A family depending on a child's earnings is primarily responsible for child labour in the country, said paediatrician Abraham K. Paul, former member of Juvenile Justice Board.
Not having the money to meet the cost of education is yet another reason for child labour.
While the government has enough policies and laws to address child labour, there is no real enforcement of these laws, said Dr. Paul.
While the government's emphasis on compulsory primary education has made a difference in Kerala, other States are lagging behind in implementing the system.
According to Dr. Paul, the attitude of parents contributes much to child labour.
According to Childline-Kochi, studies indicate that lakhs of children under 14 years are employed in the country. Separation from parents, poverty and hostile environments push these children into child labour.
Childline, with its toll-free number 1098, is dedicated to protecting child rights and helps in rehabilitating children freed from child labour.
Childline has appealed to the people to act immediately when they see children in distress and call the NGO on the toll-free number.
