ENGLISH PROJECT
LOST SPRING – POVERTY, SLUMS AND CHILD
LABOUR IN INDIA
Submitted By: ____________
Class: XII
Roll No.: ____________
School: ____________
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project titled 'Lost Spring – Poverty, Slums and Child Labour in India' has
been completed by the student as part of the English curriculum.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I express my sincere gratitude to my English teacher, school and parents for their guidance and
support in completing this project.
INDEX
1. Introduction
2. About Lost Spring
3. What is a Slum?
4. Living Conditions in Indian Slums
5. Education in Slums
6. Child Labour in India
7. Biggest Slums in India
8. Connection with Lost Spring
9. Suggestions
10. Conclusion
11. Bibliography
Introduction
India has experienced rapid urbanization, but millions of people still live in slums. These
settlements are characterized by poverty, poor housing and limited access to public services.
Children living in slums often face difficulties in education, healthcare and nutrition.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
About Lost Spring
Lost Spring by Anees Jung presents the lives of poor children trapped in poverty. Saheb, a
ragpicker, and Mukesh, a bangle maker's son, symbolize countless children whose dreams are
limited by economic hardship. The chapter highlights social inequality and child labour.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
What is a Slum?
A slum is a heavily populated urban area with substandard housing and inadequate living
conditions. Slums generally lack clean water, sanitation facilities, proper roads and healthcare
services.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Living Conditions in Indian Slums
Families often live in small overcrowded houses made from temporary materials. Access to toilets,
drainage systems and drinking water is often limited. Diseases such as dengue, malaria and
respiratory illnesses spread more easily in such environments. Employment opportunities are
mostly informal and low-paying.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Education in Slums
Although the Right to Education Act provides free education for children aged 6–14 years, many
children in slums struggle to continue schooling. Reasons include poverty, migration, lack of
awareness, poor infrastructure and the need to contribute to family income. NGOs and government
schemes such as Mid-Day Meals have improved enrollment but challenges remain.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Child Labour in India
Child labour refers to work that deprives children of education and healthy development. Children
below 14 years are often found working as ragpickers, domestic helpers, street vendors,
agricultural labourers, workers in restaurants, workshops and construction sites. Poverty remains
the biggest cause. Child labour affects physical health, mental well-being and future opportunities.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Biggest Slums in India
1. Dharavi (Mumbai): One of Asia's largest slums, known for recycling, pottery and leather
industries. 2. Bhalswa (Delhi): Large settlement facing sanitation and waste-management issues. 3.
Rajendra Nagar (Bengaluru): Dense settlement with infrastructure challenges. 4. Basanti Slum
(Kolkata): Faces waterlogging, overcrowding and limited services. Despite difficulties, schools and
NGOs operate in many of these areas to improve literacy and living standards.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Connection with Lost Spring
The realities described in Lost Spring are visible in many slums today. Like Saheb and Mukesh,
many children are forced into work instead of education. Poverty limits opportunities and traps
families in a cycle of hardship.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Suggestions
• Improve quality of schools in slum areas. • Strengthen implementation of child labour laws. •
Create employment opportunities for adults. • Improve sanitation and healthcare. • Increase
awareness about education. • Support NGOs working for child welfare.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Conclusion
Slums continue to be a major urban challenge in India. Poverty, poor living conditions and child
labour affect millions of children. Lost Spring reminds us that every child deserves education,
dignity and the chance to pursue dreams. Collective efforts by government and society can create a
brighter future.
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE
Bibliography
1. NCERT Flamingo – Lost Spring 2. Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India 3.
International Labour Organization (ILO) 4. CHILDLINE India Foundation 5. Educational reports on
urban poverty and child labour
PHOTO TO BE PASTED HERE