The 61st year of the republic of India still witnesses the stark reality of economic exploitation of children. In spite of the promises and the commitments expressed in the Constitution of India we have not been able to protect our children from this cruel reality.  Employmentof children in hotel and domestic sectors were included in the list of hazardous employment and thus prohibited w.e.f. 10th October 2006. Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL) and Campaign Against Child Trafficking (CACT) have been working towards such legislative reforms and implementation of existing laws for long and the social audit is an important step in this direction.

While highlighting the sorry state of implementation of legislative measures relating to child labour, this report also points out that legislation cannot be implemented without a strong political will. In addition it brings to light the fact that legislation, though necessary, in itself does not change the social reality. The findings in the report and the depositions of the children at the public hearing should put us and everyone else to shame. In spite of prohibition of employment,thousands of children continue to eke out an existence and also support their families through their toil in households and hotels, dhabas and eateries. They are beaten,tortured, humiliated and sometimes even murdered.

NSA Report 2010 (English)