Faculty of Law

BATCH 2019-2024
PROJECT ON
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF CHILD LABOUR IN RAJKOT
SUBJECT :-Sociology
SUBJECT CODE:10BA0103

Submitted to Submitted by:

N.BANGKIM SINGH ROUNAK SINHA
Associate Professor RollNo:91901004101
Faculty of Law, Marwadi University B.ALLBHons.(Semester1)
 DECLARATION

I Rounak Sinha certify that the work embodied in this project work, entitled “AN
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF CHILD LABOUR IN RAJKOT”, is my own bona-fide work
carried out by me under the supervision of Prof. N. BANGKIM SINGH of Faculty of Law,
Marwadi University. The matter embodied in this Project has not been submitted for the
award of any other degree/diploma.
I declare that I have faithfully acknowledged, given credit to and referred to the authors/
research workers wherever their works have been cited in the text and the body of the project.
I further certify that I have not willfully lifted up some other's work, para, text, data, results,
figures etc. reported in the journals, books, magazines, reports, dissertations, theses, etc., or
available at web-sites and included them in this project work and cited as my own work.

Signature of the Student

Date:
Place:
 SUPERVISOR’S CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the work embodied in the accompanying project entitled “AN
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF CHILD LABOUR IN RAJKOT”, has been carried out entirely
by Rounak Sinha under my direct supervision and guidance and that the candidate has
fulfilled the requirements of the regulations laid down for the partial fulfillment of B. A. LL.
B Hons. Degree examination in the course Sociology I (Semester I), Faculty of Law,
Marwadi University.

N. BANGKIM SINGH
Associate Professor (Sociology)
Faculty of Law, Marwadi University
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my thanks to the people who have helped me most throughout my
project, be it directly or indirectly. I am most grateful to my teacher Mr. N. Bangkim Singh
who actually inspired to do this project by providing this opportunity.
A special thank of mine goes to my senior Pratyush Khanna and my classmates Yashi Jain
and Jainam Shah who helped me out in completing the project, where they all exchanged
their own interesting ideas, and made me realize both the perspectives to the issue and thus
made it possible to complete my project with all accurate information. I wish to thank my
parents for their personal support or attention who inspired me to go my own way.

Last but not the least, I would also extend my appreciation to those who could not be
mentioned here but well played their role to inspire the curtain.
 INDEX

1. Introduction 6
2. Current Situation of Child Labour in Rajkot , 10
Gujrat
3. 12
The situation and cause of children regarding the
involvement in labor in “Bedi Village”.
4. 17
Conclusion and Suggestion
5. 19
Bibliography
6. 21
Annexures
 CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Child labour can be defined as the employment of children in any work that deprives them
from their childhood and interferes with thier ability to attend thier regular schools and that is
physically, mentally, socially or morally dangerous and harmful. UNICEF defines child
labour differently. A child, suggests UNICEF, is involved in child labour activities if between
5 to 11 years of age, he or she did at least one hour of economic activity or at least 28 hours
of domestic work in a week, and in case of children between 12 to 14 years of age, he or she
did at least 14 hours of economic activity or at least 42 hours of economic activity and
domestic work per week. World Day against child labour was "Children should not work on
fields, but on dreams. Yet today 152 million children are still in child labour. According to
Census data 2011, 10.13 million child labourers are between the ages of 5-14 years in India.
As per 2011 census, 1 in 11 children are working in India (5-18). The International labour
Organization data indicates that there are 152 million working children in the world between
the ages of 5-17 years of which 23.8 million children are in India. A recent Analysis by Child
Rights and You (CRY) revealed a shocking and a grim reality that 1.4 million child labourers
in india in the age group of 7-14 years cannot write thier names, means one in three child
labourers in this group are illitrate. Another report by CRY is that Child Labour has grown up
by more than 50% in urban areas.

