National Child Labour Project (NCLP)

Completed Programme (2011–2021)

Bringing Children from Labour to Learning

Every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow and build a brighter future. Unfortunately, many children from economically vulnerable families are forced into child labour due to poverty, social circumstances and lack of access to education.

To address this challenge, PAHAL became an implementation partner under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) in 2011 and successfully implemented the programme in Bhagat Singh Colony, Jalandhar until 2021.

The National Child Labour Project was a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, aimed at identifying children engaged in labour, withdrawing them from work and preparing them for mainstream education through Special Training Centres. Under the scheme, children withdrawn from labour were provided with bridge education, vocational exposure, nutrition, healthcare support and a monthly stipend before being integrated into the formal education system.

PAHAL operated two batches comprising approximately 50 children each, providing educational and developmental support to children between the ages of 7 and 14 years, and in some cases even younger children who were outside the formal education system.

A Holistic Approach to Education

The programme went beyond just literacy. In keeping with PAHAL’s philosophy of holistic development, children received support that addressed their educational, nutritional, social and personal development needs.

The programme included:

• Bridge education up to Class V level
• Preparation for mainstream school enrolment
• Individual academic support
• Daily nutritious meals prepared at the centre
• School uniforms, bags and stationery
• Health and hygiene awareness
• Art, painting and creative activities
• Dance and cultural activities
• Environmental education and tree plantation activities
• Life skills and personality development

Volunteers from diverse backgrounds regularly contributed their time and expertise, helping children discover new talents and interests while building confidence and self-esteem.

Working with Families

A key component of the programme involved engaging with parents and families. The PAHAL team regularly interacted with parents to create awareness about the importance of education and encourage long-term school enrolment.

These efforts helped many families recognize education as a pathway towards breaking the cycle of poverty and creating better opportunities for their children.

Impact and Legacy

For a decade, the programme provided vulnerable children with access to education, nutrition, care and opportunities that might otherwise have remained out of reach.

Although the National Child Labour Project was discontinued by the Government of India and merged with the Samagra Shiksha framework, the need for educational support among underprivileged children continued to exist. Recognizing this gap, PAHAL decided to continue its mission independently through a new initiative that would later become Umang School (link to umang school page) .

The legacy of NCLP lives on through the hundreds of children who received educational opportunities and through the continued efforts of PAHAL to support children from vulnerable communities.

Programme Partner

Implemented by PAHAL under the National Child Labour Project of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.