Several school children aged between 12 and 14 from districts like Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh are working as labourers in Chennai instead of going to school. They have been employed to sell different products in busy public places, especially at Marina Beach, which comes under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
These children sell items such as cotton candy, toys, balloons, snacks and other small goods to tourists and visitors. They walk around the beach for long hours every day, trying to sell their products. Many of them work from morning until late at night and earn very little money.
Most of these children come from poor families. Due to financial problems, they are forced to leave school and start working at a young age to support their parents. Some of them have migrated from their villages to cities like Chennai in search of jobs.
One boy said he had dropped out of school and now works full time selling cotton candy. He shared that his employer gives him daily sales targets and scolds him if he fails to meet them. Even though he works hard, he earns only a small monthly income.
The children say they miss their schools, teachers and friends. Many of them still dream of studying and building a better future. However, poverty and lack of support have pushed them into child labour.
Officials say child labour is illegal and harmful to children’s physical and mental health. Social activists are asking the authorities to take action, rescue these children and help them return to school. They believe every child deserves education, safety and a chance for a better life.