India’s Crackdown on Child Labour: Telangana, Bihar, and Rajasthan Lead Rescues in 2024-25

Child Labour Rescues India 2024-25

Child Labour in India Latest News

  • Telangana, Bihar and Rajasthan have emerged as the top three states in India for child labour rescues as well as for the number of arrests in child labour-related cases in 2024-25, a study by a network working in the field of child rights has shown.

Introduction

  • India witnessed a major surge in efforts to curb child labour in 2024-25, with over 53,000 children rescued across the country
  • A recent report from the child rights network Just Rights for Children (JRC) in collaboration with the Centre for Legal Action and Behaviour Change (C-LAB) sheds light on the scale of exploitation and the systemic challenges in eliminating child labour. 
  • The top three states in child labour rescues were Telangana, Bihar, and Rajasthan, accounting for a significant share of the nationwide crackdown.
  • The report, titled "Building the Case for Zero: How Prosecution Acts as a Tipping Point to End Child Labour", also offers a comprehensive roadmap for effective legal, educational, and rehabilitative interventions to break the cycle of exploitation.

Scale of the Rescue Operations

  • Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, JRC, through its network of over 250 NGOs, coordinated 38,889 rescue operations across 24 states and union territories in partnership with law enforcement agencies. 
  • This led to the rescue of 53,651 children, a large majority of whom were engaged in the worst forms of child labour.
  • The top five states by number of rescues were:
    • Telangana: 11,063 children
    • Bihar: 3,974 children
    • Rajasthan: 3,847 children
    • Uttar Pradesh: 3,804 children
    • Delhi: 2,588 children
  • These states also accounted for the highest number of arrests in child labour-related offences.

Alarming Trends in Exploitation

  • The report reveals that nearly 90% of rescued children were employed in sectors categorised under the worst forms of child labour as per ILO Convention 182, ratified by India. These included:
    • Spas and massage parlours
    • Orchestra troupes
    • Domestic labour
    • Informal entertainment services
  • In many instances, children were subjected to sexual exploitation, pornography, and prostitution, underscoring the urgency for focused legal intervention.

Legal and Enforcement Actions

  • Following the massive rescue operations:
    • 38,388 FIRs were registered
    • 5,809 arrests were made, 85% of them related to child labour
  • Telangana, Bihar, and Rajasthan not only led in rescue numbers but also in arrests, suggesting a stronger enforcement mechanism compared to other states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where enforcement gaps were noted despite high rescues.
  • The findings reiterate that prosecution serves as a deterrent, building public awareness and reducing the impunity with which exploiters operate.

Recommendations from the Report

  • Launch of a National Mission to End Child Labour, with dedicated financial and human resources.
  • Creation of district-level Child Labour Task Forces.
  • Establishment of a Child Labour Rehabilitation Fund.
  • Formulation of a comprehensive national rehabilitation policy.
  • Compulsory education till 18 years, extending beyond the current RTE mandate (up to 14 years).
  • State-specific policies aligned with local socio-economic challenges.
  • Zero-tolerance policy on child labour in government procurement.
  • Expansion of the list of hazardous occupations and processes under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
  • Extension of the SDG 8.7 deadline to 2030 to realistically target the eradication of all forms of child labour.

Global and National Commitments

  • India is a signatory to the ILO Convention 182, which mandates the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. 
  • Although India has made strides in legal reforms and enforcement, the report calls for greater institutional convergence and stronger judicial and social frameworks.
  • The JRC emphasised that “justice for children trapped in the worst forms of child labour will only be achieved when the culprits are punished and robust mechanisms for the protection and rehabilitation of victims are in place.”

Child Labour in India FAQs

Q1: Which state recorded the highest number of child labour rescues in 2024-25?

Ans: Telangana reported the highest rescues with 11,063 children rescued.

Q2: What types of work were children commonly rescued from?

Ans: Most children were rescued from spas, massage parlours, orchestras, and other exploitative sectors.

Q3: How many FIRs were filed in relation to child labour in 2024-25?

Ans: A total of 38,388 FIRs were registered, with 85% related to child labour offences.

Q4: What major reforms have been recommended by the report?

Ans: The report calls for a National Mission, rehabilitation fund, and compulsory education up to 18 years.

Q5: What is the role of prosecution in curbing child labour?

Ans: Prosecution acts as a deterrent by instilling fear of legal consequences among perpetrators.

