NSN MEMORIAL SENIOR

SECONDARY SCHOOL

ENGLISH investigatory PROJECT 2025 – 2026

A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS
(BASED ON THE PROSE–LOST Spring)

SUBMITTED BY: ROHAN

M
CLASS: XII B
REGISTRATION NO:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Priya

Prabakaran, my chemistry mentor, who guided
me to the successful completion of this desertion
take this opportunity to thank my teacher of her
valuable guidance, constant encouragement,
constructive feedback and immense motivation,
which has sustained my efforts at all stages of
this project.

Name of the Student: ROHAN M

Register Number:

Signature:
 INDEX
S. PAG
NO TOPIC E
. NO.
1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 2

2 ACTION PLAN 3

3 INTRODUCTION 4

4 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 5

5 CHILD LABOUR 6

6 REASONS FOR CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA 7

7 EFFECT ON CHILDREN 8

8 LEGAL AID AGAINST CHILD LABOUR 10

9 MEASURES TO COUNTER CHILD LABOUR 12

10 PRIVILEGED CHILDREN’S CONTRIBUTION 14

11 CONCLUSION 16

12 QUESTIONNAIRE 17

13 STUDENT’S REFLECTION 19
14 BIBLIOGRAPHY 20

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this project is to critically explore the
social issue of child labour in India, as reflected through
the chapter “Lost Spring” by Anees Jung. This
project aims to understand the struggles of children
living in slums, examine the causes and effects of child
labour, and highlight how poverty, illiteracy, and social
inequality continue to deprive children of education and
basic rights.
Through research, analysis, and interpretation, the
project seeks to:
 Connect the themes of “Lost Spring” with real-life
conditions faced by children in slum areas.
 Study the legal protections, social initiatives, and
government measures designed to prevent child
exploitation.
 Create awareness about the responsibilities of
individuals, especially students and youth, in
reducing child labour.
 Encourage empathy, social awareness, and
sensitivity towards underprivileged children who
remain unheard and unseen in society.
This project ultimately aims to give “a voice to the
voiceless” by bringing attention to their hardships and
hopes, and by promoting the importance of education,
equality, and dignity for every child. It reflects not only
academic learning but also personal growth, social
responsibility, and a deeper understanding of real-world
challenges.

ACTION PLAN
An action plan is the detailed plan outlining actions
needed to reach one or more goals. It can be defined
“as a sequence of steps that must be taken or activities
that must be performed well, for a strategy to
succeed”.

 The first step was to choose a topic of my interest.

 The second step for two thinks about my chose and
topic thoroughly and decide on the separating to
work on.
 Next, I set goals and worked on my plan of action.
 To research my topic and understand my topic in
depth.
 Visited several websites to get ideas and work on
them.
 Read a lot of books to get to know about my topic
in detail.
 Evidence of my action work was recorded.
 Compiled all my finding and submitted then as the
project
 INTRODUCTION
India’s rapid progress often hides the difficult lives of
children living in slums, where poverty, lack of
education, and unsafe living conditions are common.
The chapter “Lost Spring” by Anees Jung highlights
these harsh realities and gives a voice to children who
are forced into labour and denied their basic rights.

Child rights aim to ensure every child’s safety,

education, and development. Important days such as
Children’s Day (14 November) and World Day
Against Child Labour (12 June) remind society of its
responsibility to protect children.

This project focuses on the living conditions in slums,

reasons for child labour, its effects on children, and the
efforts made by the government, society, and youth to
bring change.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – ANEES JUNG
Anees Jung is a renowned Indian
author, journalist, and columnist
known for her powerful writing on
social issues, especially those
related to women and children.
Born in Rourkela, Odisha, she
grew up in a cultured and
educated family and later
continued her studies in Hyderabad and abroad in the
United States.
Jung has written for many leading newspapers and
international publications, earning respect for her
truthful and sensitive portrayal of human struggles. Her
writing often highlights poverty, inequality, and the
challenges faced by marginalized communities.
She gained wide recognition with her book “Unveiling
India,” which presents the lives of Indian women with
honesty and depth. Her works are valued for their
emotional strength, clarity, and realistic insight into
society.
“Lost Spring,” an extract from her book “Lost Spring:
Stories of Stolen Childhood,” is one of her most
impactful writings. In it, she brings attention to the lives
of poor children in places like Seemapuri and Firozabad,
who are forced into labour and denied the joys of
childhood. Through her narrative, she urges society to
acknowledge these harsh realities and work towards
change.
Anees Jung’s contributions continue to inspire readers,
making her an important voice in modern Indian
literature and journalism.

CHILD LABOUR
EXPLOITATION
Child labour is one of the most severe forms of
exploitation faced by vulnerable children in India.
Children below 14 are often forced to work long hours in
hazardous environments, with very little or no wages.
They are denied education, proper nutrition, and
emotional safety. Employers exploit these children
because they are easy to control, can be paid less, and
cannot protest against abusive conditions.

