Source: The post Velpur shows how child labour can be eliminated sustainably has been created, based on the article “Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour” published in “The Hindu” on 12th June 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance-Social Justice
Context: Every year, June 12 is observed as World Day Against Child Labour. Despite global commitments under SDG Target 8.7 to end child labour by 2025, progress remains limited. The transformation of Velpur Mandal in India offers a rare example of community-led success in eliminating child labour.
Global and National Overview of Child Labour
- Widespread Prevalence: There are an estimated 160 million children in child labour worldwide—one in every ten children. Africa, Asia, and the Pacific together account for nearly 90% of these children. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the crisis, causing school dropouts and forcing children into work due to economic hardship.
- India’s Situation: As per Census 2011, 43.53 lakh children (ages 5–14) in India were engaged in labour. They are commonly employed in beedi-making, carpet weaving, and firework factories. Causes include poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to education.
- Legal and Policy Framework: The Child Labour Act (1986) and its 2016 Amendment prohibit child labour under 14 and restrict adolescent work in hazardous sectors. The Right to Education Act mandates free and compulsory education for ages 6–14. However, enforcement is often short-lived and inconsistent.
The Velpur Transformation Model
- Starting Conditions and Action Plan: Velpur Mandal, once infamous for child labour, launched a community-driven campaign in June 2001. Within 100 days, by October 2, 2001, it was declared a child labour-free zone.
- Initial Resistance and Awareness Campaign: The campaign faced strong resistance. Misinformation spread about organ trafficking, and campaigners were denied basic hospitality. Persistent efforts, public meetings, and open dialogue shifted public perception and won support.
- Debt Forgiveness and Employer Cooperation: Children were moved to bridge schools under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP). Employers, under social pressure, wrote off ₹35 lakh in family debt and distributed stationery to students. This marked a turning point in community commitment.
Institutional Support and Agreements
- Formal Collaboration: All sarpanchs signed MoUs with the government under the Andhra Pradesh Compulsory Primary Education Rules, 1982, committing to full school enrolment. The government pledged to ensure infrastructure and teacher availability.
- Sustained Vigilance: Villages installed boards stating, “There is no child labour in our village.” The achievement has been zealously guarded for over two decades.
- Recognition and Endorsement: In 2021, the VVGNLI honoured all contributors. In 2022, the Parliamentary Standing Committee invited the campaign’s lead officer for a presentation and acknowledged its lasting success.
Key Lessons and Significance
- People-Led Movements Matter: Velpur proves that sustainable change comes from community ownership, not just top-down action.
- Model for Training and Replication: The success is now part of VVGNLI training programmes. It has been lauded by the ILO, NHRC, and President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Leadership and Participation: The campaign, led by the then District Collector, highlights the power of local leadership and collective responsibilityin solving deep-rooted social problems.
Question for practice:
Evaluate how the Velpur model demonstrates the role of community participation in eliminating child labour sustainably.
