India’s incense industry moves towards a child labour-free future
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The incense manufacturing industry in India, long associated with concerns over child labour, is witnessing a significant decline in child labour cases, according to a new study.
Conducted by India Child Protection (ICP), the study highlights a positive shift, with the sector moving towards becoming child labour-free in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar.
The study, titled "Fragrance of Agarbatti: A Study on the Extent of Child Labour in India’s Incense Stick Manufacturing Industry", reveals that 82% of respondents reported not having witnessed any child labour in the sector, while only 8% stated they had. This research was carried out in partnership with Just Rights for Children (JRC), a network of over 200 NGOs across 416 districts working on child protection and rights.
While the overall trend is encouraging, the study found some regional differences in responses:
- Bihar: 96% of respondents said they had not seen child labour in incense factories.
- Andhra Pradesh: 77% reported no instances of child labour in their locality.
- Karnataka: 61% of respondents stated they had not witnessed child labour in incense stick production.
The study gathered data through on-ground visits, community engagement, and stakeholder consultations in key districts, including Chikkaballapur and Kolar in Karnataka, Gaya in Bihar, and several districts in Andhra Pradesh such as Alluri Seetha Rama Raju, Anakapalli, Chittoor, and Sri Satya Sai.
Ravi Kant, National Convenor of Just Rights for Children, called the findings a strong indicator of India’s progress in eliminating child labour.
"This study reflects the success of recent policy initiatives and the government’s commitment to ending child labour. However, sustained efforts from all stakeholders - including government agencies, civil society, and industry leaders - are essential to ensuring a completely child labour-free future," he stated.
Despite this progress, researchers continue to raise concerns about health risks associated with incense manufacturing. Exposure to toxic chemicals, dust, and heavy metals in the production process has been linked to respiratory issues, neurological effects, cardiovascular problems, and even long-term health risks such as cancer.