INDIA'S CHILD LABOUR: INITIATIVES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

“If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children." – Mahatma Gandhi

Child labor remains a critical issue in India, as the premature entry of children into the workforce during their formative years often comes at the expense of proper education, limiting their prospects for a better future. This problem is deeply rooted in poverty and has severe consequences for the nation as a whole. Children under the age of fourteen account for 3.6% of India’s total labor force, with approximately 85% engaged in traditional agricultural activities, less than 9% in manufacturing, services, and repairs, and about 0.8% employed in factories.

A growing concern is the increasing prevalence of child domestic workers in urban areas, where working conditions are entirely unregulated. These children are often subjected to harsh treatment, including working without adequate food, for extremely low wages, in conditions akin to slavery. Cases of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among child domestic workers are also reported. Families often justify this by claiming to place their children in such roles for care and employment opportunities.