Peer-reviewed article

Impact of poverty and education on the incidence of child Labour in Purnea district of Bihar

Mukesh Paswan, Narendra Kumar · 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Child labour continues to be a persistent socio-economic problem in several parts of India, particularly in economically backward regions. The present study examines the impact of poverty and education on the incidence of child labour in the Purnea district of Bihar, a region characterized by high population density, low literacy levels, and widespread poverty. The study aims to analyze how household economic conditions and access to education influence children’s participation in labour activities. Using a mixed-method research approach, both primary and secondary data were utilized. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with working children, parents, and local stakeholders, while secondary data were sourced from census reports, government publications, and previous studies. The findings reveal that poverty is the most significant factor compelling children to engage in labour, as families rely on additional income for survival. Lack of access to quality education, school dropouts, poor infrastructure, and low awareness about the long-term benefits of education further exacerbate the problem. Children from economically marginalized households are more likely to be employed in agriculture, domestic work, small-scale industries, and informal sectors. The study also highlights that inadequate implementation of government welfare schemes and weak enforcement of child labour laws contribute to the persistence of this issue.