Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026
Cortical Source Analysis of High-Density EEG Recordings in Children
Published on: June 30, 2014
Child labor in suburban areas of Calcutta, West Bengal
1Islamia Hospital, Calcutta.
Insights
Child labor in India is rampant, with 759 children aged 6-14 working long hours for low wages. Most suffer malnutrition, anemia, and infections, highlighting severe exploitation despite child labor laws.
Area of Science:
- Socioeconomic factors impacting child labor
- Pediatric health and working conditions
- Child exploitation and welfare laws
Background:
- Child labor remains a significant issue in India, affecting children's education and well-being.
- Migrant populations and large family structures are prevalent among child laborers.
- Illiteracy among parents is widespread, contributing to the cycle of child labor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the socioeconomic conditions and health status of child laborers.
- To identify the primary reasons for school discontinuation and entry into the labor force.
- To assess the prevalence of malnutrition, common ailments, and substance abuse among working children.
Main Methods:
- Observational techniques, questionnaires, and physical examinations were employed.
- A study population of 759 children aged 6-14 years was surveyed.
- Data collection focused on family background, education, employment, and health.
Main Results:
- Over 55% of children were not attending school, with poverty cited as the main reason for discontinuation.
- Low per capita income (70.3%) drove children to work exploitative hours for meager wages.
- Malnutrition (55.7% males, 29.5% females), anemia (60.4%), respiratory (31.8%), and gastrointestinal infections (33.6%) were common.
- High rates of addiction to bidi smoking (52.6%), ganja (3%), and betel-nut (39.3%) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Child labor is driven by poverty and lack of education, leading to severe health consequences.
- Exploitative wages and working conditions exacerbate the vulnerability of child laborers.
- Existing child labor laws appear insufficient to curb the increasing exploitation of children.
Abstract:
Seven hundred and fifty nine children in different sectors were covered in this study, which was undertaken by observational techniques, questionnaires and physical examination. All children belonged to the age group of 6-14 years. Nearly 30% children had migrated from neighbouring districts and states. Almost 88% were Hindus and 12.2% were Muslims. Seventy one per cent children came from large families. In 40% families one child, and in 59.6% families more than one sibling had joined the labor force. About 83% fathers and 93.9% mothers were illiterate. A total of 55.8% did not attend schools; 45.3% had discontinued school due to poverty (69.9%), father's apathy (8.4%), children's own attitude (10.4%) and frequent absence and physical assaults by school teachers (5.0%). The main reason for taking up jobs was low per capita income (70.3%). Wages were exploitatively low: as little as Rs. 50/- per month in 20.8%, for work of an average 10-12 hours per day. Only 4% had systemic health check-ups. Different grades of malnutrition were observed in 55.7% male and 29.5% female working children. The ailments observed included anemia (60.4%), respiratory tract infection (31.8%), and gastrointestinal tract infection (33.6%). Nearly half (52.6%) children were addicted to bidi smoking, 3% to ganja and 39.3% to betel-nut. The evils of exploitation are increasing inspite of existing child laws.
More Related Videos
08:10Neuroimaging Field Methods Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Neuroimaging to Study Global Child Development: Rural Sub-Saharan Africa
Published on: February 2, 2018
09:33Visualizing Field Data Collection Procedures of Exposure and Biomarker Assessments for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network Trial in India
Published on: December 23, 2022
