ENGLISH INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
Cycle of exploitation: child labour across generation
Summited by
V P ISHA PRIYANGA
S FATHIMA MAISA
XII B
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Child Labour" for our Investigatory project because it
is a deeply concerning issue that affects millions of
children around the world, including in India. Despite
laws and international conventions against it, child
labour remains prevalent due to poverty, lack of
education, and social inequalities. we believe that
raising awareness through digital platforms and data
analysis can contribute to the fight against this
injustice.
The main aim of this project is to collect, analyze, and
present relevant data on child labour in India and
globally using appropriate tools and techniques learned
in IP. We plan to explore various aspects such as
causes, consequences, affected regions, and
government policies through data handling,
visualizations (charts and graphs), and possibly basic
database work.
Through this project, we wish to enhance my technical
skills in data management while also developing a
deeper understanding of a pressing social issue.
Ultimately, We hope that this project not only fulfills
academic requirements but also encourages meaningful
discussions and awareness among our peers
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We place my sincere thanks to our english teacher
Mrs CHANDINI for her guidance and advices to
complete our work successfully.
We also thank our principal
for providing us all the facilities to finish the project
on time.
We also take this opportunity to place on record my
deep gratitude to LORD ALMIGHTY for the
countless blessings showered on us while doing the
work and to complete it.
Last but not least we thank our parents for their
encouragement and support in our humble venture.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION UNDER
THE GUIDENCE OF TEACHER
This is to certify that V P ISHA PRIYANGA a student
from CLASS: XII,Section:B, Session :2025-2026, from
ROJAVANAM INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL,PUTHUGRAMAM,has done her project work
titled “Cycle of exploitation: child labour across
generation” as a part of ALS project , under the
guidance of the undersigned
It has been observed that she had shown keen interest in
the assigned work and completed it within the mentioned
time period
SIGN OF THE TEACHER
NAME OF THE TEACHER
ACTION PLAN
Through this project , we would like to bring atttention to the
most concerning isssue which is prevailing in the world ,
which is child labour. The sequential action done in this
project are listed below
First step is to choose a partner who has similar idea as
mine
Then,we reasearched on the topic by using few
books,articles ,newspaper,internet[Google]
Then ,we divided the work among ourself and set a
timeline for our self
Then,we discussed on how to write a perfect report
which exactly convert our idea to the audience
Finally we combat our findings and research in this
project
INTRODUCTION
Child labour is one of the most serious social issues affecting
millions of children around the world today. It refers to the
employment of children in any form of work that deprives
them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend
regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially, or
morally harmful. Despite global efforts to end it, child labour
continues to exist, especially in developing countries, due to
poverty, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of
labour laws.
Children are often forced to work in harsh conditions in
factories, farms, construction sites, or as domestic help,
usually for very little pay and without any legal protection.
This not only robs them of their right to education and a safe
childhood but also affects their physical and emotional
development.
This project aims to explore the causes, consequences, and
possible solutions to child labour. Through research,
awareness campaigns, and proposed action plans, we hope to
contribute to the global fight against this injustice and
promote a future where every child is free to learn, grow, and
thrive.
SUREVEY REPORT ON CHILD LABOUR
ACROSS DIFFERENT STATES ACROSS INDIA
CHENNAI
Chennai, being capital of tamilnadu and being centre
of different trading mode,also suffers from child
labour.around 25% children in northeren chennai are
child labour.most of these children are under the age of
10 and they are boys.graph given below prove this
statement
DELHI
Being the captial of the nation and pride of having
monuments,the problem of child labour is also faced by
this territory.in the eastern peripheryof delhi,many
immigrant children work as a ragpicker or some other
work.they are not given a proper infrasture to live
Ragpicking in delhi
MUMBAI
Mumbai is one of the major cities in india.also it have the
largest slum in the world THARVI. Many chidren
acrosss mumbai are affected especially in tharvi
region .children there do work like recycling,lether
works.bangles making,etc.about 45%children born in
tharvi are child labours when they are
grown .government is taking measure to uplift the
standard of the people of tharvi
PICTURE OF ARTICLES ON CHILD LABOUR
AN ARTICLE BY TIMES OF NOW
AN ARTICLE BY THE HINDU
AN ARTICLE BY INDIAN EXPRESS
\
CASE STUDY : BRICK KILN ACROSS INDIA
INTRODUCTION
Sector: Brick Kiln Industry
Age of Workers Involved: Typically between 8–16
years
Estimated Number of Child Workers in Sector:
Over 250,000 (unofficial estimates)
Key Locations: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand,
Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu
Nature of Employment: Informal, often bonded
labour due to family debt
Key Issues Identified
a. Poverty and Debt Bondage
Many families migrate seasonally to work in kilns
and bring their children along.
