Child labour remains a persistent socio-economic issue in developing nations, particularly within rapidly urbanizing regions of India. Despite legal frameworks, urban slums continue to foster child labour due to poverty, informality, and spatial inequality. This paper investigates the sectoral distribution and spatial patterns of child labour in the slums of Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) between 2011 and 2021, while critically evaluating the efficacy of India’s legal and policy framework. Using primary field survey data and secondary sources, the study reveals that the tertiary sector (service-oriented jobs) employs the largest share of working children (45–50%), followed by the secondary (28–32%) and primary sectors (18–22%). Spatially, child labour is concentrated in slums near industrial zones, markets, and transport hubs. The paper identifies significant gender disparities, with boys dominating visible outdoor labour and girls relegated to hidden domestic work. Despite comprehensive laws (Child Labour Act, RTE Act) and welfare schemes (NCLP, ICPS), implementation remains weak due to enforcement gaps, low community awareness, and the dominance of the informal economy. The paper concludes that a spatially targeted, multi-sectoral approach addressing poverty and education access is essential for eliminating child labour in urban slums.
Publication Date: 2024-12-10