Key government initiatives to eradicate child labour in india

22/02/16

Child Protection

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Child labour continues to be one of the most pressing child rights challenges in India. When children are forced into work at an early age, they are deprived of education, safety, dignity, and the opportunity to realise their full potential. Child labour not only harms a child’s physical and mental well-being but also hinders the nation’s long-term social and economic development.

Recognising the gravity of this issue, the Government of India – along with committed civil society organisations such as Bal Raksha Bharat – has undertaken several initiatives to eradicate child labour and safeguard children’s rights.

Role of Government and NGOs in Eliminating Child Labour in India

The fight against child labour requires a collaborative approach. While the government provides the legal framework, policies, and large-scale programmes, NGOs play a critical role in last-mile implementation and community engagement.

Bal Raksha Bharat works closely with government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and local communities to:

• Rescue children from exploitative labour situations through coordinated rescue operations
• Rehabilitate rescued children by enrolling them in formal education systems
• Provide bridge education to help former child labourers transition smoothly into schools
• Strengthen child protection systems at the district and community levels
• Build awareness among parents and employers about the long-term harm caused by child labour

Through strategic partnerships and on-ground interventions, these efforts ensure that laws translate into real change for vulnerable children.

Understanding Child Labour in India: Causes, Statistics & Impacts

A clear understanding of the scale of child labour highlights why sustained action is essential:

• 2001 Census: 1.26 crore children (aged 5–14 years) were engaged in child labour, out of a total child population of 25.3 crore
• Hazardous Work: Around 12 lakh children were involved in hazardous occupations and processes listed under the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act
• 2004–05 NSSO Survey: Estimated 90.75 lakh working children
• 2011 Census: Significant decline to 43.53 lakh working children aged 5–14 years

This reduction reflects the impact of coordinated government action, stronger legislation, improved access to education, and NGO-led grassroots initiatives. However, millions of children remain at risk due to poverty, migration, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to quality schooling.

Government Initiatives to Prevent and Eradicate Child Labour in India

The Government of India has adopted a phased and structured approach to address child labour:

1. Gurupadswamy Committee (1979)

The first statutory committee on child labour examined the root causes of the issue. Its key findings emphasised that:

• Poverty is the primary driver of child labour
• Legal prohibition alone is insufficient without addressing economic vulnerability
• Immediate focus should be on banning child labour in hazardous occupations

These insights laid the foundation for future legislation.

2. Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986

Based on the committee’s recommendations, this landmark law:

• Prohibited employment of children in specified hazardous occupations and processes
• Regulated working conditions in non-hazardous sectors
• Introduced a Schedule of hazardous occupations, expanded over time through expert recommendations

3. Amendment to the Act (2016)

A significant amendment strengthened child protection by:

• Prohibiting employment of children aged 5–14 years in all occupations
• Allowing limited exceptions for family enterprises and the entertainment industry under strict conditions

While debated by child rights activists, the amendment marked a major step towards broader prohibition of child labour.

4. National Child Labour Project (NCLP)

Under this scheme, the government supports:

• Special training centres for rescued child labourers
• Bridge education, vocational training, and mainstreaming into formal schools
• Financial assistance for education and rehabilitation

5. Education-Focused Initiatives

Programmes such as the Right to Education (RTE) Act and Mid-Day Meal Scheme have helped improve enrolment and retention rates, reducing children’s vulnerability to labour.

How Bal Raksha Bharat Strengthens Government Efforts

Bal Raksha Bharat complements government initiatives through targeted, on-ground action:

• Child Labour Mapping: Identifying vulnerable, out-of-school, and working children
• Bridge Schools: Preparing rescued children academically and emotionally for formal education
• Rehabilitation & Counselling: Supporting children and families to prevent re-trafficking into labour
• Community Engagement: Educating parents, employers, and local leaders on child rights laws
• Policy Advocacy: Working with authorities to strengthen implementation and accountability

Real change happens when rescued children remain in school and communities become vigilant against exploitation.

Conclusion

Eradicating child labour in India requires sustained government action, strong legal enforcement, and active participation from civil society. While progress over the years is encouraging, the journey is far from over.

By supporting organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat and spreading awareness about child rights, every citizen can play a role in ensuring that no child is forced to sacrifice their childhood to labour. Education, protection, and opportunity must replace exploitation – only then can India truly eradicate child labour.

Gaurav Sharma

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