Child labour scene worsens in urban Bengaluru: NGO report

Despite years of progress and policy reforms, child labour continues to cast a shadow over the children of south India.

- Gayathri M Kurup @ Bengaluru

Marking the World Day against Child Labour, a recent report by the Child Rights and You (CRY) Foundation reveals that 16% of children aged 6 to 18 in the region are engaged in either full-time or part-time work, a direct violation of their right to education and protection.

From agricultural fields and livestock management and more, children are being stripped of their childhood and basic rights.

The report is based on surveys conducted across selected districts in four south Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana—primarily focusing on rural areas.

In Karnataka, 8,413 children aged 6 to 14 were surveyed in four districts and 443 were found to be involved in child labour.

Among those aged 15 to 18, the number rose to 509 of 2,750 children.