Peer-reviewed article
COVID-19, Economic Shocks and Child Labour: Examining the Socioeconomic Determinants of Children’s Labour Participation
Sudha, Chandra Upadhyay ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
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Abstract
The problem of child work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached its worst point, leading to a surge in low-cost labour in the face of child trafficking and domestic exploitation. Particularly in many nations, the COVID-19 epidemic caused a complex dilemma that hindered access to school and increased child labour. According to the 2011 census report, there are 10.1 million working children in India between the ages of 5 and 14. The COVID-19 epidemic is currently having a major impact on the social, economic, and professional spheres. According to the research, 386 million children lived in extreme poverty in 2019, while 42–66 million children were recognised as being in poverty. Sadly, children from low-income households suffer greatly, which may lead them to engage in child work. It has been observed that there is a 0.7% increase in child labour for every 1% increase in poverty. The challenges of child labour and education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic are the main subject of this research. In order to prevent short-term shocks from having long-term effects on children's education, well-being, and future economic opportunities, the study emphasises the significance of income-support measures, employment protection, accessible education, social protection, and targeted interventions for economically vulnerable households.