Advances taken from kiln owners bind families in
debt cycles, forcing children to work.
b. Hazardous Working Conditions
Children work long hours in intense heat, lifting
heavy loads, and inhaling dust and smoke.
Frequent injuries, dehydration, and respiratory
illnesses are common.
c. Loss of Education
Most children drop out of school during the kiln
season (6–8 months).
Seasonal migration prevents continuous schooling.
d. Lack of Legal Awareness
Families and children are often unaware of their
rights or the illegality of child labour.
4. Legal Framework
Indian Laws
Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and
Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended in 2016):
Prohibits employment of children below 14 in any
occupation.
Adolescents (14–18) cannot work in hazardous
industries, including brick kilns.
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory
Education Act, 2009:
Ensures free education for children aged 6–14.
International Conventions
India has ratified:
ILO Convention No. 138 (Minimum Age)
ILO Convention No. 182 (Worst Forms of Child
Labour)
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
5. Stakeholders Involved
Children and Families: Trapped in poverty cycles,
unaware of legal protections.
Brick Kiln Owners: Benefit from cheap labour,
often operate outside legal oversight.
Contractors: Recruit and transport workers, often
enforce debt bondage.
Government Authorities: Enforcement is weak due
to corruption, resource constraints.
NGOs and Civil Society: Active in rescue,
rehabilitation, and education efforts.
Local Schools: Struggle to retain migrant children
or adapt to seasonal migrations.
6. Impact
Short-Term
Malnutrition, fatigue, lack of play and education,
exposure to harmful elements.
Long-Term
Limited life opportunities, continuation of poverty, and
perpetuation of child labour across generations.
7. Interventions and Best Practices
Successful Models
Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA): Has rescued
thousands of children and advocates for stronger
enforcement.
Uttar Pradesh Child Labour Rehabilitation Scheme:
Provides financial aid and schooling for rescued
children.
Seasonal Hostels and Bridge Schools: Help
children of migrant workers continue education.
Recommendations
Enforce existing laws more effectively with stricter
inspections.
Provide identity and entitlements (ration cards,
Aadhaar) to migrant families.
Develop mobile schools or seasonal learning
centres in brick kiln areas.
Link rescued children with social security and
education schemes (e.g., PM CARES, NCLP).
Encourage community monitoring and child
protection committees at village level.
8. Conclusion
Child labour in India’s brick kiln industry reflects the
intersection of poverty, migration, debt bondage, and
weak law enforcement. While India has made progress
through legal reforms and NGO interventions, systemic
changes are needed to address root causes. Holistic
strategies involving prevention, rescue, rehabilitation,
and education can pave the way for long-term
eradication of child labour in this and other vulnerable
sectors.
Interview with Arun: A Glimpse into Child
Labor in a Textile Shop
This interview is taken by us to a 12 year old boy
arun, who lives in our neighbourhood and working
in a textile shop . few question asked to arun and
his answer is attached in this project
Interviewer: Thank you for speaking with us today,
Arun. Could you please tell us how old you are?
Arun: I am 12 years old.
Interviewer: What made you start working in the
textile shop?
Arun: My family is facing financial difficulties. My
parents thought it would help if I worked to earn
some money.
Interviewer: What tasks do you perform at the
shop?
Arun: I assist in sorting fabrics, cutting threads, and
sometimes help with packaging.
Interviewer: How many hours do you work each
day?
Arun: I work from 9 AM to 6 PM, with a short
break for lunch.
Interviewer: Are you able to attend school while
working?
