Child Labour in India.

Abstract

Child labour is the exploitation of children who are denied access to education. In India, one can observe many children below the poverty line engaged in labour to meet their basic needs. Child labour causes social, psychological and physical harm. Access to education is essential for children to improve their standard of living. They must be protected from involvement in hazardous industries such as fireworks and chemical production. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant factor contributing to the increase in child labour as the socio-economic condition has worsened. According to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, the number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide – an increase of 8.4 million children in the last four years – with millions more at risk due to the impacts of COVID-19. Despite numerous measures taken by the government, the number of children being employed is increasing day by day. This article tends to explain the hardships faced by child labourers, the sectors in which they are employed, legislation to prevent child labour and its effects