HEALTH HAZARDS
OF CHILD LABOUR
“Every child deserves a
childhood free from
exploitation and abuse.”
– Malala Yousafzai.
2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5
HEALTH
HAZARDS OF
CHILD LABOUR
HEALTH HAZARDS
FACED BY CHILD LABORERS IN INDIA
Introduction:
India has the largest number of child laborers in the world,
with an estimated 10.1 million children between the ages of 5
and 14 engaged in child labor. Child labor is a significant
concern in India, with children working in various industries,
including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and
services. This project aims to examine the health hazards of
child labor in India and advocate for policies and practices
that protect children's rights and well-being.
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What is Child Labour
Child labour typically means the employment of children in
any manual work with or without payment. Child labour is not
only limited to India, it happens to be a global phenomenon.
As far as India is concerned, the issue is a vicious one as
children in India have historically been helping parents at
their farms and other primitive activities. Another concept
that needs explanation is the concept of bonded labour
which is one of the most common forms of exploitation.
Bonded labour means the children are forced to work as
employees in lieu of payment of debt by the parents due to
exorbitant rates of repayment of interest.
Also associated with the concept of bonded labour is the
concept of urban child labour in India wherein the labouers
are the street children who spend most of their childhood on
the streets.
UNICEF has categorized child work into three categories:
1. Within the family- Children are engaged in domestic
household tasks without pay.
2. Within the family but outside the home- Example-
agricultural labourers, domestic maids, migrant labourers etc.
3. Outside the family-Example-commercial shops in
restaurants and jobs, prostitution etc.
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Types of Child Labour in India
Child labors in India could be mainly classified into two
categories of industrial, domestic and bonded child labors,
Below we will go through the details of the mentioned Indian
sectors employing children as labors along with the
demographics.
1 Industrial Child Labor
Industrial sector in India is the largest employer of children
below the legal age of Approximately, over 10 Million children
between the age group of 5 to 14 years are working in
informal or small industries, including around 45 Million girts
Small enterprises like garment industry, brick kiln, agriculture,
fireworks industries, diamond industries etc, constitute some
of the largest employer of children: Sometimes such
industries operate from homes, making it difficult for the
authorities to take appropriate actions
Unorganized sector in india is one of the largest employers of
children and the most visible too Children could be easily
spotted, working in road side dhabas and eateries, tee shops
or grocery stores. The owners of such small trusinesses
prefer children as they are easy to handle and easy to fire
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2 Domestic Child Labor
Domestic child labor constitute 10% of the total child labors
in India. They include both boys and girls domestically
employed by wealthy families. Such children have no option
but to serve the needs of other families in an age when they
should be attending school and playing with friends. Poverty
is the main factor behind children being employed as
domestic help. Usually the parents give their consent in hope
of money. The statics reveal a grim picture-nearly 20% of all
the domestic workers employed are below the age of 16 years
and the figures include mainly girls. These children are
employed as live in servants, doing daily chorus of the family
like-washing cooling, looking after pets or younger children
and other works.
3) Bonded Child Labors
Bonded child labor means as a child who is employed forcibly
to pay off a debt of his parents or a guardian. Though the
numbers of bonded child labors have considerably declined
in recent past due strict government supervision and laws
banning it, it is silently followed in isolated and remote
places. Children residing in villages and employed in
agriculture industry are more prone to this type of labor.
Poor farmers owing large debts to money lenders, often get
into an agreement to engage their siblings as labors to
wealthy money lenders.
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Causes of Rising Instances of Child Labour in India
Over population, illiteracy, poverty, debt trap are some of the
common causes which are instrumental in this issue.
Overburdened, debt-trapped parents fail to understand the
importance of a normal childhood under the pressures of
their own troubles and thus it leads to the poor emotional
and mental balance of a child's brain which is not prepared to
undertake rigorous field or domestic tasks.
National and Multinational companies also recruit children in
garment industries for more work and less pay which is
absolutely unethical.
According to UNICEF children are employed because they
can be easily exploited. By considering various causes of
child labour, we can make a strategy to curb or eliminate
child labour in India.
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Effects/Impacts of Child Labour on Social Environment in
India
Child labor is a serious hindrance to social and economical
development of the nation. Children employed in various
sectors fail to get necessary education, virtually forced to
leading a life of hardship and poverty. It also affects the
overall health of a child, as children get exhausted easily and
are not physically fit to work for longer durations under
difficult conditions.
Children employed in glass and fire cracker industries work
not only for longer hours but also under hazardous
conditions, seriously compromising their health. They are
continuously exposed to toxic gases and substances leading
to various skin and respiratory ailments. Children who are
forced into the labor industry are unable to fend for
themselves and grow up as an individual who cannot
productively contribute to the society. Moreover, for a
nation's economy to be progressive, it is imperative that its
workforce is educated and skilled, to cater to different
sectors; which is a distant reality as long as child labor exists.
As long as the children are employed as labors, India cannot
successfully eradicate poverty and illiteracy. Sending
children to schools instead of work could have large
economical and social benefits in long run. Educated children
acquire necessary skills and higher paying jobs, lifting them
and the nation out of the clutches of poverty.
