Educational and Vocational Aspirations of Child Labourers with Special Reference to Patna

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of child labour remains a pressing issue in India, with over 10.12 million children aged 5–14 years engaged in labour, according to the 2011 Census. Bihar is among the states with the highest incidence. This study aims to explore the educational and vocational aspirations of rehabilitated child labourers and assess how effectively interventions like the PENCIL Portal and the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) support their reintegration through education and skills development.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The research employs a descriptive case study methodology, focusing on 40 rehabilitated child labourers selected through purposive sampling. Data collection emphasized individual aspirations, challenges faced, and the role of institutional support in shaping future goals.

Findings: The study reveals that while many children exhibit strong aspirations for education and vocational training, their progress is often impeded by financial constraints, inadequate family support, and limited access to quality education. Internal motivation and structured vocational training emerged as critical enablers, with 70% of participants expressing interest in skill-based education as a pathway to better opportunities. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions under the National Education Policy 2020 to promote equitable access for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of post-rehabilitation outcomes for child labourers, highlighting the gaps between policy intent and ground-level implementation. It offers evidence-based insights to inform future strategies aimed at enhancing the aspirations and opportunities of marginalized children through education and vocational training.

Paper Type: Case Based Study