Profile of child labor in Indian railways.

Objectives: To determine the socio-medical profile of child workers in Indian railways.

Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal survey over one year. The children up to the age of 14 y entering the reserved second class sleeper compartment of long distance trains in Indian railways were included. The data were collected regarding their profile by the investigators either by interviewing or observation as per situation in the moving train in a predesigned proforma. Data pertaining to the social, demographic and medical aspects were collected.

Results: A total of eighty one children were noted in 22500 kilometers of train journey. Sex distribution (8:1) was unequal with males outnumbering females.

Conclusions: This study, first of its kind, attempted to delineate a distinctive socio-medical profile in a special group of children. It might, on the behalf of social pediatrics, increase the awareness and help the society to formulate a rehabilitation policy in collaboration with national and international organizations.