“Any work by children that interferes with their full physical development and their opportunities of education is a child labour”:

- By Homer Folks

Child labour persists as a global challenge despite widespread recognition of children as the most valuable assets of any nation. Homer Folks succinctly defined child labour as any work that impedes a child's physical development and educational opportunities. This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of child labour, its detrimental impacts on children's well-being, and its implications for national development. Child labour encompasses a spectrum of activities, from paid to unpaid work, occurring in both organized and unorganized sectors. It not only jeopardizes children's physical, mental, moral, and social development but also perpetuates cycles of exploitation, particularly when children become bonded labourers. Sadly, children aged 5-14 are engaged in various hazardous occupations across the globe, spanning from fisheries to factories and mines, predominantly in developing regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This paper underscores that child labour is not only a hindrance to individual development but also a formidable obstacle to national progress. Despite increased attention from bodies like the National Human Rights Commission and international initiatives like the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the problem persists, particularly in countries like India. In India, factors such as poverty, inadequate education, substandard living conditions, and the growth of the informal economy contribute significantly to the prevalence of child labour. Although legislative measures like the prohibition of child labour under Article 24 of the Indian Constitution and provisions for free and compulsory education (Articles 21A and 45) exist, enforcement remains a challenge. The paper examines various laws enacted by both the central and state governments, including the Factories Act of 1948, the Mines Act of 1952, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act of 2000, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009. Additionally, numerous NGOs such as CARE India and Bachpan are actively involved in combating child labour. Despite these efforts, the scale of the problem necessitates sustained investment in rehabilitation schemes. Finding adequate resources remains a persistent challenge. This paper concludes by advocating for continued collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to effectively address the scourge of child labour and ensure the realization of children's rights worldwide.