
World Day Against Child Labour
Introduction
World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on June 12 under the aegis of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The 2025 theme is “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”
This day draws attention to the persistent issue of child labour worldwide, including in India, where millions of children continue to be denied education, safety, and dignity. The issue is not just humanitarian but also legal, constitutional, and policy-driven – making it an essential topic for CLAT 2026 aspirants.
Why in News
– June 12, 2025, marked the global observance of World Day Against Child Labour.
– ILO and UNICEF have issued fresh warnings that post-COVID conditions have worsened child labour in vulnerable countries.
– India continues to hold one of the highest numbers of child labourers globally.
Point-wise Summary
- Purpose of the Day:
– Raise awareness about child labour.
– Mobilize action from civil society, governments, and employers.
– Encourage law enforcement and rehabilitation.
2. India’s Child Labour Problem:
– 10.1 million child labourers (Census 2011, ages 5–14).
– Often seen in domestic work, street vending, garment sectors.
– Rooted in poverty, education access issues.
3. Legal Framework:
– Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (Amended 2016):
– Children (<14) banned from all employment except family-based and non-hazardous.
– Adolescents (14–18) banned from hazardous work.
– Key Constitutional Articles:
– Article 24: Prohibits child labour in hazardous industries.
– Article 21A: Right to free and compulsory education (6–14 years).
– Article 39(e)(f): State duty to protect children from exploitation.
4. RTE Act, 2009:
– Enforces Article 21A.
– Came into force April 1, 2010.
– Ensures compulsory free education for ages 6–14.
5. Other Protective Laws:
– Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
– Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Hazardous work is a cognizable offence.
– Factories Act, 1948: Bans under-14s from factory employment.
6. Enforcement Mechanism:
– Ministry of Labour and Employment.
– NCPCR under Ministry of Women and Child Development.
– State Labour Departments, Judiciary, Police.
– District Task Forces under NCLP.
7. Key Institutions & People:
– Labour Minister: Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya.
– NCPCR Chairperson: Priyank Kanoongo.
8. Rehabilitation Programmes:
– NCLP: Transitional education, vocational training.
– Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Mainstreams rescued children into schools.
– PENCIL Portal: Tracks child labour violations.
9. What Can Citizens Do?:
– Report to police, Childline (1098), or District Magistrate.
– Encourage school enrollment.
– Avoid products made by child labour.
Explanation of Key Terms (Notes)
– Child Labour: Employment of children under the age of 14 in any economic activity.
– Hazardous Occupation: Dangerous jobs that affect health or safety, like mining, fireworks, etc.
– RTE Act: Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
– NCLP: Government scheme for rehabilitation of child labourers.
– PENCIL Portal: Digital tool for enforcement and monitoring of child labour violations.
Relevance for CLAT 2026 Aspirants
– Constitutional Law: Focus on Articles 24, 21A, and 39.
– Legal GK: Understanding amendments and implementation of major acts.
– Current Affairs 2026: Legal and humanitarian themes in national focus.
– Essay Writing: Social justice, rights of children, education, and law enforcement.
– Legal Reasoning: Analyze enforcement loopholes in protective laws.
Conclusion
Child labour remains a grave human rights issue despite strong legal protections in India. It undermines the constitutional promise of education, dignity, and protection for every child. The observance of World Day Against Child Labour serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility.
For CLAT aspirants, this issue ties together the study of constitutional law, statutory interpretation, and legal enforcement—a multidimensional topic of high exam value.