Ministry of Labour & Employment21-December, 2011 15:32 IST

Problem of Child Labour

As per 2001 census, the total number of working children between the age group 5-14 years in the country was 1.26 crore. However, in the Survey conducted by NSSO, in 2004-05 the number of working children were estimated at 90.75 lakh. As per NSSO survey 2009-10, the working children are estimated at 49.84 lakh which shows decline trend. The State-wise information is as per Annexure-I. As per unit level records of NSSO , 2004-05, sector-wise information in percentage terms is as per Annexure-II Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in 18 Occupations and 65 Processes and regulates their working conditions in those occupations/processes where they are not prohibited from working. Any person who employs a child in any occupation or process where employment of children is prohibited under the Act, is liable for punishment with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 3 months but which may extend to one year or with fine ranging from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.20,000/- or with both. The Govt. of India has adopted a multi-pronged strategy for eradication of child labour as follows: (i) legal action plan. (ii) focus on general development programmes for the benefit of the families of Child Labour; and (iii) project-based action in areas of high concentration of Child labour. The above measure has yielded the positive results in eradication of child labour. In view of the above, there is no proposal under consideration. The Union Labour & Employment Minister Shri Mallikarjun Kharge gave this information in reply to a written question the in Rajya Sabha today. *****