India-US Trade Deal Faces Resistance from Sugar and Soybean Sectors

India-US trade deal agriculture concerns

India-US Trade Deal Agriculture Concerns Latest News

  • As India and the US push to finalise a bilateral trade deal before the July 9 deadline, two major Indian agri-industries are expressing concern. 
  • The sugar industry opposes the import of ethanol and genetically modified (GM) maize for fuel blending, while the soybean processing industry is against GM soyabean imports. 
    • It should be noted that the US is the world’s top producer as well as exporter of both maize and fuel ethanol
    • Also, it is the second biggest producer and exporter of soybean after Brazil.
  • With the US seeking new markets amid geopolitical shifts, pressure is mounting on India to ease import restrictions. 
  • However, these domestic sectors fear such concessions could hurt local producers.

Ethanol Blending A Policy Success

  • India’s ethanol blending programme has grown significantly under the Modi government.
  • Average ethanol blending in petrol rose from 1.5% (2013-14) to 14.6% (2023-24).
  • In the current supply year (Nov 2024–May 2025), the blending ratio reached 18.8%, nearing the 20% target by 2025-26.

Shift from Sugarcane to Grains

  • Since 2018-19, sugar mills have started using grains (especially maize and surplus rice) alongside molasses for ethanol.
  • In 2024-25, 68% of the 1,047.9 crore litres of ethanol is grain-based.
  • Maize alone contributes 483.9 crore litres, overtaking sugarcane-based sources.

Millers' Concerns Over Ethanol Imports

  • Sugar millers are worried that sugarcane is losing importance as more ethanol is now being made from grains like maize. 
  • They fear that if India starts importing ethanol or genetically modified (GM) maize, sugarcane will be pushed aside even more. 
  • Since sugar consumption in India is not growing, millers see their future in energy—like ethanol-blended diesel or aviation fuel—rather than in producing sugar.

Food vs Fuel Debate

  • Millers argue ethanol from sugarcane avoids food/feed conflicts.
    • Unlike maize, sugar isn’t a key livestock or poultry feed.
    • Diverting maize to fuel may strain supply for animal feed, affecting dairy, poultry, and egg sectors.

India A Key Market for US Ethanol

  • The US exported 724.5 crore litres of ethanol in 2024, with India as the third largest buyer (70.8 crore litres worth $441.3 million).
  • India restricts ethanol imports to non-fuel industrial use and under licence.

NITI Aayog Push for GM Maize Imports

  • A working paper suggests importing cheaper US GM maize for ethanol.
  • Its byproduct (DDGS - distiller’s dried grains with solubles) can be exported to avoid domestic feed concerns.
  • Authors claim this will help India meet biofuel targets without disturbing local food chains.

Concerns of India’s Soyabean Industry

A NITI Aayog paper suggests importing soyabean, extracting oil for domestic use, and exporting the leftover GM-based de-oiled cake (meal).

SOPA's Opposition to the Plan

  • The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) rejects the proposal due to logistical and economic challenges:
    • Most solvent extraction units are located inland (MP, Maharashtra), far from ports.
    • Transporting imported beans from ports to plants and then exporting the meal is not cost-effective.
    • Such a policy threatens the livelihood of nearly 7 million soyabean farmers.

Limited Domestic Demand vs. China

  • India processes 11–12 million tonnes of soyabean yearly, with most meal used domestically for food and feed.
  • Only ~2 million tonnes is exported, unlike China which crushes over 100 million tonnes annually for its massive livestock industry.

Fears of Foreign Dominance

  • If GM meal cannot be sold domestically, processing must shift closer to ports for export.
  • This could invite dominance by global agri-trading giants (e.g., ADM, Cargill, Bunge, Louis Dreyfus), pushing out domestic processors.

Import Duty Cuts Add Pressure

  • Recently, the Centre reduced the import duty on crude soyabean, palm, and sunflower oil from 27.5% to 16.5%.
  • SOPA fears this will undercut local processors by making imported oils cheaper, forcing many to shut or operate below capacity.

Falling Soyabean Prices Hurt Farmers

  • Soyabean is currently trading at ₹4,300–₹4,350/quintal in MP and Maharashtra—well below the MSP of ₹5,328.
  • Cheap imports of oil or seed could further depress prices and cause farmers to shift to other crops.

Source IECNBCTV18

India-US Trade Deal Agriculture Concerns FAQs

Q1: Why is the sugar industry opposing the trade deal?

Ans: Because it fears ethanol and GM maize imports will marginalise sugarcane in India’s biofuel program.

Q2: What does SOPA say about soyabean imports?

Ans: SOPA warns soy imports harm local processors and threaten the livelihood of 7 million farmers.

Q3: What role does ethanol play in India’s energy plans?