PREVALENCE OF CHILD LABOUR IN DIFFERENT AREAS

Child labour is widely prevalent across various sectors
in India. In rural areas, children are commonly
employed in agriculture, brick kilns, stone quarries, and
fishing communities. They help in sowing, harvesting,
carrying loads, and working with dangerous equipment.
In urban regions, child labour is seen in industries such
as garment manufacturing, zari work, carpet weaving,
food stalls, automobile repair shops, and domestic
work. Many children are also found rag-picking,
collecting plastic, or begging at traffic signals.

REASONS FOR CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA

Child labour in India continues to exist mainly due to a
combination of social, economic, and cultural factors.
Many families living in slums or poor rural areas
struggle to meet basic needs, which forces children to
work and contribute to family income.

Main Reasons:

 Poverty and financial crisis in families.

 Lack of access to quality education and high

dropout rates.

 Unemployment of parents, forcing children to

earn.

 Large family size, making it difficult to support all

children.

 Migration of families to cities in search of work.

 Weak enforcement of child labour laws.

  Demand for cheap labour in factories and small
industries.

 Illiteracy and lack of awareness about child

rights.

 Cultural acceptance of children working at a

young age.

 Debt bondage, where families work to repay

loans.

EFFECTS OF CHILD LABOUR ON

CHILDREN
Child labour has devastating effects on the overall
growth and development of a child. Children involved in
labour are forced to sacrifice their education, safety,
and well-being at a very young age. Instead of enjoying
a protected childhood, they face physical hardships,
emotional trauma, and social neglect. These effects do
not remain limited to their early years—they continue
to influence the child’s future, opportunities, and quality
of life.

1. Physical Health Problems

 Constant exposure to hazardous work conditions.

 Malnutrition due to irregular meals and poor diet.

  Respiratory issues from dust, chemicals, and
factory smoke.

2. Emotional & Psychological Impact

 Anxiety, fear, and constant stress due to unsafe

environments.

 Low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

 Emotional detachment due to absence of love,

care, and childhood experiences.

3. Educational Deprivation

 Children miss school to work for long hours.

 High dropout rates due to financial pressure.

 Lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills.

4. Social Consequences

 Children become socially isolated and excluded

from peers.

 Increased vulnerability to exploitation, trafficking,

and abuse.

5. Violation of Rights

 Denial of the Right to Education.

 Denial of the Right to Protection from harm and
exploitation.

6. Long-Term Impact

 Long-term health complications and chronic

illnesses.

 Limited employment opportunities due to lack of

skills.

LEGAL AID AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

Legal aid plays a crucial role in protecting children from
exploitation and ensuring that their rights are upheld.
Along with government support, many NGOs and legal
aid clinics actively work to identify cases of child labour,
create awareness, and help families seek justice.
Together, these systems form a strong framework to
eliminate child labour from society.

a) Indian Laws Against Child Labour

Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 /

Amendment Act 2016

• Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in all

occupations.
• Bans adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous work.

b) Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA)

• Founded by Kailash Satyarthi, rescues children from

labour, trafficking, and slavery.

Child Rights and You (CRY)

• Works across India to ensure children attend school

and live in safe environments.

c) Legal Aid Clinics and Support Systems

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

• Provides free legal aid to poor families and children

affected by exploitation.

• Conducts awareness drives against child labour.

MEASURES TO COUNTER CHILD LABOUR
Child labour remains a complex social problem that
requires coordinated efforts from the government,
communities, families, and industries. A comprehensive
strategy ensures that children are protected,
empowered, and given the opportunity to grow in a safe
and supportive environment.

1. Strengthen Legislation
 Enforce stricter implementation of existing child
labour laws.
2. Improve Education
 Provide free, quality, and easily accessible schooling
for all children.
3. Economic Support
  Support vulnerable families through welfare
schemes, subsidies, and employment
opportunities.
4. Health and Social Services
 Ensure rescued children receive medical checkups,
counselling, and rehabilitation support.
5. Raise Awareness
 Conduct mass awareness campaigns about the
harmful effects of child labour.
6. Community Involvement
 Form local child protection groups and monitor
areas where child labour is common.
7. Corporate Responsibility
 Make industries adopt ethical hiring practices and
strict child-labour-free policies.
8. Monitoring and Reporting
 Strengthen reporting mechanisms such as child
helplines (1098).
9. Rehabilitation Programs
 Provide rescued children with counselling, skill
training, education, and emotional support.
10. International Cooperation
  Collaborate with international bodies like the ILO
and UNICEF to follow global standards.

