Economics of Child Labour in the Informal Sector: A study in two Tribal Districts of Odisha

Child labour is not a new phenomenon in India and especially poorest state like Odisha in particular. The phenomenon of child labour is deep-rooted in socio-economic stratification, mass poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, particularly in tribal areas of the state. The child labour system is an age old phenomenon whichretards the development of child due to early employment. According to International Labour Organisation (ILO, 2002) reports that children work the longest hours and are the worst paid of all labourers. They endure work conditions which include health hazards and potential abuse. Their working conditions do not provide the stimulation for proper physical and mental development. Children work for a variety of reasons, the most important being poverty and the induced pressure upon them to escape from this plight. Finally, these children are deprived of the simple joys of childhood, relegated instead to a life of drudgery. Hence the researcher has undertaken a study on "Economics of Child Labour in the Informal Sector: A study in two tribal districts of Odisha”

The present study aims at understanding the nature, magnitude and degree of vulnerability of child labour practice in Odisha with special reference of two tribal districts Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar. In this study we try to delve deep into the association between socio-economic development and child labour of adivasis in the state. It probes into the causes, consequences and correlates of the incidence of child labour in Odisha. Using the data of 300 child workers from the two tribal districts, the study finds that various social, economic, demographic and educational forces mutually reinforce the incidence of child labour in the study area. Furthermore the study has also found that high incidence of child labour found among single parents, no parents or step parent family. The study has also revealed that age of children is a significant determinant of the hours of work of children. Different methodologies have been used to satisfy the various objectives of the study. The approach and methodology of the study is analytical, holistic and discursive. Through this study, we have brought out certain cause and consequences regarding child labour in tribal area of the state and in addition we have suggested certain policy implication for eradicating the problem of child labour vis-a-vis child care development.