Ans: Ethanol-blended fuel is India’s renewable energy priority, targeting 20% blending by 2025-26.

Q4: How are imports affecting soybean farmers?

Ans: Soy prices have fallen below MSP; cheap imports risk shifting farmer interest to other crops.

Q5: What is NITI Aayog's stance on GM imports?

Ans: It suggests importing GM maize and soyabean to meet ethanol goals and export byproducts abroad.

Iran Retaliates with Missile Strikes on US Bases in Qatar

Iran missile strike US base

Iran Missile Strike US Base Latest News

  • A day after the US struck Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Iran retaliated by launching missile attacks on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as the forward headquarters of the US Central Command.

Global US Military Footprint

  • According to a July 2024 Congressional Research Service report, the US operates at least 128 overseas military bases across 51 countries
  • In the Middle East, under CENTCOM, the US maintains key bases in Qatar (Al Udeid), Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, with additional deployments in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Yemen. 
  • These bases support surveillance, combat, airlift, missile defence, and counterterrorism operations, with major installations like Al Udeid and Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet serving as strategic regional hubs.

About Al Udeid

  • Al Udeid Air Base is located in the desert near Doha, Qatar, about 190 km south of Iran. It is the largest US military base in the Middle East.

Strategic Role

  • Established in 1996, Al Udeid serves as the forward headquarters of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan.
    • Al Udeid is CENTCOM’s forward headquarters. The main CENTCOM headquarters is in Florida.
  • Al Udeid is also linked to other US activities in Qatar. A nearby former army base, Camp As Sayliyah, has been used to process Afghans seeking resettlement since 2022.

Multinational Presence

  • The base hosts around 10,000 troops and accommodates forces from the US Air Force, Qatar Emiri Air Force, the UK’s Royal Air Force, and other allied nations.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

  • Al Udeid’s long runways support rapid deployment, making it key for US force projection. 
  • It has been critical in operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian efforts like the Kabul evacuation in 2021.

Qatari Investment

  • Qatar has invested over $8 billion in upgrading Al Udeid’s infrastructure, keeping it modern and reducing the financial burden on US taxpayers.

India Monitors Tensions After Iranian Strike in Qatar

  • Delhi is closely watching the situation in Qatar after Iran launched a military attack on the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base.
  • The Indian embassy issued an alert advising the over 8.3 lakh Indians in Qatar to remain calm, follow local news and Qatari authority instructions, and stay updated via the embassy’s social media channels.

India-Qatar: A Strong Bilateral Relationship

  • India shares deep political and economic ties with Qatar:
  • PM Narendra Modi visited Doha twice—June 2016 and February 2024.
  • India maintains high-level contacts with Qatar's leadership.
  • In February 2025, during the visit of Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, both the countries announced the elevation of India-Qatar ties to a Strategic Partnership.

Indian Diaspora in Qatar

  • There are over 835,000 Indian nationals residing in Qatar as on December 2023.
    • Indian community comprises around 27% of total population of Qatar.
  • Indians form the largest expatriate community in Qatar, engaged in diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, IT, media, and finance.
  • Over 60,000 Indian students attend 19 Indian schools, with approx. 4,500 Indian teachers and staff.

Indian Business Presence

  • Over 20,000 Indian companies operate in Qatar across sectors like infrastructure, energy, IT, and communications.
  • Notable companies include L&T, Shapoorji Pallonji, Wipro, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Lulu Group, Malabar, and Tanishq.
  • Indian investment in Qatar exceeded $350 million between 2017 and 2025, per Invest Qatar.

Energy Cooperation between India and Qatar

  • Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India (10.74 MMT for US$ 8.32 billion in FY 2022-23), accounting for over 48% of India's global LNG imports. 
  • Qatar is also India’s largest supplier of LPG (5.33 MMT for US$ 4.04 billion in FY 2022-23) accounting for 29% of India’s total LPG imports.

Source: IE | IETH

Iran Missile Strike US Base FAQs

Q1: Why did Iran strike US bases in Qatar?

Ans: In retaliation for US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Q2: What is the strategic importance of Al Udeid Air Base?

Ans: It is CENTCOM’s forward HQ, housing 10,000 troops and key military assets.

Q3: How did India respond to the missile strikes?

Ans: India issued an alert for its 835,000 citizens in Qatar, urging calm and caution.

Q4: How many US bases exist overseas?

Ans: The US operates at least 128 overseas bases across 51 countries, per the 2024 CRS report.

Q5: What’s the role of Qatar in US defense?

Ans: Qatar hosts CENTCOM’s forward HQ and invested $8 billion in Al Udeid’s military infrastructure.

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