409 child labourers rescued in Gujarat over three years, data shows

A total of 409 child labourers, including 311 children below the age of 14, and 98 adolescents aged between 15 and 18, were rescued in Gujarat between April 2023 and April 2026, highlighting concerns over the continued prevalence of child labour despite stringent laws and welfare schemes.

The figures were released ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12 by the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness and promote efforts to eliminate child labour.

Official data showed that only 29 child labourers below the age of 14 were identified in Ahmedabad during the period. However, child rights activists and observers say children continue to be seen working in various establishments across the state, including hotels, restaurants, grocery shops, and tea stalls.

The data also revealed that 2,089 adolescents aged between 15 and 18 were found working in hazardous conditions across Gujarat during the same period. While the employment of adolescents is permitted under certain conditions that do not interfere with their education, hazardous occupations are prohibited. In most such cases, employers were reportedly issued notices.

Officials said a large number of rescued child labourers were migrants from states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Industrial centres such as Surat, Rajkot, and Jetpur reported higher instances of child labour due to the presence of textile and other manufacturing units. In Ahmedabad, children were mainly found working in hotels, restaurants, food outlets, grocery stores, and tea stalls.

Social workers noted that economic hardship continues to force many children into work. Some children attend school in the morning and take up jobs later in the day to supplement family incomes.

Despite several laws and government schemes aimed at ensuring children's education, welfare and development, concerns remain over the effectiveness of enforcement and implementation on the ground.

Meanwhile, sources said young girls are also found working in some industrial areas. In many cases, both parents are employed, or one parent is affected by substance abuse, leaving no one to care for the children at home. Fearing for their daughters' safety, some families reportedly send them to workplaces instead of leaving them unattended.