Child Labour in India: A Persistent Challenge

1. Child Labour in India: A Persistent Challenge

1. Context

June 12 is commemorated globally as the International Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Despite the global commitment under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7 to eliminate child labour by 2025, the problem remains entrenched. In India, the Velpur Model of Telangana has emerged as a notable community-driven initiative offering sustainable solutions at the grassroots level.

2. Understanding Child Labour

2.1 Global Scenario

• Scale of the Problem: According to ILO estimates, around 160 million children are involved in child labour globally — approximately 1 in every 10 children.
• Regional Concentration: About 90% of child labour cases are concentrated in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, indicating stark regional disparities.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic worsened vulnerabilities, especially in developing countries. School closures led to rising dropout rates and a surge in child labour, as many children could not return to classrooms.
   

2.2 Child Labour in India

• Extent of the Issue: As per Census 2011, nearly 53 lakh children (5–14 years) were engaged in various forms of labour, driven by poverty, lack of access to education, and illiteracy.
• High-Risk Sectors: Industries such as beedi-making, carpet weaving, and firecracker production employ children in hazardous and informal setups.
• Legal Framework: The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, amended in 2016, bans all employment of children below 14 years and restricts adolescents (14–18 years) from working in hazardous occupations.
   

3. Legal and Policy Measures

3.1 Constitutional Provisions

• Article 21A & RTE Act, 2009: Mandates free and compulsory education for children between 6–14 years.

3.2 Government Schemes

• National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Aims to rescue child workers and transition them into bridge schools for eventual integration into the formal education system.

3.3 Implementation Gaps

• Despite progressive laws and schemes, poor enforcement, low conviction rates, and ineffective rehabilitation often lead to relapse, with children returning to exploitative work environments.
   

4. Key Challenges and Examples

5. Case Study: Velpur Model, Telangana

The Velpur Model represents a successful community-led approach to eliminating child labour. It integrates local awareness drives, school re-enrolment campaigns, and economic alternatives for families, making it a replicable template for other districts and states.

6. Way Forward

• Strengthen Implementation: Ensure strict law enforcement and increase the conviction rate in child labour cases.
• Community-Based Monitoring: Empower Panchayati Raj Institutions, school management committees, and local NGOs to report violations and assist in rehabilitation.
• Improve Educational Infrastructure: Enhance the quality of public schooling, vocational training, and mid-day meal coverage to retain children in classrooms.
• Economic Support to Families: Expand direct benefit transfers, livelihood missions, and MNREGA coverage to reduce the economic dependency on child labour.
• Scale Up Successful Models: Institutionalize effective frameworks like the Velpur Model across vulnerable regions.

7. Conclusion

Child labour remains a critical barrier to human development and social justice in India. While legal safeguards and policy initiatives exist, their success hinges on robust enforcement, inclusive education, and proactive community participation. Scaling up grassroots innovations like Velpur offers hope for an India where every child can learn, play, and grow with dignity — free from exploitation.