Prevalence and potential consequences of child labour in India and the possible impact of COVID-19 – a contemporary overview
AUTHOR(S)
Navpreet Kaur; Roger W. Byard
Published: February 2021
Journal: Medicine, Science and the Law
Child labour is a global phenomenon occurring predominantly in countries with lower socioeconomic status and
resources. Societal and familial poverty, loss or incapacitation/illness of parents, lack of social security and protection,
and ignorance about the value of, or limited access to, education are among the myriad reasons for the involvement of
children in the workforce. Child labour is a barrier to the development of individual children and their society and
economy. Global estimates indicate that 152 million children (64 million girls and 88 million boys) are working, accounting for almost one in 10 of all children worldwide. Currently the COVID-19 health pandemic and the resulting economic
and labour market consequences are having a major impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Unfortunately, impoverished families and their children are often the first to suffer, which may push many more vulnerable children into child
labour situations. Child labour in India is more prevalent than in many other countries, with approximately 10 million
children actively engaged in, or seeking, work. This paper focuses on the issue of child labour, its causes and its ill effects.
Further, it also reviews the international legal framework relating to child labour and legislative issues in India.
Navpreet Kaur; Roger W. Byard February 2021 Prevalence and potential consequences of child labour in India and the possible impact of COVID-19 – a contemporary overview. Medicine, Science and the Law, pp. 7.