Spatial Distribution and Gender Disparities of Child Labour in Haryana's NCR Districts

 

Dr. Neeraj Chauhan ¹

 

¹ Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India  

 

1. INTRODUCTION

In order to fully understand and address this prevalent world problem, it would be essential to have a deeper geographical distribution knowledge of child labour. According to the Census of India, child labour is considered to be the participation of people below the age of 17 in any economic activity, which can be physical or mental work, as well as a combination of both Gupta (2018).  Child labour is defined as the work that is extremely dangerous to health and development of children, takes too much time, or is carried out by people who are much too young to be working International Labour Organization. (2020). In this chapter the geographical distribution of child labour has been given much attention and also explained the different occupational structure about child labour in the Haryana region. This report investigates the prevalence of child labour in both rural and urban areas, as well as the disparities between the genders (International Labour Organisation International Labour Organization. (2010).  It explains the basic meaning of both primary and secondary child labour. The Census classifies workers in two different categories namely, the workers who are main workers and those who are marginal workers. The term main workers is applied to any person who is involved in employment during six months or more in a calendar year and marginal workers are those who indulges in work at any time during the year but whose total period of employment is less than six months Census of India. (2001). Occupational framework at child labour relates to three different categories, namely, primary activities, secondary activities and tertiary activities. The present section attempts to shed light on the problem of child labour that manifests itself in a wide range of jobs, irrespective of whether it is paid or unpaid (International Labour Organisation International Labour Organization. (2020). Despite the laws that ban child labour, particularly in the hazardous sectors, a significant portion of children are still engaged in the hazardous and less hazardous sectors.

 

2. Spatial Distribution of Total Child Labour in NCR Districts of Haryana

Map 1 shows the total percentage of child labour in Haryana according to their NCR regions. At the state level the percentage of child labour has been classified into four categories these are high category, moderate category, low category and very low category. Table 1 display that the average percentage of total child labour in Haryana that is 2.38 percent Sharma and Kumar (2017). In case of total child labour, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and Jind districts are lies in high category. The reason behind these phenomena is urban growth, maintain strong agricultural roots. Child labour here might be more evenly split between urban services rural agricultural activities, with specific localities highlighting the contrast in child labour engagement Gupta (2018). In the moderate category six districts are belongs to this category that is Bhiwani, Charkhi dadri, Jhajjar, Rewari, Nuh and Faridabad district. The main causes are rapid industrialization and urban expansion, hosting a mix of formal and informal sectors that attract child labour. these areas may see higher instances of child labour in industrial zones and urban peripheries where informal economics flourish Sharma and Kumar (2017). Rohtak, Mahandragrah and Palwal districts are lies in low category of child labour followed by only one district that is Gurugram lie in very low category. Reason behind is that, during last 20 years, the urbanization and industrialization of this district is very high same as education of this reason is also high so the concentration of child labour is low as compared to other districts Census of India. (2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Map 1

 

Map 1 Spatial Distribution of Total Child Labour in Haryana Based on Percentage Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

3. Spatial Distribution of Rural Child Labour in NCR Districts of Haryana

Within the countryside, where the rates of students leaving school can reach alarming levels and the dangers associated with work are pronounced, the prevalence of child labour significantly disrupts the development of human capital. This unfortunate situation not only replaces educational opportunities but also inflicts harm on the mental and physical well-being of children. Over an extended period, the phenomenon of stunting results in diminished productivity levels and reduced income among rural communities International Labour Organization. (2010). In Table 1, it is evident that Jind district exhibits the most significant prevalence of rural child labour, boasting a percentage of 3.04. Following closely is Jhajjar district, which holds the second highest percentage of rural child labour. In stark contrast, Gurugram district records the least amount of rural child labour, with a mere percentage of 0.70 Kumar (2008). The classification of female child labour encompasses four distinct categories: high, moderate, low, and very low, as outlined by Singh and Ghosh in 2015.

