Labour Act, 1951; Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961; Contract Labour Act, 1970; and Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
The terms “child” and “labour” together present a disturbing reality. However, prevailing socio-economic conditions make it difficult to eliminate child labour overnight. A hungry person cannot be expected to heed advice without first satisfying basic needs. The National Policy on Child Labour (1987) aimed to address education, health, and welfare, but it requires restructuring and freedom from bureaucratic delays.
Child labour remains a global challenge and cannot be eradicated without collective efforts from society, families, and the administration. It is a social crime, as every child has the right to grow, learn, and thrive. Despite remarkable scientific progress and global development, the reality remains stark: no nation can become a truly “Swasth, Sashakt & Samriddh Rashtra” without eliminating child labour.