The problem of Child Labour was basically an outcome of the industrial revolution in many
of the countries including developing societies. During the post- industrial revolution period
Child Labour became a growing phenomenon up to the first half of the 20th century in the
industrial countries. The problem of Child Labour has become serious among the developing
countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia and Myanmar.
The factors that contribute to child labour – Poverty, Illiteracy of a child’s parents, Family’s
social and economic circumstances, Lack of awareness about the harmful effects of child
labour Under-employment, and the cultural values of the family and surrounding society and
may be the they are not aware of their rights. Many International organizations have made
great efforts to eliminate child labour across the world. Many countries have adopted
different to prohibit child labour; but in developing countries due to poverty and lack of
schooling opportunity, this problem is prevalent. It is not easy task for low income countries
to achieve banning child labour. Several studies and international organizations considered
that education with the help of implementation of law concerned, and the most important
thing is increasing employment program for their parents in addressing child labour, is the
key strategy.
In this study, Researcher is going to study about the cause and effect of the child labour in
Rajkot, Gujrat . Also in this study , we are going to understand the situation of children
regarding the involvement in labour in " Bedi Village " of Rajkot district in Gujrat.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Christopher (2003) narrated that child labour exists because it is the best response people can
find in intolerable circumstances. Poverty and child labor are mutually reinforcing: because
their parents are poor, children must work and not attend school, and then grow up poor.
Mondal, Abdul (2006) showed that, The key factors jeopardizing children’s advancement in
Bangladesh is the high drop-out rate from school, particularly for marginalized and poverty
ridden group in urban slums and rural areas. The causes of child labor is multidimensional
and derives from lack of access to various entitlement especially important among which is
access to good quality productive employment.
Asha Bajpai, (2011), Child Rights in India: Law, Policy and Practice, Oxford University
Press, New Delhi, made an attempt to integrate the law in the history and field practice. She
examined the important legislation and judgments on the subject, along with the initiatives
for legal reform, interventions 37 by some non-governmental organizations (NGO), and
international legal trends. She also highlighted various relevant regional and international
mechanism and international standards of behavior towards children. She examined the
inadequacies in laws and procedures and looked at some examples and approaches of current
NGO interventions and strategies in the field to enhance and protect the rights of the child.
She also focused on some legal strategies and law reform recommendations to be carried at
all levelsfrom local and national, to regional and international
Umesh Chandra Sahoo, (1996), “Child Labour Dimensions in India: An Appraisal”, New
Delhi, analysed that invariably, backwardness and poverty are considered as the driving
forces for the employment of children. Illiteracy, low social status, lack of schooling facilities
is the reasons to reinforce and stimulate employment of children. It is no wonder then that the
legislative measures have remained more or less ineffective, except perhaps in organized
industries. He found that the “political will” is strongly biased in favour of the proprietary
classes. So long as, the masses are inert and unorganized, the ruling coalition will try to gain
at their expenses
Salahuddin (2001) examines that children are the most precious human capital of any
country. Children are the most productive and contributory to the society. The children reed
certain preparatory period of time along with care, nurturing and protective from exploitation.

OBJECTIVES :-

The objectives of the present research are:-

1. To know the concept and theories of Child Labour.
2. To know the factors affecting Child labour in Rajkot.
3. To analyse the situation and cause of children regarding the involvement in labour in
“BEDI VILLAGE”
4. To provide suggestions for the elimination of child labour in Rajkot.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:-

The present study has relied on both primary and secondary data. The primary data consists
of interviews with children aged between 7 to 14. The data was collected using different data
collection strategies and was analysed properly. In order to answer research questions,
secondary data is collected through literature material researched from academic books,
articles and news and research reports on child labour, poverty ,education and public health
of child labour. This study is also limited to examining the nature and extent of child labour
aged between seven to fourteen years in Bedi village situated in Rajkot District, Gujrat.
 CHAPTER 2
CURRENT SITUATION OF CHILD LABOUR IN GUJRAT

As the present study is about the analytical study of child labour in Rajkot, Gujrat so let us
talk about the current scenario of Gujrat regarding Child Labour. According to data provided
by National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), calculated on the basis of Worker
Population Ratio( WPR) has revealed that Gujrat has nearly 4.2 lakhs child workers in which
3.18 lakhs are in rural areas and a littile above 1 lakh in urban areas. It points towards the fact
that Gujrat has 2.2% child workers in the urban areas and 4.3% child workers in rural areas in
the age group of 5-14 , which is highest than 20 states , except Jharkhand (6.7%) in the rural
areas .