Table 1

Table 1 Distribution of Child Labour in Haryana, 2022 (Data in percent)
Districts	Total	Male	Female	Rural	Urban
Karnal	2.76	3.13	2.3	2.51	3.42
Panipat	2.66	3.03	2.19	2.13	3.31
Sonipat	2.68	2.83	2.46	2.69	2.66
Jind	3.28	3.44	3.09	3.04	2.02
Bhiwani	2.21	2.3	2.1	2.28	1.9
Charkhi dadri	2.21	2.3	2.1	2.28	1.9
Rohtak	1.32	1.54	1.05	1.46	1.12
Jhajjar	2.31	2.59	2.06	2.53	1.66
Mahandragard	1.72	1.7	1.74	1.82	1.1
Rewari	1.8	1.79	1.81	2	1.22
Gurugram	0.91	0.69	1.75	0.7	1
Nuh	2.36	1.72	4.57	2.47	1.46
Faridabad	2.3	1.64	5.36	1.94	2.38
Palwal	1.61	0.77	3.1	1.6	1.61
Haryana	2.38	2.6	2.11	2.29	2.56
Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

3.1. Spatial Distribution of the ratio of main and marginal child labour in NCR Districts of Haryana

Map 2 illustrations that the total main mad marginal child labour in Haryana according to their NCR districts. The prevalence of total main and marginal child labour shows that the average percentage of Haryana main and marginal child labour is 43.41 percent and 56.59 percent respectively (United Nations Children’s Fund United Nations Children’s Fund. (2019).  The Table 2 shows that the highest concentration of total main child labour that is more than 60 percent belongs to 3 districts of the state namely, Karnal district from the northern part of the state, Rohtak district from the central part of the state and Gurugram district is located in southern part of the state Sharma and Gupta (2021).  The lowest concentration of total main child labour lies in Mahandragrah district is located in southern part of the state and the percentage is 26.41 percent Zolberg (2013). Remaining districts are belonging to moderate concertation of total main child labour and the percentage less than 50 percent and more than 30 percent. In case of total marginal child labour, the highest concentration of total marginal child labour lies in southern, western part of the state and the districts are Palwal, Faridabad, Nuh, Mahandragrah, Jhajjar, Rewari, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri and Jind Rao and Bhat (2007). The percentage of total marginal child labour in these districts are more than 60 percent. the lowest concentration of total marginal child labour is found in northern part of the state Kumar (2020).

Map 2

Map 2 Spatial Distribution of Rural Child Labour in Haryana Based on Percentage Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

3.2. Spatial Distribution of the ratio of male main and marginal child labour in NCR Districts of Haryana

It shows that the male main and marginal child labour in Haryana and the average percentage of male child labour in 48.32 percent and the average percentage of male marginal child labour is 51.62 percent. In case of male main child labour, the highest proportion is lies in Karnal, Rohtak and Gurugram district of the state Lee (2017). The moderate proportion of male main child labour belonging to Panipat, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Nuh, and Palwal districts of the state. the lowest proportion of male main child labour lies in Jind, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Mahandragrah, Rewari and Faridabad districts of the state Verma and Joshi (2016). In geographical representation of male main child labour shows that the highest proportion is found in northern part of the state and lowest proportion of male main child labour is found in southern part of the state Balakrishnan and Narayan (2015). It also reveals the male marginal child labour, the highest proportion of male marginal child labour belongs central, western and southern part of the state. Expect Gurugram and Rohtak districts of the state, Gurugram and Rohtak districts included in lowest proportion of male marginal child labour.  Also, the lowest proportion of male marginal child labour lies in northern part of the state (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. (2020).

