Child Labour and Multidimensional Deprivation: Evidence from Nizamabad District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53573/rhimrj.2026.v13n01.004Keywords:
Child Labour, Multidimensional Deprivation, Overall Well-being Index, Child Welfare, Nizamabad DistrictAbstract
Child labour remains a serious socio-economic and developmental challenge in India, particularly in economically backward regions. This paper examines the multidimensional deprivation experienced by working children in Nizamabad District using a composite index approach. Primary data were collected from 313 working children engaged in various sector activities. Standardised indices were constructed for health status, educational status, work burden, leisure availability, and psychological well-being, which were aggregated into an Overall Well-being Index (OWI). The results reveal low to moderate levels of well-being across all dimensions, indicating that child labour adversely affects children’s holistic development. The study highlights the need for integrated policy interventions focusing on education, health, reduced work intensity, leisure, and psychological support.
References
Basu, K., & Van, P. H. (1998). The economics of child labor. American Economic Review, 88(3), 412–427.
Bequele, A., & Boyden, J. (1988). Combating child labour. Geneva: International Labour Organization.
Burra, N. (2005). Born to work: Child labour in India. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Dreze, J., & Sen, A. (2013). An uncertain glory: India and its contradictions. New Delhi: Penguin.
ILO. (2017). Global estimates of child labour: Results and trends. Geneva: International Labour Organization.
Kannan, K. P. (2018). Child labour, schooling and vulnerability in India. Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 61(1), 1–20.
Psacharopoulos, G. (1997). Child labor versus educational attainment. Journal of Population Economics, 10(4), 377–386.
Ray, R. (2000). Analysis of child labour in developing countries. Journal of Population Economics, 13(1), 3–19.
Srivastava, R. (2020). Informality and child labour in India. Economic and Political Weekly, 55(23), 45–53.
UNICEF. (2012). Measuring child poverty and deprivation. New York: UNICEF.
