In a tragic incident at an air cooler facility in New Delhi, 15-year-old Alok lost his life when he was trapped in an elevator shaft and crushed. Shockingly, Alok was reportedly forced to work as a lift supervisor in the plant, where his mother also toiled as a labourer. This distressing event sheds light on the pervasive issue of child labour in India, despite its illegality and the categorization of numerous jobs as hazardous for children. 

Child labour in India has witnessed a disheartening increase in recent years, with several states experiencing drastic spikes in child employment. According to a survey conducted by the Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu recorded a staggering 180 percent increase in child labour cases in 2021 compared to the previous year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat the exploitation of children.

The Child Labour Amendment (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 2016 serves as the legislative framework governing child employment in India. It explicitly forbids child labour for individuals below the age of 14, with certain exceptions for child performers and family businesses. However, the law is routinely violated throughout the country, perpetuating the cycle of child labour and its associated hazards.

Estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveal that approximately 10.1 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are engaged in labour in India. It is important to note that these figures are based on the 2011 census and are likely to be higher today. This prevalence of child labour hampers the nation’s progress, as it deprives children of their fundamental right to education and compromises their physical and mental well-being.

While India has made significant strides in economic development, poverty persists as a critical factor driving children into work instead of schools. For impoverished families struggling to meet basic needs, employing their children becomes a means to augment their income. The problem of child labour intensifies when combined with illiteracy, limited access to decent employment, lack of awareness, and other related factors. These families often find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle where survival takes precedence over education.

Several state governments in India have been actively combating child labour and have made significant progress in curbing its prevalence. Between 2001 and 2011, incidents of child labour decreased by nearly 2.6 million, and this downward trend has continued in various states over the past decade. States that prioritize primary education and foster literacy and awareness about the importance of education have observed improvements in the conditions surrounding child labour.

Despite these encouraging developments, a significant number of children continue to work in hazardous factory conditions, performing menial tasks. The International Labour Organization highlights that the decline in child labour is more prominent in rural areas, while urban areas experience an increase in children being pushed into menial jobs. These exploitative practices demand immediate attention and intervention from both the government and society at large.

To effectively tackle the issue of child labour in India, the government must take decisive actions. This includes intensifying crackdowns on employers who exploit child labourers and blatantly disregard existing laws. Simultaneously, a renewed focus on improving education and increasing accessibility to quality schooling is crucial in breaking the cycles of poverty that perpetuate child labour.

Moreover, raising awareness among the population about the consequences of child labour and the significance of education is paramount. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society are vital to address the multifaceted challenges associated with child labour.

The tragic incident involving Alok serves as a stark reminder that child labour continues to be a pressing issue in India. Despite legal provisions and efforts by various stakeholders, the persistence of child labour demands immediate and comprehensive action. By addressing the root causes of poverty, expanding educational opportunities, and enforcing stringent measures against employers, India can work towards eradicating child labour and providing a brighter future for its children. Only through collective determination and a united front can society ensure that no child is robbed of their childhood and denied their right to education.