Child labour in India : a select bibliography

The phenomenon of the increasing number of child labour despite a clear-cut policy to bring about their progressive elimination is a matter of genuine concern. One of the major factors which has thwarted any serious effort to achieve this objective is the general lack of knowledge about the real factors which give rise to this phenomenon. Often, the general perception is clouded by a large number of myths and stereotypes perpetuate and promoted by people who have vested interests in the continuance of this socially and economically undesirable practice. No wonder, then that one repeatedly hears the argument that child labour exists because poverty exists. On the other hand, we at NLI believe that the poverty exists because child labour exists. Similarly, all arguments about nimble fingers of children being more suitable for producing some products as an argument for continuance of this practice has already been rejected. One can go on citing a large number of such myths and stereotypes built around this phenomenon. But this is neither the place nor does the space permit it. Suffice to say that enhancement of knowledge amongst people who are connected with the subject will be one of the most effective means of removing these myths and stereotypes which, in turn, will help efforts aimed at removing this socially and economically undesirable practice. This bibliography on child labour, which is the outcome of serious and devoted work over the past two years by Dr. Mahaveer Jain, is bound to be useful for all those who are in quest of knowledge on different aspects of child labour. Dr. Jain and all his colleagues who have assisted him in producing this bibliography deserve the gratitude of all readers for this commendable work.