Shocking Truth About Child Labour in India: Laws, Actions & Why It Still Exists in 2025
What Is Child Labour and Why Is It Still Happening in 2025?
Child labour means making children work when they should be going to school or playing. It includes kids working in factories, shops, farms, or even homes. This is illegal in most cases, but it still happens in many parts of India. The main reasons are poverty, lack of education, and weak law enforcement. In 2025, despite strict rules, thousands of children are still being forced to work. Many of them are under 14, working in dangerous places, and getting very low pay.
Who Is a Child According to Indian Law?
According to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, a “child” is a person who has not completed 14 years of age. After the amendment in 2016, this law was changed to ban the employment of children below 14 in all jobs. There’s another term called adolescent, which refers to children between 14 to 18 years of age. They are not allowed to work in dangerous industries like mining, firecrackers, or chemical factories.
What Are the Main Causes of Child Labour in India?
Even though there are laws, child labour is still found in many cities and villages. Here are some main reasons: Poverty: Poor families send children to work so they can earn money. Lack of education: Many children don’t go to school, so they are sent to work. Debt trap: Parents who borrow money from others often send their kids to work and repay loans. Weak law enforcement: Many employers hire children illegally and are never caught or punished. Migration: When families move for jobs, children are pulled out of school and made to work. Cultural acceptance: In some areas, it’s still common to believe that children should work with parents.
What Does Indian Law Say About Child Labour?
The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, with amendments in 2016, has some very clear rules: Children under 14 cannot work in any job, except helping in their family business (but not during school hours). Adolescents (14–18) cannot work in hazardous jobs like: Mining, Explosives work, Chemical handling, Factories with heavy machines.
What Happens to Employers Who Hire Children Illegally?
The Indian government has strict punishments for employers who break child labour laws: First offence: Jail for 6 months to 2 years and/or fine up to ₹50,000. Repeat offence: Jail for 1 to 3 years without bail. Employers can also be blacklisted or lose their license.
Is There Any Help for Children Rescued From Labour?
Yes. The Indian government has set up a special fund called the Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund. Here’s what happens when a child is rescued: The employer is fined, and ₹20,000 is deposited into the child’s fund. The child is enrolled in school. The family is supported financially. NGOs and child welfare officers track the child’s progress.
Which Industries in India Use the Most Child Labour?
Even though it’s illegal, child labour is common in: Firecracker factories (Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu), Bangle and glass industries (Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh), Carpet weaving (Bhadohi, Varanasi), Brick kilns, Garment industry, Agriculture and farms, Roadside tea stalls and restaurants, Domestic help. These jobs are dangerous and harmful to both physical and mental health of children.
How Many Children Are Still Working in India in 2025?
As per recent NGO reports and government data: Over 8 million children are still working. Most of them are between 5 to 17 years old. States with high numbers include Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. These numbers may be higher because many cases are not even reported.
What Is the Role of the Government in Ending Child Labour?
The Indian government has launched several schemes and steps: National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Provides education and skill training to rescued children. Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Encourages children to attend school regularly. Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009: Free and compulsory education for all children between 6–14 years. PM CARES Fund: Helps orphans and children in distress. These programs aim to stop child labour by making education and food easily available.
What Role Do NGOs and Civil Societies Play?
Many NGOs are actively working to end child labour in India. They: Conduct rescue operations, Spread awareness, Support children and families, Fight legal battles, Run special schools and rehabilitation centers. Famous NGOs include Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Save the Children, and Child Rights and You (CRY).
How Can Schools Help Fight Child Labour?
Schools can: Identify children who are at risk of being forced to work, Give free education, uniforms, and books, Work with NGOs and local police, Talk to parents and make them understand the value of education.
What Can You Do to Help Stop Child Labour?
You don’t need to be rich or powerful to make a change. Here’s what you can do: Never employ a child for household work, Report child labour to police or child helpline (1098), Support NGOs, Encourage education for all children, Spread awareness on social media.
Is Child Labour a Crime in India?
Yes, absolutely. Hiring a child below 14 for any job (other than light work in the family business during free hours) is a criminal offence. Even hiring a 15-year-old for dangerous work is illegal.
What Are Some Real-Life Cases of Child Labour in India?
Delhi (2024): Over 80 children rescued from illegal factories working 14 hours a day. Tamil Nadu (2023): Firecracker blast kills 4 children working without safety gear. Rajasthan (2025): Mining site found using 12-year-old boys for stone cutting. These cases show the urgent need for action.
What International Organisations Are Working Against Child Labour?
UNICEF: Provides education and health services to poor children. ILO (International Labour Organization): Helps make labour laws stronger globally. Save the Children: Protects children’s rights across 100+ countries. India also follows the ILO Convention 138 and 182, which aim to end child labour.
How Does Child Labour Affect a Child’s Life?
Child labour: Destroys childhood, Stops education, Causes health problems like injuries, lung diseases, and mental trauma, Increases chances of abuse and exploitation, Traps children in poverty forever. Children who work early usually remain poor all their life.
What Is the Right to Education Act and How Does It Help?
The RTE Act, 2009: Gives free education to children between 6 to 14 years, Makes it compulsory for government schools to admit all children, Bans discrimination, Supports girls and weaker sections. This Act is one of the strongest tools to stop child labour.
What If Parents Force Their Child to Work?
Parents who force their kids into child labour can also be punished. Police can take action, especially if it’s done knowingly and repeatedly. However, in most cases, the focus is on educating and supporting poor families, not punishing them.
Can Child Labour Be Fully Stopped in India?
Yes, but only if: Everyone works together — government, society, schools, and families, Education becomes the top priority, Poverty is reduced through employment programs, Strict action is taken against employers and repeat offenders. Change is possible — but it needs willpower, awareness, and action.
What Is the Future Without Child Labour?
Imagine a world where: Every child goes to school, Every child eats well, No child is beaten, overworked, or scared, Childhood is full of learning, games, and happiness. That’s the kind of future we should all work for.