Arun: No, I had to stop going to school to work.
Interviewer: What do you miss most about school?
Arun: I miss learning new things and playing with
my friends.
Interviewer: How do you feel about not being in
school?
Arun: I feel sad and sometimes worried about my
future.
Interviewer: Have you ever been hurt while
working?
Wikipedia
Arun: Yes, once I cut my finger while trimming
fabric.
Interviewer: Do you receive any support or
guidance at work?
Arun: The shop owner is kind, but there isn't much
training. I learn by watching others.
Interviewer: What are your dreams for the future?
Arun: I want to return to school and become a
teacher.
Interviewer: Is there anything you'd like to say to
people who are concerned about child labor?
Arun: I hope they can help children like me go
back to school and have a better life.
Interviewer: Thank you, Arun, for sharing your
story. Your courage helps us understand the
importance of addressing child labor.
Through this interview ,we came to know the
challenges faced by children like Arun in the textile
industry, emphasizing the need for collective
efforts to eliminate child labor and ensure access to
education for all children.
QUESTIONNAIRE ON CHILD LABOUR
Do you think that child labour are exploited ?,
if yes in what ways they are exploited?
Do you think that it is necessary to protect this
children from labourism in this modern era
What are the reasons do you think that, these
children are exploited for?
REPORT ON PERSISTENCE OFCHILD
LABOUR IN MUMBAI , CHENNAI AND
DELHI
INTRODUCTION
Despite numerous laws and social initiatives aimed at
eradicating child labour in India, it remains a
pressing issue in several parts of the country, particularly in
urban centres such as Mumbai,
Chennai, and Delhi. This report aims to highlight the
continuing prevalence of child labour in these
cities, examine the contributing factors, and suggest possible
measures for eradication.
Current Scenario
1. Mumbai
In Mumbai, child labour is notably present in informal sectors
such as street vending, rag pickingand small-scale
manufacturing units in Dharavi and other densely populated
slums. Children are
often employed in zari work, embroidery, and plastic
recycling. They are exposed to hazardous
conditions and are frequently denied access to education and
healthcare.
2. Chennai
In Chennai, child labour continues in areas such as the leather
industry, tea shops, automobile
workshops, and brick kilns. Perungalathur and parts of North
Chennai report incidents of child
labour, especially involving children from impoverished
families or migrants. Many are forced to work
to supplement family incomes or pay off debts.
3. Delhi
In Delhi, children are often seen working in roadside eateries
(dhabas), construction sites, and as
domestic workers. Areas such as Seelampur and Shahdara
have reported cases of child labour in
small factories and workshops, where children are engaged in
long hours of work under unsafe
onditions.
Contributing Factors
- Poverty and lack of education
- Migration from rural areas
- Weak enforcement of child labour laws
- Social acceptance in informal sectors
- Demand for cheap labour
Legal Framework and Challenges
India has laws such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and
Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended in 2016),
which prohibits employment of children below 14 in any
occupation, and of adolescents (14-18
years) in hazardous occupations. However, loopholes and
lack of enforcement hinder their
effectiveness. Many employers exploit the legal
exception allowing children to help in family
enterprises after school hours.
Recommendations
- Strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
- Increasing community awareness about the harms of child
labour.
- Enhancing access to quality education and mid-day meal
schemes.
- Rehabilitation programs for rescued children.
- Incentives for employers to employ adult workers instead of
children
Conclusion
Child labour continues to be a harsh reality in parts of
Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi. A concerted
effort by government agencies, NGOs, civil society, and
citizens is crucial to ensure that every child
is protected, educated, and empowered to build a better future
GROUP REFLECTION ON CHILD LABOUR
Through this project , we have learned so many challenges,
hardships faced by those vulnerable children who are near our
age .those kids are also deserve what we are having now.like
education , proper care, medical facility.we also feel so much
gratitude for what we have now. Also, we are requesting the
government to make the laws against child labour more strong
so that these crimes are avoided. These children are exploited
for a selfiness of the higher tier people.this project taught as
so many valuable lesson . each of us can contribute by
making informed choices, supporting policies that protect
children's rights, and advocating for systemic changes that
address the root causes of child labour.
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