Modi Govt’s ‘Shining India’ Claims Exposed as Millions of Children Face Forced Labor

India continues to face serious challenges related to child labor despite its claims of economic growth. According to Japan’s national broadcaster NHK, India banned the employment of children under the age of 14 more than a decade ago. However, around five million children are still working in industries across the country.

NHK reported that Khemlal Khetraj, who was previously forced into child labor, later established an educational NGO and helped more than 300 children leave labor and return to education.

Efforts to eliminate child labor in India continue to face major challenges. Experts say the problem reflects weaknesses in economic policies and the social protection system.

The continued involvement of millions of children in labor has also raised questions about India’s claims of rapid economic development and progress.