Jargon Free Forum

Child labor

Child labor is a global phenomenon. Its magnitude and dimensions, however, vary widely from country to country. India possesses the largest child labor force in the world despite various measures undertaken by the government and non-governmental agencies to tackle this issue. According to an estimate, there are over 60 million child laborers in India who constitute nearly 25 % of the working children of the world.

Child labor is the exploitation of underage children in many forms, forcing them to work illegally which harms or abuses them. This abuse may be physical, mental, or sexual; depriving the children (child laborers) of their right to basic education. According to the International Labor Organization(ILO), "child labor is where children are deprived of their childhood  because they are forced to work long hours for little or no money, deprived of education and in conditions harmful to their mental and physical development.” It is present everywhere i.e. in developed, developing, and the underdeveloped worlds though ratios differ. Asia leads by 61% followed by Africa at 32%. According to UNICEF, there are 250 million children aged between 5-14 years employed as child labor in developing countries out of which 120 million work full time.

Among the developing countries, India has the highest number of child laborers under the age of 14 years which is approximately 12.6 million. Children are engaged in every sector of the economy like match stick making, fireworks, domestic labor, construction, carpet-making industry, brick kilns, etc.

The framers of the Indian Constitution incorporated relevant provisions under various articles in Part III and IV to ensure justice to children.

Selected articles of the Indian Constitution in this regard are presented as follows: Article-23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor. Article-24: Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories, mines, or in any other hazardous employment. Article-45: Provision of early childhood care and education for children until the age of six years (86th Constitutional Amendment Act-2002). Article-21(A): Provision of free and compulsory education of children of the age of six to fourteen years (86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002). Article-51A (k): Fundamental duties of parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education of children between the age of six and fourteen years.

Activity conducted during the session

Pre-assessment session 

What is child labor? Some students responded that when children have to work in factories, tea stalls, hotels, and restaurants, it constitutes child labor. Some students mentioned that children who have to beg on footpaths or work as house helpers are also considered child laborers. Which children have to work from an early age? Some students responded that children with poor financial conditions may have to start working at an early age. Other students replied that children who support their families financially, whose families are unable to support their education, or those who lack interest in studying and want to start working early, may also be compelled to work from a young age.

Documentary screening

Childline 1098, Child Rights and Child Labor in India: The issue of child labor in India has been rapidly increasing and must be addressed. Childline is dedicated to providing 24-hour child protection services. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/fjnauz6fspw) "Darpan Child Labor In India": This thought-provoking film tells the story of Bholu, a 12-year-old boy who was forced to leave school and work at a hotel due to a family tragedy. The hotel is owned by a kindly old man named Rahim, who is arrested for violating the Child Labor Act by employing an underage child. But then, something unexpected happens. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/40s7Qlseyh8) "Child Labor in India: A Documentary on the Sad Reality": There are three landfill sites in Delhi where all of the city's waste is disposed of. Some people make a living from sorting through this waste, including children like Ravia. Ravia, who is only seven years old, is the sole breadwinner for her family, as everyone else is unwell. She has to work at the landfill instead of going to school. Sadly, this is the story of many children in the area. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/5f_ra1q5phc) "Child Labor In India | The Real Cost of Child Labor": Despite being illegal, a significant portion of the workforce in India is comprised of child laborers. The Indian government and various ngos are working to eradicate this issue. Say "NO" to child labor and take a stand against it. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/CNPM0OgQtIA) "Anchaha Bachpan: A Child Labor Documentary": Child labor is a crime, not an act of mercy. This short documentary sheds light on this issue. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/8oc-oifpozc) "Count On Us - A Film on Child Trafficking": Poonam is a young girl from a small village in West Bengal who is struggling with poverty and hardship. One day, she is lured to the city by her uncle Pronob's promises of a better life. Tragically, she ends up in a brothel. Back in the village, Poonam's mother waits for her daughter's return and when she doesn't, she contacts CHILDLINE 1098 for help. CHILDLINE and the police rescue Poonam from the brothel and reunite her with her mother. (Video Link: https://youtu.be/eapjucct9fk)