PRIVILEGED CHILDREN’S
CONTRIBUTION
Privileged children—those who have access to
education, safety, and resources—can play a
meaningful role in reducing child labour. Their
awareness and actions can inspire society to protect
vulnerable children and ensure every child enjoys a
safe and educated childhood.
1. Spreading Awareness
They can talk to friends, family, and classmates about
the harmful effects of child labour and participate in
school campaigns, rallies, and social media awareness
drives.
2. Supporting Education
Privileged children can help others study, volunteer in
teaching programs, or donate used books, stationery,
and learning materials to underprivileged children.
3. Reporting Child Labour
When they see a child being forced to work, they can
inform teachers, elders, or use child helpline 1098 to
ensure timely action.
4. Community Service
They can take part in donation drives, charity events, or
school clubs that support poor children and encourage
them to continue their education.

5. Practicing Responsible Choices

They can avoid supporting shops or industries that use child
labour and encourage others to follow ethical and child-
friendly practices.

6. Encouraging Inclusion and Friendship

Privileged children can include underprivileged children in

social activities, games, and school programs. This helps build
confidence and removes the feeling of isolation among
children who face poverty or discrimination.
7. Promoting Skill Development

They can help other children learn useful skills—such as

reading, sports, art, music, or computers—which can open new
opportunities and reduce the chances of them being pushed
into labour.

8. Being Role Models

By showing kindness, respect, and empathy, privileged

children can influence others to think positively and treat all
children equally, regardless of background or status.

9. Supporting NGOs and Child Welfare Groups

They can encourage their families and schools to support

organisations working to end child labour by raising funds,
donating supplies, or organizing awareness events.

10. Developing a Sense of Responsibility

They can learn about laws and rights related to child labour
and discuss them in classrooms, clubs, and assemblies to
promote a responsible, aware, and sensitive society.

CONCLUSION
Child labour continues to be one of the most serious
challenges faced by our society, especially in the slums
of India where poverty, lack of education, and poor
living conditions force children into work at a very
young age. Through this project, I understood how
children lose their childhood, health, and opportunities
due to exploitation and how their voices often remain
unheard—just as depicted in “Lost Spring.”

While the government, NGOs, and international

organizations have introduced several laws and
schemes to protect children, real change can happen
only when communities, youth, and privileged
individuals participate actively. Ensuring education,
spreading awareness, reporting cases of child labour,
and supporting vulnerable families can make a
significant difference.

Every child deserves a safe, happy, and educated

childhood. It is our shared responsibility to recognise
their struggles, stand against exploitation, and work
towards a future where no child is forced to work, and
every child’s dreams can flourish without fear.

QUESTIONNAIRE
1. In your opinion, what are the major factors that force
children in slums to enter the workforce instead of
attending school?
2. How do you think child labour affects the physical,
emotional, and educational development of a child?
Give examples.
3. What key legal measures do you believe should be
strengthened or better implemented to effectively
combat child labour in India?
4. How can access to quality and affordable education
reduce the incidence of child labour in slum areas?
Explain your viewpoint.
5. What role do you think the government should play in
improving the living conditions of slum children?
6. How can NGOs and community organizations contribute
to rescuing and rehabilitating child labourers?
7. In your opinion, how can youth and privileged children
actively contribute to eliminating child labour from
society?
8. Why do you think child labour continues to exist despite
laws and government schemes? What challenges
prevent its complete eradication?
9. How do poor living conditions in slums influence a
child’s chances of receiving proper education and
healthcare?
[Link] long-term impact do you think child labour has
on society and the nation’s progress? Explain your
reasoning.

STUDENT’S REFLECTION:
Working on this project has been an eye-opening
experience for me. While researching the lives of
children living in slums and studying the issue of child
labour, I realised how different their reality is from ours.
I understood that poverty, lack of education, and poor
living conditions force many children to work instead of
going to school, and this deeply affects their health,
future, and overall growth.

Through this project, I also learned about the laws,

government schemes, and the efforts of NGOs that aim
to protect children. It made me realise that although
the government is trying, change can happen only
when society also participates. I understood that even
students like us can play a role by spreading
awareness, helping underprivileged children study, and
reporting cases of child labour.

This project has made me more responsible and

sensitive towards the issues faced by vulnerable
children. It has inspired me to appreciate the privileges
I have and to contribute in small ways to ensure that
every child gets a safe, happy, and educated childhood.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo Textbook –
Chapter: Lost Spring by Anees Jung
2. UNICEF India – Child Protection and Child
Labour Reports
3. International Labour Organization (ILO) –
Articles and conventions on child labour
4. Ministry of Labour and Employment,
Government of India – Child Labour (Prohibition
and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016
5. National Commission for Protection of Child
Rights (NCPCR) – Reports and guidelines
6. Newspaper Articles (The Hindu, Times of India,
Indian Express) – Reports on slum conditions and
child labour in India
7. NGO Reports – CRY (Child Rights and You), Save the
Children India
8. Census of India and Government Surveys – Data
on slums, education, and child labour
9. Websites and Online Resources –
o [Link]
o [Link]
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