Figures from the Union ministry of labour and employment show an alarming picture of
Gujrat , regarding child labour that India has 43,53,247 child labourers aged between 6 to 14
working in Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) of which Gujrat accounts for
2,50318 which is around 6 percent of the country's total. The state also seems to be the worst
performer in rescuing children from such work to bring them back into mainstream under the
National Child labour Project (NCLP) in the last three years. It is just rescued only 1,345
children. Gujrat rescued and rehabilited 453 child labourers in 2013-2014 and 892 in 2014-
2015 under the NCLP Scheme. According to Government records ,no child has rescued and
rehabiliated.Gujrat has touted as a model state but the number of the child laborers here
contradicts these claims. However, Gujarat has drastically slipped in child labour.

CHILDREN RESCUED
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
(2013-2014) (2014-2015) 2015

CHILDREN RESCUED
 CHAPTER 3

The situation and cause of children regarding the involvement in

labour in “Bedi Village”.

In this chapter, the researcher used qualitative methodology in the form of interview
schedules .

In this present study , an attempt has been made to find out the status and problems of
working children in Bedi village which is situated in Rajkot district of Gujrat state. The
researcher conducted 2 days field interview and 30 children and 10 parents were interviewed.

Table 1.1 Distribution of respondents by age

AGE NO. OF RESPONDENTS

7-10 6
10-12 11
12-14 13
Total 30

In table 1.1, there is data about different age groups of the respondents as majority of
respondents 43.3% is in the group of 12-14 years.

Table 1.2 Distribution of Respondents by Education

Education Qualification No. of Respondents
Illiterate 20
1st to 3rd Class 2
4th to 6th Class 3
6th to 8th Class 5
Total 30
Above table clearly shows that most of the children are illiterate 67% and a few of them
studied till 8th but after that they discontinued their studies.

Table 1.3 Distribution of Respondents by Interest in Study

Interest In Study No. of Respondents
Yes 7
No 18
Neutral 5
Total 30

The question asked by the interviewer is that whether you have interest in study or not and
the data which came is very interesting as well as shocking.

As shown in the table, most of them have no interest in study as well as five respondents
were neutral as they have interest or not. Three respondents R18, R19, R26 mentioned that
they do go to the school but they have no interest in studies.

Table 1.4 Distribution of Respondents by reason for work

Reason for work No. of respondents

Lack of Schooling Facilities 3
Parents can’t afford school fees. 12
Economic help to family 7
School has no value for Family 8
Total 30
As Shown in Table most of the respondents (40%) do work as their parents can’t afford
school fees. The interviewer came to know that there are two private schools and one
government school in Bedi .
One interesting fact is that, almost all the children of Patel community goes to school. Two
Respondents R4 and R8 told that They do go to school but also work in tea stalls ,dhabas etc
in order to support family. While interviewing parents , the Parents told that there is no
environment of study in this village.

Table 1.5 No of Respondents by monthly Income

Monthly Income No. of Respondents
200-500 07
501- 800 15
800-1000 08
Total 30

As shown in above table 1.5, most of the respondents have a monthly income between 500 to
800. It shows that Children are working on very low wages.
When the Interviewer asked the question regarding getting less money ,then many
respondents told that they get money along with food for three times in day. One respondent
R15 gave a very touching statement that If I do not come for work today , then I will have to
remain hungry for a complete day. Such statements clearly states that the basic concern of
working of children is getting food and nothing more.

Table 1.6 No. of Respondents by working hours

Working Hours No. of Respondents
8-10 07
10-12 20
12-14 03
Total 30
Table 1.6 reveals a shocking data as most of children work for around 10 to 12 hours. In
previous table 1.5, it was found that most of children are working on very low wages. It
clearly states that working for such a long hour and getting less money is equivalent to the
physically as well as mentally harassment.

