Top ways to prevent and stop 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.

What is Child Labour?

Child labour is work that undermines the well-being, learning and healthy development of a child. It is common for children to be used in institutions that disrupt education or expose them to dangerous situations. At Bal Raksha Bharat, this problem is perceived through the perspective of CHILD WELFARE, which is concerned with the protection, education, and family resilience. By understanding child labour, communities will be in a position to take informed steps that are compassionate and will help the child grow, learn and live with dignity. This consciousness develops a positive long-term change.

Current Child Labour Statistics in India

The following is a summary of the recent information on child labour in India, state-wise data and data trends with time to take action and improve the understanding. Patterns and progress might be visualised with the help of an interactive map and chart.

State-Wise Child Labour Numbers (Projected for 2025, Age 5–14)

Child Labour Trend Chart (Example Data)

These statistics indicate that child labour is an issue in most states and, more so, in the major and densely populated areas. Although the long-term tendencies indicate that the situation has been going downhill since the beginning of the 21st century, it needs further attempts to promote the education, protection, and wholesome development of children.

Why Child Labour Continues in India?

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we realise that child labour is a multi-dimensional social problem that is established through a combination of several mutually influencing factors. This is achieved by addressing these causes so that practical and long-term CHILD WELFARE solutions are created.

Poverty (approximately 70% of cases): A lot of families are economically strained, and the work of a child is considered by them as an extra support of the family, particularly in the case of economic turmoil.

Denial of education: Low access to education through lack of good schooling facilities, proximity to schools or poor quality education will decrease enrolment and retention into schools and thereby increase the chances of children joining work.

Parental illiteracy: Parents who have a low level of education do not necessarily have the long-term benefits of schooling and skill development of their children.

Debt bondage: The families that have fallen into debt cycles can make children work to repay informal loans, which may take long periods.

Social norms: In certain societies, child labour is a common place tradition, and therefore, education and protection may be considered second-hand.
These issues can be handled carefully and consistently through community engagement, education, and awareness.

10 Proven Ways to Stop Child Labour in India

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. Strict Law Enforcement

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. In addition to legal measures, raising awareness about the importance of donation for education can provide long-term solutions by ensuring that children have access to schooling instead of being forced into labour. Law enforcement personnel, underlining their role in how we can stop child labour, have helped expedite the process of identifying, reporting, and prosecuting cases of child labour.

3. Universal Education Access

It goes without saying that an active and engaged school life is one of the most effective deterrents to child labour. India has the world’s largest educational system; in parallel, it also has the largest programme of providing hot, nutritious daily meals to children to encourage their attendance and retention. A large range of programmes rooted in a commitment to inclusiveness is encouraging scholarship opportunities for children from less-privileged backgrounds. The results can be seen in greater commitment to literacy and more enrolment. The nation is also exercising a greater focus on investment in education infrastructure and ensuring these investments lead to tangible gains. Organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat execute several initiatives like donation for education to boost children’s enrolment in schools. The organisation maps out-of-school children and those who are at risk of dropping out and ensures that they enter into the fold of education.

4. Discourage Employers

NGOs today are playing a pivotal role in the fight against child labour. They are actively sensitising trade organisations to end this social evil, highlighting the long-term societal and economic impacts of child labour. They are also educating citizens about the importance of reporting instances of child labour at businesses and homes. Understanding how to reduce child labour in India is crucial, and NGOs are at the forefront of this mission through advocacy, awareness, and direct intervention. This is done through various awareness campaigns, workshops, and community outreach programs. Furthermore, they are advocating for stronger laws and stricter enforcement to protect children from exploitation. Their relentless efforts are crucial in shaping a future where every child is free to learn, grow, and thrive.

5. Parent Skill Development

One of the most effective ways to protect children from working conditions is to train their parents to make a living. The major problem that most disadvantaged families face is that the adults of the family do not have an avenue to earn a living due to a lack of education and proper training. However, the Government of India and we at Bal Raksha Bharat work with these disadvantaged families and teach the parents to make a living through skills like sewing, pottery, stitching, and more. When parents have a way to provide for their family, it allows the children to go to schools and avoid the trap of child labour.

