NEW DELHI — A recent socio-economic survey conducted by the Congress government in Telangana has revealed a grim picture of child labour in the state, with nearly 89,000 children under the age of 18 engaged in daily wage work.
According to the Telangana Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey 2024–25, released recently, a significant proportion of these children belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, highlighting deep-rooted socio-economic disparities.
The report noted that while the overall proportion of child labourers appears relatively low in percentage terms—around one per cent—the absolute number remains alarming. “However, given the overall average is about one per cent, the data hides more than it reveals. When viewed in absolute terms, 89,000 children under 18 were found to be working as daily wage labourers,” the survey stated.
The large-scale survey, which covered millions of residents across Telangana, provides detailed insights into employment patterns among different social groups. It found that several SC and ST communities continue to rely heavily on daily wage labour due to limited access to education, economic opportunities, and long-standing structural disadvantages.
Among the most affected groups are SC Madiga and ST Lambadi communities, which form a notable share of child labourers. Other communities with a high proportion of daily wage workers include ST Kolam, ST Koya, ST Gond, ST Yerukula, SC Beda, and SC Mala Sale.
In contrast, the survey observed that upper caste (OC) groups and some backward class segments, such as BC-B Goldsmiths and BC-C Christians, have a significantly lower dependence on daily wage labour and a stronger presence in professional and salaried sectors. This disparity underscores persistent inequalities in access to education, financial resources, and social mobility.
Experts say the findings point to a cycle of poverty and exclusion, where children from marginalised communities are more likely to enter the workforce early, often at the cost of their education and long-term prospects.
The revelations have raised concerns among policymakers, child rights activists, and social experts, who have called for urgent and targeted interventions. They emphasise the need to strengthen implementation of child labour laws, expand access to quality education, and enhance welfare schemes aimed at vulnerable communities.
The survey serves as a stark reminder that despite progress in several areas, significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable development and safeguarding children from premature entry into the labour force.
