BALANCING WORK AND LEARNING: THE LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role in preventing child labour; conversely, child labour significantly hinders the achievement of Education for All (EFA). Therefore, comprehending the relationship between education and child labour is essential for realizing both EFA and the goals of eliminating child labour. This article is part of the broader initiatives by UCW aimed at enhancing the understanding of the connections between education and child labour, offering a concise summary of pertinent research and identifying key knowledge gaps. The study largely corroborates the prevailing belief that child labour negatively impacts children's ability to enrol in and persist within the educational system, making it increasingly challenging for them to gain educational benefits from schooling once they are enrolled. The evidence also indicates that these adverse effects are not confined to economic activities but also encompass household chores, with the intensity of work (whether in economic activities or household tasks).