Working children in informal sector. A case study of Chembur area Mumbai.

India has the largest child labor force in the world. This has become a matter of great concern due to aggregated problems such as adult unemployment and income inequality. In this regard a study was conducted among 30 working children in Chembbur Mumbai to understand why people prefer to employ them and why these children work. The main objectives of the study are to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the working children; examine their working conditions; and estimate monetary contribution from their income to familys income. Semi-structured questionnaire was used in the survey and in-depth interview technique was used to explore more information. Seven case studies are also presented. Overall findings note that children are compelled by poverty to take up jobs. They have to work very hard for long hours which affects their health and although they are paid very low amounts they can still contribute part of their earning to the family for its survival.