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HEALTH HAZARDS
Physical Health Hazards:
The physical health hazards faced by child laborers are
alarming. Many children work in environments that expose
them to dangerous machinery, toxic substances, and
strenuous labor. They are prone to injuries from machinery,
tools, and equipment, leading to amputations, burns, and
other severe injuries. For instance, in agricultural sectors,
children may be exposed to harmful pesticides and chemicals
without adequate protective gear, leading to respiratory
problems, skin diseases, and long-term health issues.
Exposure to dust, chemicals, and pollutants in industries like
mining, construction, and manufacturing can cause
respiratory issues, including asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
Child laborers often perform physically demanding tasks,
leading to musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, neck
pain, and injuries. Prolonged exposure to loud noises and
chemicals can cause eye and hearing problems, including
vision loss and hearing impairment.
Moreover, child laborers often work long hours, which can
result in malnutrition and stunted growth. Inadequate
nutrition affects their physical development, leading to
lifelong health consequences. The lack of proper training and
supervision exacerbates these risks, leaving children
vulnerable to accidents.
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Mental Health Hazards:
The mental and emotional health of child laborers is equally
concerning. Many children experience psychological stress
due to the harsh realities of their work environments. Child
laborers often experience emotional trauma from
exploitation, abuse, and neglect, leading to anxiety,
depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The
pressure to meet productivity targets, coupled with the
threat of physical punishment, creates a climate of fear and
anxiety. This constant stress can lead to depression, low self-
esteem, and emotional trauma.
Additionally, the lack of access to education restricts
cognitive development, leaving children ill-equipped for
future opportunities. Denial of childhood experiences and
education can lead to low self-esteem, reduced confidence,
and a lack of social skills. The dream of a better life is often
overshadowed by the harshness of their reality, leading to
feelings of hopelessness. Social isolation is another
significant issue; many child laborers are unable to form
healthy relationships with peers due to their work
commitments, further exacerbating mental health challenges.
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Social Impacts:
Child labor also has far-reaching social implications that
affect children's overall well-being. Many child laborers lack
access to basic healthcare services, which is crucial for their
physical and mental health. The combination of poverty and
long working hours often means that families cannot afford
medical care, leaving children susceptible to untreated
illnesses. The poor living conditions associated with child
labor further contribute to health risks. Many child laborers
live in overcrowded and unsanitary environments, leading to
the spread of infectious diseases. These conditions not only
impair their health but also hinder their ability to thrive
academically and socially.
State-Wise Analysis:
1. Uttar Pradesh: Highest number of child laborers in India,
with a significant number working in agriculture and
manufacturing.
2. Bihar: High prevalence of child labor in agriculture and
construction.
3. Maharashtra: Significant number of child laborers in
manufacturing and services.
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Case Studies and Statistics:
Numerous case studies illustrate the dire health hazards
faced by child laborers in India. For example, in the carpet-
making industry, children as young as five are often employed
in hazardous conditions. Reports indicate high rates of
respiratory diseases due to dust inhalation and exposure to
chemicals used in dyeing processes. A study found that
nearly 60% of child laborers in these settings reported
chronic coughs and other respiratory issues.
Statistics further highlight the severity of the issue.
According to the Global Slavery Index, an estimated 8 million
children in India are engaged in hazardous work. The National
Sample Survey Organization also reported that around 60%
of these children suffer from malnutrition, which has long-
term implications for their health and development.
Consequences:
- Stunted growth and development
- Reduced cognitive abilities and learning capacity
- Increased risk of chronic diseases and disabilities
- Perpetuation of poverty and illiteracy
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Government Initiatives and Interventions:
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to
combat child labor and address the associated health
hazards. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation)
Amendment Act of 2016 aims to eliminate child labor in
hazardous occupations and regulate working conditions for
children in non-hazardous jobs. Additionally, schemes like the
Mid-Day Meal Scheme provide nutritional support to
children, aiming to improve their health and encourage
school attendance.
However, the enforcement of these laws remains a challenge.
Corruption, lack of awareness, and inadequate resources
hinder the effectiveness of government interventions. To
make a significant impact, it is crucial to strengthen the
enforcement of existing laws and increase awareness about
the dangers of child labor.
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Recommendations and Solutions:
To address the health hazards faced by child laborers, a
multi-faceted approach is essential. First, strengthening child
protection laws and enforcement mechanisms is crucial. This
includes regular inspections of workplaces and strict
penalties for violations.
Second, promoting education and skill development
opportunities for children can help break the cycle of poverty
that perpetuates child labor. Programs that provide financial
incentives to families for keeping their children in school can
be effective in reducing child labor rates.
Additionally, improving access to healthcare services for
child laborers is vital. This can be achieved through mobile
health clinics and community health programs that
specifically target vulnerable populations.
Finally, raising awareness about the consequences of child
labor among communities can foster a cultural shift toward
valuing education and child welfare over immediate
economic gains.
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Conclusion:
The health hazards faced by child
laborers in India are a critical issue
that demands urgent attention.
The physical, mental, and social
impacts of child labor not only
jeopardize the well-being of
millions of children but also hinder
the nation's future development.
By implementing effective
policies, promoting education, and
raising awareness, society can
work towards eliminating child
labor and safeguarding the health
and future of its children.
Collective efforts are necessary to
ensure that every child has the
opportunity to grow, learn, and
thrive in a safe and nurturing
environment.
THANK YOU
