MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH)
(a) & (b) As per 2001 census, the total number of working children between the age group 5-14 years in the country was 1.26 crore. However, in the Survey conducted by NSSO, in 2004-05 the numbers of working children were estimated at 90.75 lakh.As per NSSO survey 2009-10, the working children are estimated at 49.84 lakh which shows a declining trend.
(c) The number of child labourers rescued, rehabilitated and mainstreamed through National Child Labour Project scheme during the last three years and current year, State-wise and year-wise is given at Annexure-I. No separate data is maintained in respect of bonded child labour. As per the information received from State Governments, the number of bonded labourers released and rehabilitated during the last three years and current year State-wise and year-wise is given as at Annexure-II.
(d) to (f) The Government is following a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the problem of child labour. It comprises
of statutory and legislative measures, rescue and rehabilitation, universal primary education alongwith social protection, poverty alleviation and employment generation. The objective is to create an environment where families are not compelled
to send their children to work. The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in 18 Occupations and 65 Processes. The Act regulates the working conditions of children where they are not prohibited from working. Any person who employs a child in any occupation or process where employment of children is prohibited under the Child Labour Act, is liable for punishment with imprisonment or with fine. For rehabilitation of child labour the Government is implementing the National Child Labour Project Scheme since 1988. The scheme seeks educational rehabilitation of children working in hazardous occupations and processes. Under the Project, children rescued/withdrawn
from work are enrolled in the special schools, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, nutrition, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system. The NCLP special schools are operating as special training centre as per Section 4 of Right to Education Act, 2009. The scheme has been aligned with the provision of RTE Act and the facilities under SSA scheme are being extended to the children of NCLP special schools. The Ministry is also running the awareness generation programme against the evil of child labour.
