Silent Suffering: A Study of Child Labor in Maharashtra
Authors: - Prashant Narnaware 
Published: June 2024

Child labor is a grave concern in India, a significant problem in Maharashtra, and it is more severe for young girls, Poverty, lack of access to education, discrimination, and social norms contribute to the problem. The government has implemented various policies and programs to eliminate it, but the issue persists. It is disheartening to know that India, a developing nation, has the highest number of child laborers worldwide.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), around 12.9 million children between the ages of 7 and 17 are forced to work. The problem is not just limited to rural areas, as it also exists in urban areas. Poverty is the leading cause of child labor, which results in a vicious cycle. Children from underprivileged families are often forced to work to support their families, which can lead to exploitation, especially for young girls.
Child labor is still a major worldwide issue, even with the laws, regulations, and programs that have been put in place to address it. It takes a multifaceted strategy that combines law enforcement, education, and treating the underlying causes of the issue to eradicate child labor. Child labor is still a major issue in the state, even with its high literacy rate of 82.9%.
Numerous minors, both male and female, are employed in the construction, agricultural, and textile sectors, where they face dangerous working conditions. Girls, however, are especially susceptible to abuse and exploitation. Poverty is one of the main causes of girls being pushed into labor in Maharashtra. Many families have financial difficulties, and parents frequently view their kids as a source of income. Since they can be paid less and are seen as more submissive and obedient, girls are frequently chosen for labor.
Another reason why girl children in Maharashtra are driven into labour is because they lack access to education. Inadequate facilities, a shortage of teachers, and social norms that place a higher value on boys' education cause many girls to drop out of school, even in the face of the Right to Education Act, which requires free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14.
In Maharashtra, the caste structure also contributes significantly to the continuation of child labour. In comparison to females from upper castes, girls from lower castes are more likely to be coerced into labour and are more susceptible to exploitation and abuse. Urban regions are also rife with child labor, with young women frequently working as street vendors, housekeepers, and in the clothing sector. These females often endure physical and psychological abuse in addition to lengthy labor hours and poor pay.
We may endeavor to end child labor by identifying the underlying causes, and we also need to make sure that all children, particularly girls from underprivileged backgrounds, have access to high-quality education. Together, we can make sure that every child in Maharashtra gets the chance to go to school and have a life free from abuse.
Consequently, the study's fundamental objective is to determine the various root causes of Maharashtra's high rate of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation among girls.