Child Labour As A Harsh Reality

In India, the problem of child labour in its nature and magnitude is complex and gigantic. Millions of children are working in a large number of industries and occupations all over the country. According to the estimates of non-governmental organisation, the figures could be between 44 and 100 million. The economic conditions as well as environment in which these children work and their direct and indirect influence on their physique are very bad. Subhuman conditions of these working children unfortunate souls are forced to labour during the best years of their lives. Apart from their abysmal poverty, others factors like size of family, illiteracy and apathy towards education, centuries old superstitions are factors responsible for the sad plight of these children who are mercilessly exploited by the employers. The working conditions of these children are quite dismal. Migration is another factor which pushes children to enter the labour market. Migration from village to the city due to financial instability and insecurity in the village has pushed these children to enter into the informal sector. The constitution of India includes specific provision to stop abuse of child labour and seek its ultimate elimination.