Child Labour and Human Rights: A Socio-Legal Study of Policy Gaps and Challenges in India

Despite the legal setup, child labour is one of the serious socio-legal problems and a severe violation of human rights in India for millions of children. It shows that this significant problem exists here, although well-established laws prohibited child labour several decades ago. This research investigates the socio-economic factors, mainly poverty, education access denial, social norms, and labour laws' non-compliance in developing child labour among the vulnerable populace. It analyzes the existing mechanisms of law through critical examination in the light of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, amended in 2016, the Right to Education Act, 2009, and other international conventions ratified by India. Through a case study from different states, this research exposes the loopholes in enforcement and policy implementation regarding sectors like agriculture, mining, garment industry, and domestic labour. Findings indicate that the weaknesses in law enforcement, corruption, bureaucracy, and lack of interagency coordination exacerbate this issue, thereby leaving many children open to exploitation. A multi-pronged approach strengthening legal enforcement, enhancing rehabilitation programs, integrating technology to monitor child labour, and increasing public awareness would serve as a necessary condition for sustainable eradication. This study emphasizes that because of the non-governmental organizations, the Indian government, and international agencies working together, child rights have to be taken seriously.