“Shining India” Claims Exposed: Over 5 Million Children Forced Into Labour
New Delhi — August 29, 2026: Contrary to claims of rapid economic development and the “Shining India” narrative, India continues to face severe social and economic inequality, with millions of children reportedly engaged in hazardous and exploitative labour.
Weak social protection mechanisms and economic hardship have left many disadvantaged families struggling to keep their children in education, pushing some into factories and other dangerous industries.
NHK Investigation Highlights India’s Child Labour Crisis
A comprehensive investigation by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK highlighted serious concerns surrounding child labour in India.
- Child labour despite legal restrictions: Although India introduced a legal ban on employing children under 14 more than a decade ago, weak enforcement has reportedly allowed more than 5 million children to remain involved in hazardous industries.
- Activists working for children: According to the report, former child labourer and activist Khemlal Khetraji established an educational NGO and has helped more than 300 children leave exploitative labour and return to education.
- Systemic challenges: International reporting has highlighted continued bureaucratic and social barriers to effectively eliminating child labour across India.
Experts Question India’s Economic Development Claims
Economic and social experts argue that persistent child labour reflects deeper problems in India’s social protection system and economic structure.
Lack of Social Protection
The failure to provide adequate support to vulnerable and low-income families has contributed to children entering informal and potentially hazardous labour markets at an early age.
Reality Behind Development Claims
Experts argue that claims of becoming a global economic superpower must be viewed alongside persistent challenges such as child labour, poverty and unequal access to education.
The continuing presence of millions of children outside classrooms and in workplaces remains a major social and developmental challenge for India.