There are 472 million children in India which accounts for 40% of the country's population. Their rights must be protected at all times. This includes regular education, safety and protection, quality healthcare, and an opportunity for child participation. These fundamental rights are recognized by the government to help safeguard the overall well-being of children, including their physical, emotional, mental and social development.
Unfortunately, the reality shows that according to Census 2011, there are 33 million working children in India between 0-18 years. In many poor families, children are required to take on economic roles to run the house and fend for the family members from an early age. The situation has gotten worse since the coronavirus outbreak last year as many underprivileged families have been falling deeper into the traps of poverty and illness. With limited access to employment opportunities or the loss of jobs of the main breadwinners of the family, children are being pushed into labour work at a more alarming rate.