Key government initiatives to eradicate child labour in india

22/02/16

Child Protection

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Ensuring that every child has access to education, protection, and opportunities for development is essential for building a stronger and more inclusive India. Over the years, the Government of India has introduced several policies, laws, and programmes aimed at protecting children from entering the workforce at an early age and encouraging their participation in education.

These initiatives focus on strengthening access to schooling, improving family awareness, supporting rehabilitation, and creating protective systems that prioritise child welfare. Through coordinated efforts involving government institutions, communities, educational establishments, and civil society organisations, significant progress has been made in supporting children and creating safer pathways for their future.

Understanding the key government initiatives helps highlight how policy interventions continue to strengthen child welfare and support children’s overall development across the country.

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:

• Support children engaged in labour through coordinated rescue and protection efforts
• Support children’s rehabilitation by facilitating their enrolment 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 help ensure that laws translate into meaningful change for children and their families.

Understanding Child Labour in India: Statistics and Progress

Understanding the scale of the issue highlights why sustained action and continued support are important.

• 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, continued efforts are required to improve awareness, strengthen educational access, and support families so that more children can benefit from safe learning environments.

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:

• Social and economic circumstances can increase the likelihood of children entering work at an early age.
• Legal measures are most effective when supported by programmes that strengthen family livelihoods and access to education.
• Immediate focus should be on banning child labour in hazardous occupations.

These insights laid the foundation for future legislation.

2. Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and Amendment of 2016

One of the most significant legislative measures introduced by the Government of India is the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.

• 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)

The 2016 amendment strengthened the law by:

• Prohibiting employment of children below 14 years of age in occupations and processes
• Regulating working conditions for adolescents in permitted sectors
• Restricting adolescent employment in hazardous occupations and processes
• Introducing stricter penalties for violations
• Enhancing accountability among employers

The amendment reinforced the importance of education and child welfare while supporting national efforts to ensure children remain in learning environments.

4. National Child Labour Project (NCLP)

Under this scheme, the government supports:

• Special training centres that support children withdrawn from labour
• 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 the Mid-Day Meal Scheme have helped improve enrolment and retention rates, encouraging more children to remain in education.

6. Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009

The Right to Education Act made free and compulsory education a legal entitlement for children between 6 and 14 years of age. By improving access to education and encouraging school attendance, the Act has helped more children continue their education and benefit from a supportive learning environment.

Key contributions include:

• Free elementary education
• Improved school infrastructure
• Increased enrolment and retention
• Greater awareness about the importance of education

Access to quality education remains one of the most effective ways to support children’s long-term development and well-being.

7. Samagra Shiksha Programme

Samagra Shiksha is an integrated school education programme that focuses on improving learning outcomes and ensuring equitable access to education.

The programme supports:

• Inclusive education
• School infrastructure development
• Teacher training
• Digital learning initiatives
• Retention of children in schools

By strengthening educational opportunities, the programme helps create pathways for children to continue their learning journey.

8. PM POSHAN Scheme

The PM POSHAN Scheme provides school meals to children in government and government-aided schools.

The scheme helps by:

• Encouraging regular school attendance
• Supporting learning outcomes
• Promoting health and well-being
• Improving retention in schools

School-based welfare programmes often contribute to creating environments where children can remain engaged in education.

9. Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)

The Integrated Child Protection Scheme strengthens support systems for children in need of care and protection.

Key areas include:

• Child protection services
• Institutional and non-institutional care
• Family-based support
• Capacity building of stakeholders
• Strengthening child welfare mechanisms

The scheme promotes coordinated action among various agencies working towards children’s safety and development.

10. CHILDLINE 1098

CHILDLINE 1098 is a 24-hour emergency outreach service for children in need of assistance and protection.

The service helps connect children with:

• Emergency support
• Protection services
• Counselling
• Rehabilitation assistance
• Referral services

Accessible reporting and response mechanisms remain important components of child welfare efforts.

Progress Made Through Government Action

India has witnessed significant progress through sustained policy interventions, educational reforms, awareness initiatives, and stronger enforcement measures. Improved school enrolment, expanded social welfare programmes, and increased community awareness have contributed to positive outcomes over the years.

Continued collaboration among government institutions, communities, educational establishments, civil society organisations, and families remains essential for building on this progress and ensuring that every child has access to education, protection, and opportunities for development.

How Bal Raksha Bharat Strengthens Government Efforts

At Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India), we work in alignment with national child welfare priorities by supporting education, protection, awareness, and community engagement initiatives that help children access safe and supportive environments.

Our efforts focus on:

• Identifying children who may require educational support
• Supporting school enrolment and retention
• Providing bridge education programmes
• Strengthening community awareness
• Supporting rehabilitation and counselling services
• Promoting stronger child protection systems at community level

Through collaboration with communities, educational institutions, and local stakeholders, we continue working towards creating opportunities that help children learn, grow, and thrive.

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 are essential to building a future where every child can reach their full potential and child labour is eliminated.

FAQs 

1. What are the major government initiatives to eradicate child labour in India?

Some key initiatives include the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, the National Child Labour Project (NCLP), the Right to Education Act, the Samagra Shiksha Programme, the PM POSHAN Scheme, the Integrated Child Protection Scheme, and CHILDLINE 1098.

2. How does the Right to Education Act help prevent child labour?

The Right to Education Act ensures free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years of age, helping increase school enrolment and retention.

3. What is the National Child Labour Project?

The National Child Labour Project supports children’s education, rehabilitation, and enrolment into formal schooling, helping them continue their learning journey.

4. How does PM POSHAN support children’s education?

PM POSHAN provides school meals in government and government-aided schools, encouraging attendance and supporting children’s overall well-being.

5. Why is education important in eliminating child labour?

Education provides children with opportunities for learning, development, and future growth while helping create safer and more supportive environments.

Gaurav Sharma

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