Peer-reviewed article
Challenges and Perspective of Child Labour in Assam and its Impact on Health and Wellbeing of Children
Jyoti Prasad Bora, Nisha Sarma ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001Child labour in Assam is driven by poverty, illiteracy, and natural disasters like floods, with children working on tea plantations, in agriculture, and small businesses. Despite existing legislation such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, enforcement is weak and inconsistent. The practice severely damages children's health through injuries and malnutrition, and causes psychological harm including stress, anxiety, and trauma, while depriving them of education and normal social development. NGOs and community programs exist but have limited reach in rural areas. Addressing the issue requires a multi-dimensional approach including poverty reduction, quality education access, stronger law enforcement, and community awareness.
Key points
- Child labour in Assam is caused by poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, migration, and natural disasters including floods that displace families
- Children work on tea plantations, in agriculture, at home, and in small businesses across Assam
- Physical impacts include injuries, malnutrition, and chronic illnesses; psychological impacts include stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma
- Child labour deprives children of schooling, skill development, and restricts personality development and social integration
- Government legislation exists but enforcement is inconsistent; NGOs and community initiatives have limited reach in rural and distant regions
Limitations
This document provides an overview of the child labour problem and its impacts in Assam but does not present empirical data, quantitative prevalence rates, or evaluation of specific interventions. It does not distinguish between different types or severity of child labour or provide comparative evidence on what solutions have proven effective.
Abstract
Child labour in Assam is a continuous socioeconomic issue caused by poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and migration. Many children work on tea plantations, in agriculture, at home, or in small businesses. Weak enforcement of labour regulations, a lack of understanding among parents, and cultural acceptance exacerbate the issue. Natural disasters such as floods, which are prevalent in Assam, displace families and force children to work for survival. From a developmental standpoint, child labour deprives children of schooling, skill development, and possibilities for advancement. Although government programs and legislation, such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, exist, their execution is inconsistent. NGOs and community initiatives play an important role, but their reach is limited in rural and distant regions. The impact on children’s health and wellbeing is severe. Physically, child labour exposes children to hazardous conditions, leading to injuries, malnutrition, and chronic illnesses. Psychologically, long working hours and exploitation can cause stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma. Socially, it isolates children from peers and restricts their overall personality development.To address this issue, a multi-dimensional approach is essential, including poverty alleviation, access to quality education, strict law enforcement, and community awareness. Empowering families economically and ensuring child protection mechanisms can significantly reduce child labour in Assam.