India’s journey towards guaranteeing fundamental rights to all citizens took a definitive turn with the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. Among its many provisions, Article 24 stands out as a powerful legal safeguard aimed at eradicating one of the most persistent social problems—child labour. By prohibiting the employment of children in certain hazardous industries, Article 24 reflects both India’s moral commitment to its youngest citizens and its evolving vision for social justice.
Article 24 of the Constitution lays down a clear, non-negotiable prohibition:
“No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.”
This concise yet vital clause aims to shield children from the dangers and deprivations of premature work, especially in environments posing health and safety risks. The scope of Article 24 extends beyond factories and mines, as it has been interpreted in light of India’s broader labour reforms to cover various sectors regarded as hazardous.
Post-independence India inherited deeply entrenched socio-economic challenges, including widespread child labour. Economic necessity, coupled with lack of access to education, kept millions of children out of school and inside hazardous industries—from matchstick factories in Tamil Nadu to mining operations in Jharkhand.
Over time, Article 24 became the foundation for a range of legislation and policy interventions. Key enactments influenced by Article 24 include:
These laws did not merely echo the constitutional mandate—they also operationalized its intent by clearly defining “hazardous processes” and creating mechanisms for prosecution of violators.
Despite a robust legal framework, the reality on the ground can differ sharply from the constitutional ideal. Present-day estimates suggest that India still has one of the largest child labour populations in the world, with millions of children engaged in work that deprives them of education and exposes them to harm.
According to estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the South Asia region—of which India is a major part—accounts for a significant fraction of the world’s child labourers. Within India, common sectors for child labour include:
A comparison of data from national surveys indicates a downward trend in reported child labour over the past two decades. Yet, underreporting and the informal nature of much child work mean that the true picture is often obscured. The COVID-19 pandemic has, in some regions, threatened to reverse years of progress, as economic pressures drive vulnerable families to send children into the workforce.
Effective enforcement remains a formidable challenge. Factors impeding implementation include:
Notably, landmark Supreme Court judgments have played a pivotal role in broadening the interpretation of Article 24. For instance, in M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu (1996), the Court mandated rehabilitation and compensation for child labourers rescued from hazardous occupations.
“The constitutional promise of Article 24 cannot be fulfilled without the active participation of civil society and an alert, accountable state machinery,” remarks Kshitij Singh, a researcher on child rights law.
India’s child labour laws have evolved to align more closely with international standards. By ratifying ILO Conventions No. 138 (Minimum Age) and No. 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour) in 2017, India signaled a renewed focus on ending child labour in all its most hazardous forms.
The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, further tightened prohibitions by outlawing employment of children below 14 in any occupation or process, and restricting “adolescent” (14-18 years) employment to non-hazardous sectors.
In practice, convergence between Article 24, other constitutional mandates (like Article 21A—right to education), and global frameworks forms the backbone of India’s current strategy.
Case studies emerge from across India—whether in Rajasthan’s stone quarries or carpet factories of Uttar Pradesh—showing progress where multi-sectoral interventions are sustained. After community mobilization, improved school infrastructure, and stricter local administration, many districts report a marked reduction in hazardous child labour.
Still, persistent gaps remain, particularly in urban informal work and family-run enterprises, where detection and enforcement are challenging.
Civil society organizations such as Bachpan Bachao Andolan have been instrumental in not only identifying and rescuing child labourers but also advocating for systemic change. Additionally, the introduction of child-labour-free certification programs among Indian exporters reflects growing corporate accountability.
Some companies in the textile and agro-industrial sectors have adopted zero-tolerance supply chain codes, partnering with NGOs to monitor compliance and rehabilitate affected children.
“An integrated approach—combining law enforcement, education, livelihood support, and social awareness—is essential for meaningful eradication of child labour,” observes Dr. Anupama Rao, a leading policy analyst on child protection.
Article 24 stands as more than just a legal bar on child labour; it is also an aspirational call to build a society in which all children enjoy a safe, educated, and dignified childhood. The interplay between legal provisions, social awareness, and effective enforcement will determine whether India can turn this vision into reality.
At the policy level, cross-sectoral initiatives that align education, rural development, and income support are emerging as promising models to tackle the root causes of child labour. Additionally, addressing contemporary issues—such as increased migration, urbanization, and informalization of labour—remains crucial.
Technology could also play a role, from digital attendance monitoring in schools to data-driven inspections of high-risk sectors. Ultimately, the engagement of communities, families, businesses, and the state must continue to evolve.
Article 24 of the Indian Constitution remains a foundational commitment to the well-being of India’s children, establishing a clear legal and ethical stance against child labour in hazardous sectors. While substantial progress has been made through legislation, judicial intervention, and civic action, persistent socio-economic drivers remind us that the fight is far from over. Strengthening enforcement, integrating support systems, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards child exploitation will be key to fulfilling both the constitutional mandate and the country’s broader development goals.
What does Article 24 of the Indian Constitution state?
Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen in factories, mines, and any other hazardous employment, aiming to protect children from dangerous and unhealthy work environments.
How does Article 24 relate to child labour laws in India?
Article 24 provides the constitutional backing for several laws, such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, which specify where children cannot be employed and establish penalties for violations.
Are there exceptions to the prohibition under Article 24?
The prohibition specifically targets hazardous occupations, but recent legal reforms have extended restrictions to nearly all forms of child labour, especially following the 2016 Amendment.
How is Article 24 enforced in India?
Enforcement is carried out by state and central labour departments, along with inspections and collaborations with NGOs. However, effective enforcement remains challenging due to social and economic complexities.
What are the main challenges in eradicating child labour despite Article 24?
Challenges include poverty-driven demand for child work, insufficient education access, cultural acceptance in some communities, and gaps in the detection of informal sector violations.
Has Article 24 helped reduce child labour in India?
Article 24, alongside supporting laws and social initiatives, has contributed to a gradual decline in reported child labour cases. Persistent effort and coordinated action are still required to achieve total eradication.
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