Table 2

Table 2 Distribution of main and Marginal Child Labour in Haryana According to NCR Districts (Data in Percent)
Districts	Total	Male	Female	Rural	Urban	Total	Male	Female	Rural	Urban
Karnal	62.35	64.93	57.99	61.83	63.36	37.65	35.07	42.01	38.17	36.64
Panipat	50.54	54.67	43.53	45.07	54.91	49.46	45.33	56.47	54.93	45.09
Sonipat	40.76	45.25	34.16	41.25	39.6	59.24	54.75	65.84	58.75	60.4
Jind	30.41	35.03	24.19	29.53	36.17	69.59	64.97	75.81	70.47	63.89
Bhiwani	34.2	39.16	27.62	32.07	45.36	65.8	60.84	72.38	67.93	54.64
Charkhi dadri	34.2	39.16	27.62	32.07	45.36	65.8	60.84	72.38	67.93	54.64
Rohtak	63.14	65.63	58.64	59.37	70.54	36.86	34.37	41.36	40.63	29.46
Jhajjar	40.08	42.44	36.43	36.81	54.79	59.92	57.56	67.58	63.19	45.21
Mahandragard	26.41	32.13	19.43	23.82	52.65	73.59	67.87	80.57	76.18	47.35
Rewari	31.68	37.52	24.4	25.12	62.38	68.32	62.48	75.6	74.88	37.62
Gurugram	31	64.65	55.36	47.75	64.79	39	35.35	49.64	52.25	35.21
Nuh	38.82	44.71	31.19	38.17	47.82	61.81	55.29	68.81	61.83	52.82
Faridabad	35.28	39.41	29.38	47.01	33.12	64.72	60.59	70.62	52.99	66.88
Palwal	33.01	57.59	26.74	33.35	31.89	66.99	42.41	73.26	66.65	68.11
Haryana	43.41	48.32	36.03	40.62	48.65	56.59	51.62	63.97	59.38	51.35

 

3.3. Spatial Distribution of the ratio of rural main and marginal child labour in NCR Districts of Haryana

Map 3 shows the distribution of rural main and marginal child labour in Haryana according to their NCR districts. The average percentage rural main and marginal child labour in Haryana is 40.62 percent and 59.38 percent respectively. The average difference of rural main and marginal child labour has been round 19 percent. In case of rural main child labour, the highest proportion lies in Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Gurugram and Faridabad districts Ghosh and Kapoor (2014). Reasons behind this phenomenon is that they well connected to National Highway 1, so the transportation of this region is good, and the industrialization of this region is also good which offer may options of low and unskilled jobs to the children of poor families.  The lowest proportion of rural main child labour is belonging to Jind, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, Mahandragrah, Rewari, Nuh and Palwal districts. The map also reveals that the rural marginal child labour higher in western and southern part of the state and lowest proportion is found in northern part of the state. If we concluded the map, the rural main child labour is higher in northern part of the state and the rural child labour is found in western part of the state Bhatia (2019).

Map 3

Map 3 Spatial Distribution of Female Child Labour in Haryana: Main vs Marginal Workers Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

4. Occupation wise distribution of total child labour in Haryana according to NCR regions

Map 4 is displaying the spatial distribution of total child labour in Haryana. The child labour activities are classified into three categories that is primary, secondary and tertiary activities. In 2023, around 50 percent child labour has been engaged in primary activities, followed by around 5 percent in secondary activities and approximate 45 percent in tertiary activities. The regional variation in the distribution of these activities become more glaring when analyzed at the NCR regions. In case of primary activities, the highest proportion child labour is found in Mahandragrah district from southern part of the state followed by Jind district, Bhiwani district and Charkhi dadri district from western part of the state and the percentage of primary activities is more than 68 percent in these area in Table 3. Reasons behind this phenomenon that these regions have low level of urbanization as well as industrialization and hence limited opportunities are available in non-agriculture sector. Intensive agriculture has provided more employment in primary sector in these regions Kumar (2008).  The lowest proportion of primary activities is belonging to Faridabad and Gurugram district from southern part of the state. The urbanization and industrialization in these regions are higher as compared to other regions of the state, so the job opportunities are higher in secondary and tertiary activities as compared to primary activities.  However, the secondary activities are higher in northern part of the state and the districts are Karnal and Panipat. The percentage of child labour in secondary activities is around 20 percent in these area. The lowest proportion of total child labour in secondary activities is belongs to southern part of the state and the percentage is less than 10 percent Pant and Singh (2016). Whereas, the western part of the state is showing the lowest proportion of child labour in secondary activities. The highest proportion of child labour in tertiary activities is found in Faridabad district followed by Gurugram, Panipat, Sonipat and Jhajjar districts of the state. The percentage of child labour in tertiary activities in these districts are more than 40 percent. The lowest proportion of tertiary activities is lies in Mahandragrah district followed by Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts and the percentage is less than 25 percent Rajan and Kumar (2018).

