Judicial data from the e-Courts platform, a study by Enfold and CivicDataLab shows results that differ from those of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

Important Data Findings Inconsistency: According to judicial data, the number of child labor cases is eight times higher than what the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports.

From 2015 to 2022, the NCRB recorded 1,329 cases under the 1986 Child and Adolescent Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. On the other hand, e-Courts data shows 9,193 trials over the same period, indicating a significant rise.

10,800 child labor cases from six states—Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh—were analyzed.

Issues With NCRB Data: The "Principal Offence Rule," which the NCRB uses, counts only the most serious crime when there are several offenses.

Therefore, if minor offenses like child labor are a part of a larger criminal case, they might not be included.

Data Significance: Understanding crime trends and addressing problems like child labor require accurate data. It helps researchers and policymakers create strategies and solutions that work better.

India's Problem with Child Labor

Despite government efforts to reduce child labor, the issue is still very much alive in India.

Factors at play: Since poverty and illiteracy are major causes, community involvement is necessary for a successful solution. Data from the 2001 Census on Child Labor: Out of 252 million children, 12.6 million working children (ages 5 to 14) were recorded.

According to the 2011 Census, there were about 10.1 million child laborers between the ages of 5 and 14, making up 3.9% of all children in that age group.

Committee of Gurupadswamy: founded in 1979 with the goal of looking into child labor and suggesting remedies. It found that one of the biggest barriers to ending child labor is poverty. In support of a comprehensive policy approach, the committee recommended outlawing child labor in dangerous industries and regulating other sectors.

Child labor has a negative impact on society and hinders economic development because it prevents children from obtaining education and skills, which lowers long-term productivity.

Continuation of Poverty: Children who work instead of attending school help to keep the poverty cycle going and reduce their chances of finding well-paying jobs as adults.

Lack of Skilled Labor: Children who work miss out on important educational opportunities, which results in a workforce that is not equipped with the skills it will need in the future.

Increased Social Inequality: Since children from underprivileged and marginalized families are more likely to be exploited, child labor exacerbates social inequalities. The pervasiveness of child labor hinders social advancement by undermining programs meant to improve health, education, and general

Provisions of the Constitution:

Essential Rights:

Article 21A: All children between the ages of 6 and 14 must receive free, compulsory education from the State.

Article 24: Prohibits children under the age of 14 from working in dangerous jobs.

State Policy Directive Principles:

Article 39(e): Prevents child abuse and exploitation.

Article 39(f): Ensures that children grow up in a setting of freedom and dignity.

Legislative Measures:

The 1986 Child Labor (Prohibition & Regulation) Act: This law controls employment in other industries and forbids child labor in dangerous jobs. Amendment (2016): This amendment made it illegal for children under the age of 14 to work in any occupation. It also made it illegal for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 to work in dangerous jobs.

National Policy on Child Labour (1987): This policy emphasizes a gradual and systematic approach to addressing child labour. It prioritizes the rehabilitation of children and adolescents affected by labour.

National Child Labour Project (NCLP): This initiative offers education, vocational training, and rehabilitation services for children rescued from labour in areas with high concentrations of child labour.

With the goal of preventing them from entering the workforce, the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 guarantees free and mandatory education for children ages 6 to 14.

By offering free meals, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme promotes school attendance and lessens the motivation for kids to work. Labor Inspections and Raids: To detect and stop child labor in industries, state governments regularly carry out inspections and raids.

Children who are at risk of exploitation, abuse, or child labor can receive support and rehabilitation through the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).