Poverty, Education and Child Labour in Aligarh City-India

Abstract Child labour is commonly associated with poverty. However, the empirical evidence on this link is weak. Child labour in India is to be found in almost every sector of the informal economy. Children are to be found working in workshops and small factories, in dhabas and restaurant, on the street as well as domestic servants. It is generally assumed that as household wealth increases children will be progressively withdrawn from labour activities in favour of schooling. Being out of school and deprived of education, the world of prospects, possibilities and opportunities is closed for them. Any work that denies them their right to education must therefore be regarded as hazardous. This paper analyses the relationship between education and the phenomenon of child labour in Aligarh city. Poverty is really the most important reason for child labour and consequently low school participation in the city. Parental motivation for education and the quality of education are other factors being highlighted in the search for the reasons of low school participation and high incidents of child labour. The study shows that as children are enjoying their right to education, there are changes in the existing socio-economic formation towards greater participation and confidence of the people.