Child Labour

As per 2001 census, the total number of children working in various occupations including hazardous occupations in the Country was 1.26 core. As a result of various welfare measures taken by the Union Government and the State Governments coupled with stricter enforcement of the provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 the number of working children has declined to 90.75 lakh as estimated by National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) in 2004-05.

The Government of India has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for eradication of child labour as follows:

            i. A legislative action plan in form of Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986.

            ii. Project-based action plan in areas of high concentration of Child Labour under National Child Labour Project Scheme.

            iii. Focus on general development programmes for the benefit of the families of Child Labour.