Peer-reviewed article
A STUDY ON CHILD LABOUR IN MAHARASTRA
AMBIKA NIKAM ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines the scale, causes, and patterns of child labour in Maharashtra state, India. Using government census and employment data, the research identifies poverty, migration, lack of education, and informal employment as key drivers. Child labour is most prevalent in construction, agriculture, brick kilns, and domestic work. The authors recommend policies combining poverty reduction, quality education, social security for migrants, and stronger law enforcement.
Key points
- Child labour in Maharashtra is concentrated in informal and unregulated sectors including construction, agriculture, brick kilns, and domestic work
- Poverty, migration, informal employment, and educational deprivation are identified as major contributing factors
- The study uses secondary data from Census of India and NSSO/PLFS reports to analyse trends and patterns
- Elimination of child labour requires an integrated policy approach across multiple sectors
- Child labour persists despite India's economic growth and existing legal protections
Limitations
This is a secondary data analysis using census and survey data; it does not evaluate any specific intervention or programme effectiveness. The document does not provide information on the outcomes of any particular policy or initiative tested with children.
Abstract
Child labour continues to be a major socio-economic challenge in India despite sustained economic growth and legal safeguards. This research paper examines the magnitude, causes, sectoral distribution, and consequences of child labour in Maharashtra. Using secondary data from Census of India, NSSO/PLFS reports, and government publications, the study analyses how poverty, migration, informal employment, and educational deprivation contribute to child labour. Tables and chart-based interpretations are used to present trends and patterns. The paper argues that child labour in Maharashtra is largely concentrated in informal and unregulated sectors such as construction, agriculture, brick kilns, and domestic work. The study concludes that elimination of child labour requires an integrated policy approach focusing on poverty reduction, quality education, social security for migrant families, and strict enforcement of labour laws.