Table 1.7 No. of respondents by Personal Habbits

Personal Habbits No. of Respondents
Smoking 04
Gutka 10
Gambling 05
Gambling + Gutka+ Smoking 11

Table 1.7 shows that (36%) respondents have habbits of gambling , gutka and smoking.
Selling of gutka and ciggrates to children below the age of 14 is illegal but the interviewer
found that almost all the children are affected by them, not only affected they are also
addicted of drugs and gambling.
 CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

CONCLUSION :-

It may be concluded that the majority of child labour respondents in Bedi village in Rajkot
district mainly comes not only from economically weaker sections but also from socially
weaker sections of the society. It was also found that most of the parents are illiterate with
poor background for which children have no interest for school. Most of the parents are
unable to have food for themselves but they have 5-7 children which causes economic
problem to family.
Many child labourers do not get holiday and even during festivals, they work for long hours,
means they don’t have enjoyment. Thus a child labour’s life is characterized by low
education, poor living conditions , insecurity of jobs , low income, long hours of work,
supporting the family etc. Hence, there is a close relationship between the labour and socio-
economic relation in Bedi village due to main factors i.e economic compulsion of the family
and lack of awareness of the parents of the working children regarding child labour laws and
regulations.
To conclude, overall eradication of child labour, depends on awareness among people ,
implementing the government policies in a proper way and programms for eliminating
poverty and unemployment and promoting education and active participation of the citizens
in local bodies.

SUGGESTIONS :-
As it is discussed, child labour is socio economic problem, which in reality cannot be
eliminated or regulated by mere laws and legislations.
A pragmatic and sincere approach which can’t be eliminated by laws and legislations will
have to be followed to combat or eliminate child labour. First of all, measures aimed at
changing attitudes about child labour must be adopted . Then the deep rooted causes of child
labour such as proverty, unemployment, weakness of social protection , and deficient
educational system will have to be solved .Vocational organisation by providing vocational
training can play a vital role in eradiction of child labour.

Population growth in poorer sections of the society is also the cause of child labour, so the
awareness about family planning programs will have to taken as a mission. Myopic policies
should be discarded. A strong political should be will and sincerity for effective
implementation of laws in order to combat child’s labour should take place. If this
suggestions get implemented on the ground not only on the paper, at some extent , it can be
hopeful in combating and reducing of child labour.

Finally, It would be appropriate to say that, it is duty of every enlightened citizen of this
country and ensure the identification and protection of child labour. Until this happens,
million of innocent children continue to be exploited in and around us. We as a human beings
have become insensitive to these problems in our society and we leave it to on law and
always hope that it will be eliminated by others. Child Labour is localised phenomenon with
specifications and particularities. Thus even the local governments have pivotal role in
curbing the menace.
BIBLIOGRAPHY :-
[1] Accelerating action against child labour,(2010) "Global Report under the follow-up to the
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,
[2]Neera Burns, Born to work: Child Labor in India, Oxford University Press, New Delhi
[3] Christopher Udry (2003), " Child Labour, centre discussion paper no.856, Yale
University"
[4] Mondal Abdul,(2006), "Monitoring and assessing progress on decent work in
Banglades,Publish by ILO Cataloguing in Publication Data"
[5] Umesh Chandra Sahoo, (1996), “Child Labour Dimensions in India: An Appraisal”, New
Delhi
[6] AshaBajpai, (2011)," Child Rights in India: Law, Policy and Practice, Oxford University
Press, New Delhi"
[7] BabitaAgarwal, (2008), “Child Labour : Issues, Causes and Interventions”, Mahamaya
Publishing House, New Delhi.,
[8] Salahuddin, Khaleda. (2001)," Childlabour in Bangladesh : the early years, Palok
publishers & Bangladesh women writers association, Dhaka"
[9]Jayantila lBhandari, (2002), “Child Labour, Challenges Ahead”,Yojna, Vol. 52, No. 1
[10] M. Biggeri and S. Mehrotra, (2009), “Child Labour in Industrial Outworker Households
in India”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol.XIV, No. 12, 2009.
References:-
1. https://www.counterview.net/2014/02/gujarat-has-nearly-42-lakh-child.html

2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-has-nearly-6-of-Indias-
MSME-child-labourers/articleshow/52709955.cms

3. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/gujarats-uncles-and-their-
employment-exchanges/article21697369.ece

4. http://www.childlineindia.org.in/child-labour-india.htm
5. http://www.tnchildlabour.tn.gov.in/causes.htm
6.https://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/laborctr/child_labor/about/what_is_child_labor.htm
7. www.unicef.org/infobycountry/stats_popup9.html
8.http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/childlabour

9.https://atikdu124.wordpress.com/category/child-labour
ANNEXURES