6. Rehabilitation Programs

It is important for children to have a safe space to turn while they are getting out of the working conditions and turning towards education. In such scenarios, we at Bal Raksha Bharat provide children with access to education, healthcare, nutritious meals, safe drinking water, shelter, and a protective environment. We work alongside the government to ensure children go back into society as healed individuals who have a brighter future and boundless possibilities in front of them.

7. Report Child Labour

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we promote responsible reporting in a way that children will be taken care of and given protection. Childline 1098 is a 24-hour, free emergency helpline that anybody can call to report child labour. Community reporting is also significant, as in the early stages of the detection of risks, local vigilance is applicable. Timely reporting will help in taking concerted steps as per the policies of the government and reinforce the collaborative efforts of CHILD WELFARE.

8. Corporate Responsibility

We have realised that responsible businesses can positively contribute to CHILD WELFARE at Bal Raksha Bharat. Corporate Social Responsibility education grants access to education and skill improvement among children belonging to susceptible communities. Ethical supply chains also give an assurance that the business is not based on the use of child labour. By being responsible, companies are involved in a sustainable solution to protect children and build community.

9. Community Mobilization

Strong communities, in our opinion, are the key to the sustained CHILD WELFARE outcomes at Bal Raksha Bharat. Village committees can be used to aid in risk identification, child well-being monitoring, and school involvement. The Self-Help Groups of women make families resilient through awareness and facilitation of income stability. When societies collaborate, they produce sheltering environments where children are encouraged, respected and helped to grow up and acquire education.

10. Support Child Rights NGOs

Bal Raksha Bharat also offers support to children involved in child labour, while also working for long-term societal change through policy change. NGO works to ensure that existing policies are followed through with action. Bal Raksha Bharat works with state and national level authorities, including Police departments of states, to prevent child exploitation incidents and promote ways to eliminate child labour.

Key Government Programs Fighting Child Labour

We operate under the government policies at Bal Raksha Bharat that enhance CHILD WELFARE and promote the growth of children. There are a number of national programs on education, protection and nutrition that establish enabling systems in the reduction of child labour in a sustainable manner.

Comparison: India vs Global Standards

These aligned efforts contribute to long-term, positive outcomes for children.

Read Also: Creative Ways to Support NGOs

Role of NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat

In Bal Raksha Bharat, we are critical in dealing with child labour, which is done by protecting, educating and involving the community. Over 10,000 children have been rescued through the reinforcement of CHILD WELFARE systems and response at the frontline. We carry out awareness and prevention through the No Child’s Business campaign. We cooperate with the government policies through collaboration with the NCPCR and the State Police. Our Mobile Learning Centers help school dropouts to go back to school and recreate their learning channels.

Conclusion

The NGO is committed to creating ‘Inclusive & Learner Friendly Environments’ for children aged 3-18 years across diverse settings, from urban slums to the remotest villages in India. Its approach involves creating a dialogue with children and their families to encourage school attendance and create fun and meaningful experiences in school through child-friendly and interactive teaching-learning methods. You can donate online to contribute to these initiatives. To support this, it drives funding for setting up libraries and infrastructure like computers, sports equipment, as well as Mobile Learning Centres. Through these efforts, it successfully brings back out-of-school children, including dropouts, never-been-to-school children and street children, to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can we prevent child labour in India?

We can prevent child labour through efforts like educating children, creating awareness of laws & policies, helping parents develop skills, and rehabilitating children.

2. What child labour solutions are being implemented in India?

India has different laws and solutions in place, like:

• National Child Labour Project (NCLP)
• Child Labour (Prohibition of Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016
• General development programmes
• Self Help Groups (SHGs)
• Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA)

3. Does Bal Raksha Bharat work to prevent child labour?

Bal Raksha Bharat works to prevent child labour through programmes like ‘‘Work: No Child’s Business’ and more.

Neha Dantre

Head-Brand and Engagement

“Hi, I lead Brand & Engagement at Bal Raksha Bharat (formerly Save the Children, India), where my work is grounded in empathy, innovation, and measurable impact. I drive purpose-led brand and digital strategies that fuel fundraising, advocacy, and social change. With deep expertise in brand building, content, and storytelling, I craft campaigns that enhance awareness, foster meaningful engagement, and build lasting trust across diverse stakeholder groups."