Number of child labour declined between 2001 and 2011: Government

New Delhi: The number of child labourers in the country has gone down from 1.26 crore in 2001 to 43.53 lakh in 2011, Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said while in the 2001 census, the number of child labourers was estimated at 1.26 crore, the figure went down to 43.53 lakh in the 2011 census.

While working for total eradication of child labour, the government plans to link the Right to Education Act with their rehabilitation and settlement to bring them into the mainstream.

Responding to questions on the difference in data available from International Labour Organisation and the Census on child labour, the minister said government will see to it that correct data is made available. He said a bill to amend the Child Labour(Prohibition and Regulation Act), 1986 was pending in the Rajya Sabha to improve on the existing law.

"I gave a notice in the Winter session, but it could not be passed. This session too, it could not be passed though I gave notice," he said and urged MPs of both Houses to ensure its early passage. He said the government will also move fresh official amendments when the amendment bill comes up for passage.

A rehabilitation fund will also be created for such children who will need to be brought to the mainstream.