Child Labour in India

Child labour in India is as rampant as in other parts of the world. Statistics show that in 1981, there were more than 17 million child workers in the country. It is projected that by the year 2000 their numbers will grow to over 20 million. These numbers do not include all the young girl children who stay home to do the household chores and take care of younger siblings.

The problem of child labour has been of great concern to the Government of India. Through several legislative measures taken over the years, efforts have been made to eliminate child labour in the country It is prohibited to employ or engage children under 14 years of age in specific listed activities and processes hazardous to them.

Despite this, children continue to be exploited, working in roadside restaurants, auto garages and workshops, beedi and glass factories, carpet and firework factories, in the agricultural sector and other small scale enterprises. They also work as rag pickers, domestic servants and at construction sites.

The government has clear constitutional provisions in Article 24 to protect children. Today there is a national policy, a national programme emanating from the policy and legislation which prohibits the employment of children in hazardous industries and occupations.