By addressing the root causes, such as poverty, lack of education and weak enforcement of labour laws, we can create an environment where children are protected, educated and given the opportunity to thrive
Engaging in hazardous work exposes these children to unimaginable risks of injuries, health complications and long-term developmental issues. Representative photo: iStock. In the vast tapestry of Indian society, a silent epidemic ravages the lives of millions of children, robbing them of their rightful childhood, dreams, and opportunities. A staggering 10.1 million children in India find themselves ensnared in various forms of labour, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates.
This heartbreaking reality perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty, ruthlessly denying children their fundamental rights and snuffing out the flicker of hope for a better future. It is crucial to also shed light on the plight of child labourers in India.
Within the vibrant district of Aligarh, where the renowned lock industry thrives, a sombre tale unfolds — a tale that exposes the harsh realities these young workers face. The time has come to confront the grim truth and demand swift action to emancipate the innocent souls trapped in the clutches of child labour.
Step into the bustling workshops of Aligarh’s lock industry, and you will witness a tragedy unfolding before your eyes. Amid the clanking of metal and the stifling air, young souls like Ravi, a mere 12-year-old, toil relentlessly day after day. For a paltry sum of Rs 120 , these children manufacture locks.
Their small hands manoeuver heavy machinery, bearing burdens far too heavy for their tender shoulders. Ravi’s story personifies the immense suffering endured by these young workers, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention to break their shackles.
Also read: Bonded labour, child labour: Manual scavenging in India far from being eradicated
Child labour casts its dark shadow across various sectors and states in India, leaving no corner untouched. The latest data from the National Sample Survey painted a distressing picture, revealing alarming rates of child labour in numerous states.
Uttar Pradesh, the highest offender, leads with an estimated 2.1 million child labourers. Close on its heels are Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and other states where significant numbers of children bear the burden of exploitative labour practices. Together, these states constitute nearly 55 per cent of the total working children in India.
Source: Census 2011.
The agriculture sector accounts for 70 per cent of child labour (112 million), followed by 20 per cent in services (31.4 million) and 10 per cent in industry (16.5 million). Nearly 28 per cent of children aged 5-11 years and 35 per cent of children aged 12-14 years involved in child labour are out of school.
Child labour is more prevalent among boys than girls at every age. When household chores performed for 21 hours or more each week are considered, the gender gap in child labour narrows. The prevalence of child labour in rural areas (14 per cent) is close to three times higher than in urban areas (5 per cent).
Source: Census 2011.
Behind the cold statistics lies a painful truth — the toll child labour extracts from its innocent victims. Engaging in hazardous work exposes these children to unimaginable risks of injuries, health complications and long-term developmental issues. But the harm inflicted is not limited to their physical well-being alone.
The emotional scars run deep, leaving these young souls grappling with anxiety, trauma and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. The cycle of poverty and child labour intertwines, crushing their aspirations, denying them education and trapping them in a perpetual struggle for survival.
Child labour exposes children to physical and mental harm, restricts education and perpetuates poverty cycles. We must prioritise access to quality education to empower children like Ravi with the knowledge and skills they need to break free from the clutches of labour and soar toward their dreams. We can create a society where no child is left behind by enforcing labour laws, providing social protection and fostering an environment conducive to education.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, various governmental and non-governmental organisations have launched initiatives to combat child labour in India. The government has implemented legislation such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, which aims to strengthen the protection of children from exploitation.
ILO has been at the forefront of the global fight against child labour, providing technical assistance and promoting international standards to eradicate this issue. Civil society organisations and grassroots movements have also played a vital role in raising awareness, rescuing child labourers and advocating for their rights.
As the United Nations agency responsible for labour and employment issues, the ILO plays a crucial role in setting international labour standards and advocating for their implementation. ILO facilitates dialogue and cooperation to address labour challenges through its tripartite structure, bringing together representatives of workers, employers and governments.
The 111th annual conference of ILO, held in Geneva from June 5-16, 2023, served as a platform for worker, employer and government delegates from the organisation’s 187 member states to discuss a wide range of issues, including a just transition towards sustainable and inclusive economies, quality apprenticeships and labour protection.
The battle against child labour necessitates a united front — a resolute stance against this grave injustice that brings together governments, non-profits and individuals from all walks of life. Together, we can advocate for stronger policies, raise public awareness, and provide support to eradicate child labour. By addressing the root causes, such as poverty, lack of education and weak enforcement of labour laws, we can create an environment where children are protected, educated and given the opportunity to thrive.
As I reflect upon the harrowing tales of child labourers in Aligarh and beyond, I am reminded of the urgency to act. We cannot stand idle as the innocence of our children is snatched away, their dreams crushed under the weight of exploitation.
It is our moral duty to join hands, dismantle the shackles that bind these young souls and pave the way for a society where every child is nurtured, educated and empowered to reach their full potential. Let us rally together, fueled by compassion and resolve, as we embark on this arduous journey toward a future where the laughter of children resonates, untainted by the shadows of child labour.
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
Musab Mubarak Ilmi Qadri is an assistant professor at Al Azhar Law College, Thodupuzha.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.