Concept of Child Labour

Child labourers are exploited, exposed to hazardous work conditions and paid a pittance for their long hours of work. Forced to forego education, shouldering responsibilities far beyond their years, becoming worldly-wise when their peers have yet to leave the cocoons of parental protection, these children never know what childhood is. The Indian Constitution enshrines that no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed to work in any factory or in any hazardous employment (Article 24). Childhood and youth are to be protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment (Article 39). The state shall endeavor to provide within a period of 10 years from the commencement of the Constitution free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of 14 years (Article 45).