Top 5 strategies to combat child labour in India

26/06/24

Child Protection

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The prevention of child labour is a problem, not just in India but across the globe. However, in deliberating on how to prevent child labour, we can take some comfort that this is a problem that India is working to address in partnership with a large number of stakeholders. There is a clear and concerted push to bring to the fore many solutions to child labour. Here is a quick overview of the many approaches that are being implemented across the length and breadth of the nation.

1. Spreading Awareness

The journey of how to stop child labour begins with a simple yet crucial step – raising awareness. Without awareness, other ways to prevent child labour are rendered weak or ineffective. Acknowledging this need, India has launched a large number of campaigns and programmes over the years that communicate to the public the many impacts of child labour and the need to protect and preserve the rights of children. These communicational initiatives, across platforms, reiterate the common message of keeping children in school and out of the workforce. Various media channels, including television, radio, and social media, have enabled such campaigns and messages on how to stop child labour to reach audiences everywhere, and support and strengthen grassroots-level awareness programmes.

2. Stringent laws and implementation

Any examination of the topic of how to stop child labour is incomplete if we do not consider the role of stringent laws. Notably, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, of 2016, has strengthened the legal framework against child labour. The Act prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in all occupations (excluding those deemed non-hazardous by the Government of India). Laws need effective implementation, and the Government has also strengthened law enforcement and judicial mechanisms and processes, recognising their relevance in the many ways to prevent child labour. Law enforcement personnel, underlining their role in how can we stop child labour,
have helped expedite the process of identifying, reporting, and prosecuting cases of child labour.

3. Prioritising classroom attendance

It is not enough to keep children out of child labour – their productive energies must be channelled towards education. Recognising that keeping children in school is a vital strategy in the fight against child labour, Government of India programmes, such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All Movement) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme have played their part. They have
increased enrollment and reduced dropout rates. These programmes, supported by initiatives like the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), have made education a more gender-responsive priority, especially in rural India. And in the process, India has been able to divert more and more children away from labour markets. 

4. Actively discourage child labour

Among solutions to child labour, one which has been highly impactful is the use of social pressure. This involves actively discouraging organisations from employing children, and educating employers, households, and businesses about the legal and ethical implications of employing children. Such initiative uses communicational outreach and direct dialogue to begin a conversation on the adverse impacts of child labour. One could argue that any efforts on how to stop child labour in India must keep in mind the priority of choking the demand for it. Active discouragement, coupled with strict enforcement of child labour laws, a cadence of regular inspections and hefty fines for violations, create deterrence, that over time, can make child labour a social taboo. On the other hand, businesses that do not use child labour must be respected and given greater visibility by the development sector.

5. Supporting NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat

Non-government organisations (NGOs) like Bal Raksha Bharat are today on the frontlines of fighting child labour. At such NGOs, the question of “How can we stop child labour?” guides everyday work and long-term priorities, shaping everything from grassroots efforts to meaningful advocacy and campaigns. The organisation has directly worked to rescue, rehabilitate, and advocate against child labour.

From identifying and removing children from adverse situations to giving them a pathway to education, healthcare, counselling, and nutrition, the organisation has made a direct, tangible difference in millions of lives across the country. Its awareness-raising campaigns, policy outreach for stronger laws and policies, and collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders have directly contributed to the prevention of child labour.

Soumi Halder

Manager-Program Campaign and Communication, Programme Support

“With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. I am Manager for Programme Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children)."