Field Study on Child Labour in Siliguri

22-05-2026

An Empirical Study on the Implementation of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 in the Informal Sector of Siliguri was conducted by the students of 3 Years IV Semester under the guidance of Ms. Dichen Bhutia, Assistant Professor of Law. The study focuses on the prevalence of child labour in unorganised sectors such as restaurants, hotels, roadside eateries, waste collection activities, and other informal occupations where children are often employed in hazardous and exploitative conditions. 

The research aimed to understand the socio-economic realities that continue to push children into labour despite the existence of legal prohibitions and child protection laws.

As part of the empirical research, the students conducted field visits to various areas of Siliguri, including Junction and Mahabirstan, to observe and analyse the ground realities of child labour. During these visits, instances of children working in restaurants and hotels were observed, and interactions were conducted with rag-picker children engaged in waste collection activities for survival. 

The students also visited Sharmik Bhawan to understand the implementation mechanisms under the Act, including the functioning of labour authorities, inspection procedures, rehabilitation measures, and challenges faced in enforcing child labour laws in the informal sector. Through field observations and interactions with officials and workers, the study critically highlights the gap between the legal framework and its actual implementation at the grassroots level, while also examining the effectiveness of government intervention and public awareness regarding child protection laws.

Students Involved:
• Biswajit Das
• Chiranjit Pradhan
• Md Afzal
• Pallavi Kumari Singh
• Shristi Sharma