Children at Work, Child Labor and Modern Slavery in India: An Overview

ABSTRACT

There is a large child work force in India reported to be about 40 million. Child labor is being regarded as a form of modern slavery, aschildren are forced to work or have no choice to refuse work. Children are employed in a variety of occupations, many of which arehazardous. Exposure to machinery, pesticides, dust in agricultural work and fumes, chemicals, acids, cotton and wool fiber in other formsof work is detrimental to health. A large number are held in bonded servitude. In urban areas, children are employed as domestic helpersand engaged in eateries and auto-repair work. Trafficking and trading of children for work and sexual slavery are also major concerns.Poverty and illiteracy are root causes of child labor, but iniquitous societal attitudes are responsible for abuse and exploitation. Workingchildren are deprived of proper health care and education, and lose their childhood and dignity. Several legal measures exist to preventchild labor and protect them from harm, but are thwarted by the distressing socioeconomic conditions. Although child labor would bedifficult to abolish, exploitation can be prevented with concerted efforts of the government agencies, professional bodies and the civilsociety.