Table 3

Table 3 Occupation wise distribution of total child labour (Data in percent) Total child labour
Total child labour
Districts	Primary	Secondary	Tertiary
Karnal	41.95	18.6	39.44
Panipat	27.93	23.6	48.45
Sonipat	48.38	9.25	42.35
Jind	71.94	6.08	21.96
Bhiwani	69.19	4.6	26.13
Charkhi dadri	69.19	4.6	26.13
Rohtak	50.8	10.55	38.64
Jhajjar	49.05	5.57	45.36
Mahandragard	75.55	7.39	17.05
Rewari	62.2	13.86	23.92
Gurugram	18.42	6.09	75.47
Nuh	68.56	5.09	36.34
Faridabad	9.67	4.63	85.96
Palwal	52.98	7.68	39.33
Haryana	49.35	5.39	45.26
Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

Map 4

Map 4 Spatial Distribution of Total Child Labour in Haryana by Occupational Activities Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

Table 4

Table 4 Occupation wise distribution of rural child labour (Data in percent) Total Rural Child Labour
Total Rural Child Labour
Districts	Primary	Secondary	Tertiary
Karnal	60.21	26.01	13.17
Panipat	56.59	23.19	20.2
Sonipat	64.78	11.01	24.19
Jind	83.13	6.38	10.48
Bhiwani	81.13	4.4	14.45
Charkhi dadri	81.13	4.4	14.45
Rohtak	72.5	11.7	15.79
Jhajjar	60.04	5.1	34.85
Mahandragard	80.4	6.62	12.96
Rewari	73.62	15.59	10.78
Gurugram	69.47	6.64	23.87
Nuh	72.39	4.3	23.29
Faridabad	34.07	9.52	56.4
Palwal	66.13	8.24	25.61
Haryana	70.92	10.64	18.44
Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

Map 5

Map 5 Spatial Distribution of Rural Child Labour in Haryana: Main vs Marginal Workers Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

4.1. Occupation wise distribution of male child labour in Haryana according to NCR regions

Data below illustrating the spatial distribution of male child labour in Haryana according to their occupation. In case of male child labour, more than three quarters male child labour are engaged in primary activities followed by, less than 10 percent male child labour engaged secondary and tertiary activities alike Bhat (2014). The variation in the share of these activities is the result of regional differences in the social, economic and political set up of the state. In case of primary activities in male child labour, the highest proportion is found in western part of the state, the districts are Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri. The second highest proportion of male child labour is belongs to central and southern part of the state. The lowest proportion of urban child labour is lies in northern part of the state. In secondary activities of urban child labour shows that the highest percentage is found in Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat districts from northern part of the state. This is because these areas have the high accessibility between urban and rural areas and fairly good industrialization, manufacturing, trade, commerce and service.  The lowest percentage of male child labour in secondary activities is belongs to western part of the state. This region is comparatively less developed as norther and central part of the state.  The economy of these districts are basically depends on primary activities.  Moreover, the tertiary activities in male child labour that the highest proportion is found in Faridabad and Gurugram districts from southern part of the state, followed by second highest proportion of male child labour is lies in central and northern part of the state. The lowest proportion of male child labour in tertiary activity is found in western part of the state. The industrialization and urbanization hence share of child labour in tertiary activities is more in industrial division of the state along national highway 1,2 and 8 Gupta and Sharma (2022). 

Table 5

Table 5 Occupation wise Distribution of Total Urban Child Labour (Data in percent)
	Total urban Child Labour
Districts	Primary	Secondary	Tertiary
Karnal	7.22	4.49	88.28
Panipat	4.03	23.95	72.01
Sonipat	8.99	5.02	85.97
Jind	7.09	4.33	88.57
Bhiwani	10.04	5.94	84.01
Charkhi dadri	10.04	5.94	84.01
Rohtak	8.85	8.32	82.81
Jhajjar	6.41	7.42	86.16
Mahandragard	22.84	15.73	61.42
Rewari	5.92	5.35	88.71
Gurugram	3.8	5.93	90.25
Nuh	15.21	16.08	68.69
Faridabad	5.17	3.72	91.09
Palwal	6.03	5.66	88.29
Haryana	6.36	6.99	86.65
Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

