Hyderabad Confronts Rising Child Labor Amid Economic Growth

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-21 08:38:59 |

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Hyderabad, a bustling hub of technology and innovation, is facing a stark social challenge as reports of rising child labor surface in 2025. Despite the city’s economic boom, driven by IT giants and startups, an estimated 5,000 children are engaged in hazardous work, according to a recent survey by the Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TSCPCR). These children, many from impoverished families in slums like Old City and Uppal, are found working in construction sites, auto repair shops, and small-scale manufacturing units, often for less than minimum wage.

The surge is linked to economic disparities exacerbated by rapid urbanization. As Hyderabad’s skyline transforms with skyscrapers, migrant families from rural Telangana and neighboring states struggle to afford basic necessities, pushing children into the workforce. A TSCPCR official noted, “Many parents see no alternative, as education costs rise and informal sector jobs dwindle.” The lack of enforcement of the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, has further compounded the issue, with employers exploiting loopholes to hire minors.

Social media has played a dual role, amplifying awareness through viral campaigns by local NGOs, while also exposing children to online exploitation. A recent sting operation by activists uncovered groups recruiting minors for online scams, a trend gaining traction in tech-savvy Hyderabad. Schools in affected areas report a 15% dropout rate among boys aged 12-16, with girls facing additional risks of trafficking under the guise of domestic work.

Community responses are emerging, with organizations like Balala Hakkula Sangham launching rescue operations and vocational training programs. In Secunderabad, a pilot project offers free education and skill development to 200 at-risk children, showing promising results. However, experts argue that government intervention is critical, including stricter labor inspections and subsidies for low-income families. The Telangana government has promised a task force to address the crisis, but implementation remains slow.

This issue reflects a broader challenge for Hyderabad as it balances growth with social equity. Without coordinated efforts, the city risks perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exploitation, undermining its reputation as a progressive metropolis.

The surge is linked to economic disparities exacerbated by rapid urbanization. As Hyderabad’s skyline transforms with skyscrapers and tech parks, migrant families from rural Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra struggle to afford basic necessities, pushing children into the workforce. A TSCPCR official noted, “Many parents see no alternative, as education costs rise, informal sector jobs dwindle, and government subsidies fail to reach the most vulnerable.” The lack of enforcement of the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, has further compounded the issue, with employers exploiting loopholes to hire minors under the pretext of “apprenticeships.”

Social media has played a dual role, amplifying awareness through viral campaigns by local NGOs, while also exposing children to online exploitation. A recent sting operation by activists uncovered groups recruiting minors for online scams and content creation, a trend gaining traction in tech-savvy Hyderabad. Schools in affected areas report a 15% dropout rate among boys aged 12-16, with girls facing additional risks of trafficking under the guise of domestic work or forced marriages. Community leaders in Tolichowki have highlighted cases where girls as young as 13 are lured with promises of modeling gigs, only to be exploited online.

Community responses are emerging, with organizations like Balala Hakkula Sangham launching rescue operations and vocational training programs. In Secunderabad, a pilot project offers free education, skill development in tailoring and IT basics, and nutritional support to 200 at-risk children, showing promising results with a 70% retention rate. In parallel, Hyderabad-based NGO Prerana has partnered with local police to raid workplaces, rescuing 50 children in the past month alone. However, experts argue that government intervention is critical, including stricter labor inspections, subsidies for low-income families, and awareness campaigns in regional languages like Telugu and Urdu to reach marginalized communities.

The Telangana government has promised a task force to address the crisis, including mobile education units and stricter penalties for violators, but implementation remains slow due to bureaucratic delays and corruption allegations. Activists are also pushing for corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from Hyderabad’s tech firms to support rehabilitation centers. This issue reflects a broader challenge for Hyderabad as it balances growth with social equity. Without coordinated efforts, the city risks perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exploitation, undermining its reputation as a progressive metropolis. The plight of these children calls for urgent action from policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike to ensure a future where education, not labor, defines their potential.

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