Child labour is a complex social problem globally, which severely impacts the education, health and overall development of children. Every year, June 12 is observed as World Day Against Child Labour, a global initiative led by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims to raise awareness and encourage global, national, and local efforts to end child labour in all its forms. The observance is especially crucial in 2025, the year set under the Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 for the global elimination of child labour. However, despite significant progress, the goal remains unmet.

• The 2025 theme ‘Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!’ reflects the reality that although many countries have reduced child labour cases, millions of children worldwide continue to work in exploitative and hazardous conditions. The theme is a reminder that isolated efforts are not enough; what’s required is coordinated, persistent, and large-scale action to guarantee every child’s right to education, play, and protection from exploitation.

Origins and Importance of the Day:

World Day Against Child Labour was first launched by the ILO in 2002 as part of a global campaign to eradicate child labour. Over the years, the day has become a key opportunity to:

• Spread global awareness on the issue.
• Encourage policy reforms and better enforcement.
• Unite stakeholders – governments, civil society, employers, communities.
• Promote child-centred advocacy, focusing on rights, safety, and dignity.
• Track global progress and align with international frameworks such as SDG 8.7.

Key ILO conventions supporting this cause:

• ILO Convention No. 138: Sets the minimum age for employment.
• ILO Convention No. 182: Prohibits the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, forced labour, and work that harms a child’s health or morals.

The Global Crisis of Child Labour:

According to UNICEF and the ILO, as of 2024:

• 138 million children are engaged in child labour globally.
• Of these, 54 million are involved in dangerous occupations that pose threats to their health and development.
• The broader estimate puts the global total at 160 million, nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide.

The Africa, Asia, and Pacific regions account for almost 90% of all children in child labour. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation — school closures and economic shocks forced many children into work, with a large number never returning to classrooms.

Child Labour in India: The Numbers and Challenges

India has a long history of child labour in multiple sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining, carpet weaving, and food services. According to Census 2011:

• Over 43.53 lakh children aged 5–14 were involved in child labour.
• A larger count of 11.8 million child workers is reported in the 5–17 age group.

The causes include poverty, illiteracy, debt bondage, and inadequate education infrastructure. Despite several interventions, enforcement gaps and socio-economic realities continue to push children into work.

India’s Legislative and Policy Framework

India has implemented several legal and policy mechanisms to tackle the issue:

• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, amended in 2016:
• Prohibits employment of children under 14.
• Bans adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous occupations.
• Right to Education Act, 2009:
• Mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14.
• National Child Labour Project (NCLP):
• Provides bridge schools and vocational training to rescued child workers.
• National Policy on Child Labour (1987):
• Encourages phased elimination and rehabilitation.
• District Project Societies (DPS):
• Facilitate implementation at the district level.
• Participation in global efforts like Durban Call to Action, SDGs, and partnerships with NGOs like Save the Children, World Vision, and Bachpan Bachao Andolan.

Target Missed: Global Goal Unmet

Despite policy efforts, both India and the global community have missed the 2025 target for ending child labour. According to the ILO-UNICEF update released on the eve of World Day Against Child Labour 2025, at least 138 million children continue to work globally, with over 54 million in hazardous environments.

The Velpur Model: A Community-Led Success

A powerful example of what works comes from Velpur Mandal, in Nizamabad district, Telangana. Once infamous for child labour, Velpur transformed into a model of community-led action.

Highlights of the Velpur Campaign (2001):

• 100-day drive ensured enrolment of all children aged 5–15 in school.
• Children working in shops or fields were shifted to bridge schools.
• Public meetings-built consensus among parents, employers, and local leaders.
• ₹35 lakh in debt owed by families was voluntarily waived by former employers.
• Villages put up boards proudly declaring: “There is no child labour in our village.”

All sarpanchs signed agreements with the district administration to guarantee school enrolment. In return, the government committed to providing teachers and infrastructure. On October 2, 2001, Velpur was declared a child labour-free mandal.

Recognition:

• Velpur’s success has been documented by the VV Giri National Labour Institute.
• Honoured during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021.
• Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the National Human Rights Commission acknowledged the achievement.
• In 2022, the Parliamentary Standing Committee invited the District Collector who led the campaign to present the model for national replication.

Even 24 years later, Velpur remains child labour-free — a testament to persistent community involvement and political will.

The Way Forward

The Velpur experience provides a blueprint for meaningful action. Key steps needed across India and globally include:

1.       Community Engagement: Long-term solutions require community ownership.

2.      Robust Law Enforcement: Policies must translate into on-ground action.

3.      Education for All: Strengthen public education systems and ensure every child is in school.

4.     Economic Support for Families: Poverty alleviation through welfare and livelihood programs can prevent children from entering the workforce.

5.     Monitoring and Tracking: Data must be regularly collected to evaluate progress.

6.     Multi-stakeholder Collaboration: Governments, civil society, employers, and international organisations must work in sync.

Conclusion

Despite progress in laws and awareness, child labour remains a grave challenge globally and in India. The Velpur model shows that sustainable change is possible but only when efforts go beyond policy and become a movement led by the people.

Childhood is not meant for labour. It is meant for learning, growing, and dreaming. The path ahead demands that governments, communities, and individuals act with urgency and resolve — because every child deserves a safe, free, and dignified future.