According to ILO, the term child labour is defined as the work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and that is harmful to their  physical and mental development.

Prevalence of child labor in India :

• According to ILO, India has the highest number of child laborers in the 5 to 17 age range in South Asia.
• As per census 2011, there are 10.1 million working children between 5 to 14 years in India.

India’s biggest child labor employers are : UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP,Maharashtra.

Causes of child labour in india :

• Poverty
• Lack of quality education
• Gender disparities
• Demand for cheap labor
• Lack of stringent legislation  

Consequences of child labour :

On Child:

1. Physical and mental abuse
2. Educational deprivation
3. Stunted development

On Society:

1. Perpetuates poverty and inequality
2. Undermines human rights
3. Disrupts social structure

On Nation:

1. Loss of human capital
2. Increased burden of social welfare
3. Limited economic opportunities in future

Steps taken by the government:

1. Right to Education Act 2009  has made it mandatory  for the state to ensure that all children aged 6 to 14 are in school and receive free education.
2. Pencil portal  launched by ministry of labor and employment to ensure proper enforcement of child labor laws.
3. Factories Act 1948  prohibits the employment of children below 14 in any hazardous environment and restricts the working hours and conditions of adolescents (14 to 18).
4. Ratifying conventions of ILO  like  The Minimum Age Convention (1973)-No. 138 and  The Worst Forms of child labor Convention (1999) – No. 182 

Additional measures to address child labor:

1. Provide social protection and economic support to poor and vulnerable families.
2. Ensure Universal and quality education.
3. Raise awareness regarding child labor.
4. Strengthen legal framework and its enforcement.