Map 6

Map 6 Spatial Distribution of Urban Child Labour in Haryana: Main vs Marginal Workers Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

Table 6

Table 6 Occupation wise distribution of male child labour (Data in percent) Total Male Child Labour
Total Male Child Labour
Districts	Primary	Secondary	Tertiary
Karnal	42.34	19.1	38.54
Panipat	28.11	24.72	47.16
Sonipat	46.72	9.34	43.93
Jind	67.69	7.28	25.02
Bhiwani	70.03	4.21	25.75
Charkhi dadri	70.03	4.21	25.75
Rohtak	46.74	12.14	41.11
Jhajjar	49.62	7.02	43.35
Mahandragard	73.16	7.76	19.07
Rewari	56.39	14.64	28.95
Gurugram	16.73	7.77	75.49
Nuh	60.26	6.96	32.76
Faridabad	9.75	6.06	84.18
Palwal	46.49	9.09	44.41
Haryana	46.02	10.44	43.54
Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

Table 7

Table 7 Occupation wise distribution of female child labour (Data in percent) Total Female Child Labour
	Total Female Child Labour
Districts	Primary	Secondary	Tertiary
Karnal	41.28	17.74	40.69
Panipat	27.64	21.76	50.58
Sonipat	50.87	9.12	40
Jind	75.25	4.3	17.43
Bhiwani	68.2	5.2	26.59
Charkhi dadri	68.2	5.2	26.59
Rohtak	58.44	7.55	33.99
Jhajjar	48.28	3.6	48.11
Mahandragard	78.32	6.69	14.72
Rewari	69.98	12.82	17.19
Gurugram	21.04	3.5	75.44
Nuh	79.31	2.67	18
Faridabad	9.55	2.58	87.85
Palwal	61.81	5.76	32.41
Haryana	67.72	10.07	22.21
Source Statistical Abstract of Haryana, 2022

 

The districts are Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri and it is surrounded by Western part of the state. These districts have more than 65 percent of female child labour. Whereas central and southern part of the state is the second highest area of female child labour in primary activities. More than 60 percent of female child labour may be found in south of it except Faridabad and Gurugram districts. The lowest percentage of child labour women population in primary activities is located in northern and eastern region of the state and the districts are Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat. The mean proportion of child labour that is female in secondary activities is 10.09 percent. As observed in the map the North-ern part of the state and the districts are Karnal and Panipat and the percentage of female child labour in secondary activities is more than 15 percent. The southern part of the state and then western part of the state have the lowest concentration. Where female child labour is concerned in tertiary activities, the mean stands at 22.21 percent. The percentage is maximum in Faridabad and Gurugram belongs to southern part of the state and second highest percentage of female child labour is in northern part of the state. The western part of the state has the lowest percentage of child labour of the female gender.

 

5. Conclusion

The study is valuable account of geographical pattern of child labour in NCR districts of Haryana state, which reveals regional differences in existent child labour, occupational segment, and gender inequality. This study has revealed that child labour in Haryana is considerably high in those districts which have better agricultural foundation and low urbanization, like, Jind, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri, where children are mostly involved in activities of the primary sector. Conversely, the urbanised districts, such as Gurugram and Faridabad have recorded low rates of child labour, with more participants in the tertiary sectors, including services. There exists a major gender inequality in that female child labour is more geared towards rural settings especially in primary activities as opposed to male child labour that is fairly distributed between primary, secondary and tertiary activities. Also, the main/marginal worker differentiation reflects more marginal child labour, which is usually a characteristic of pre-carised and seasonal employment. The prevailing of child labour despite the laws that are in place to fight the practice is an indication that more effort needs to be put in enforcement of laws and provision of economic activities that can support families. Education, urbanization and industrialization can be listed among the most important factors which affect decline of child labour as urban territories are characterized by relatively low density of child labour concentration because of higher economic opportunities and developed educational facilities.

 

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

None. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

None.

 

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