Editorial 2: Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour

Context

Even after 24 years, the mandal in Telangana continues to have 100% school retention and remains completely free of child labour.

Introduction

June 12 is observed every year as the World Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The day aims to raise global awareness about child labour and brings together governments, employers, workers' groups, and civil society to work together towards ending child labour. Although Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 urges the world to end all forms of child labour by 2025, we are still nowhere close to reaching this goal.

• Child labour is widespread globally, denying many children their basic rights — such as living with dignity, enjoying childhood, and reaching their full potential.
• An estimated 160 million children around the world are involved in child labour — that's about 1 in every 10 children.
• Africa, Asia, and the Pacific together account for nearly 90% of the world’s child labour cases.
• The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation for poor children — schools were shut, and many parents lost jobs or wages.
• As a result, many children dropped out of school to work and support their families — and have not returned to school.

The extent of child labour in India

Current Scenario (as per Census 2011)

• 43.53 lakh children (aged 5 to 14 years) are engaged in child labour.
• Major reasons:
  • Poverty
  • Lack of access to education and resources
  • Illiteracy
• Child labour is common in:
  • Beedi factories
  • Carpet-weaving units
  • Firework industries

Government Measures and Legal Framework

Implementation Strategy

• Strict enforcement of child labour laws.
• Launch of National Child Labour Project (NCLP) in high-incidence areas.
• Focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of child workers.

Challenges in Eradication

• Short-term impact: Many campaigns succeed initially, but results are not sustained.
• Children often return to work due to:
  • Family income pressure
  • Lack of support post-rescue
  • Weak rehabilitation follow-up
• Despite challenges, success stories exist, proving that sustained community effort and proper policy implementation can make a lasting difference.

The Velpur model

Velpur Mandal: From Child Labour Hub to Child Labour-Free Model

Initial Situation

• Velpur Mandal, in Nizamabad district (erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, now Telangana), was once infamous for widespread child labour.
• Children aged 5–15 years were regularly found working instead of going to school.
• Common reasons included:
  • Poverty
  • Lack of awareness
  • Cultural acceptance of child labour

Community-Led Campaign (2001)

Initial Challenges

• Resistance from locals: Misinformation spread about organ trafficking by the campaigners.
• Social boycott: Tea stalls refused to serve volunteers; sarcastic remarks were common.
• Mistrust and fear: People suspected malintent behind the child rescue efforts.

Turning the Tide: People's Movement

• Persistent outreach and open discussions changed public perception.
• Locals began cooperating and took ownership of the mission.
• Children working in homes or shops were:
  • Withdrawn from labour
  • Enrolled in bridge schools under National Child Labour Project (NCLP)

Community Action

Outcomes and Recognition

• 100% school retention rate sustained even 24 years later
• No child labour reported – challenge to media found no violations
• VVGNLI celebrated 20 years of Velpur success on Oct 8, 2021
• All sarpanchs, elders, and campaigners honoured during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
• Velpur case praised by:
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • National and regional media
  • Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
  • National Human Rights Commission

Policy Influence and Legacy

Key Lessons from Velpur Model

• Community participation is key to sustainable social change.
• Trust-building and awareness overcome deep-rooted resistance.
• Legal action, local leadership, and moral commitment must work together.
• Public pride and constant vigilance help sustain gains over decades.

Conclusion

This is a community-driven success story, showing that social problems can be solved in a lasting way only when they become a people's movement. The writer feels proud to have been part of this journey. He was the Collector of Nizamabad district when the campaign against child labour started in Velpur in 2001.