Rajasthan, Telangana, Bihar Lead Child Labour Rescues in FY25: Key Insights

The Scale of Rescues
In a nationwide crackdown during FY25, 53,651 children were rescued from labour exploitation. Telangana led with 11,063 rescues, followed by Bihar (3,974) and Rajasthan (3,847). These operations, coordinated by Just Rights for Children (JRC) and law enforcement across 24 states, also saw 5,809 arrests—85% linked to child labour.

Disturbing Trends Uncovered
Non-Traditional Hotspots: Nearly 90% of rescued children were found in high-risk sectors like spas, massage parlours, and orchestras—where sexual exploitation is rampant.
Enforcement Gaps: States like Uttar Pradesh (3,804 rescues) and Madhya Pradesh recorded fewer arrests despite high rescues, exposing inconsistent legal follow-through.

Why Child Labour Persists
Poverty & Trafficking: Economic distress drives families to send children into labour; traffickers exploit this vulnerability.
Education Gaps: School dropouts are 3x more likely to enter exploitative work.
Weak Rehabilitation: Without education/job support, rescued children often return to labour cycles.

Government Initiatives & Shortfalls
Laws: Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act bans under-14 work and hazardous occupations for under-18s.
Schemes: National Child Labour Project (NCLP) provides rehabilitation, but lacks funding and coverage.
Gaps: Poor inter-state coordination, slow prosecutions, and limited hazardous industry updates hinder progress.

Urgent Reforms Recommended
National Mission to End Child Labour: Centralized funding and task forces.
Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund: Financial support for rescued children.
Stricter Enforcement: Time-bound prosecutions and expanded hazardous work list.
Education Safeguards: Extend free/compulsory education to age 18 under RTE Act.
SDG 8.7 Alignment: Commit to eliminating child labour by 2030.


Sample Q&A (UPSC-Focused)
Q: Which states topped child labour rescues in FY25?
A: Telangana (11,063), Bihar (3,974), and Rajasthan (3,847).
Q: What percentage of rescued children faced sexual exploitation risks?
A: 90% were in sectors like spas/massage parlours—classified as worst forms of child labour.
Q: Identify a key enforcement gap highlighted in the report.
A: Uttar Pradesh rescued 3,804 children but made disproportionately fewer arrests.
Q: Name two policy recommendations to eradicate child labour.
A: (i) Create a Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund, (ii) Extend free education to age 18.
Q: How does the report link education to child labour reduction?
A: School dropouts are likelier to enter exploitative work; free education till 18 acts as a preventive shield.