From Labour to Learning: Sanjay’s Journey

From Child Labour to Skilled Work

Sanjay was just 11 when he started working in a factory in Panipat. Every morning, he would pass by a school but instead of going in, he spent his days in a dusty, noisy unit sorting threads, carrying heavy loads, or waiting for orders.

His family had come to Panipat from Bihar in search of work. His father was a carpenter and his mother worked at home.  There wasn’t enough money, so Sanjay had to help by working in the factory even though it was unsafe for children.

It was during a field survey under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) the Ministry of Labour and Employment that we first met Sanjay. But getting him to the centre wasn’t easy. His family was worried about money. The factory owner didn’t want to let go of a good worker. “What will he do there for four hours?” the owner had asked.

But we visited again. Sat with the family. Explained the programme. Eventually, the owner agreed to release Sanjay for a few hours every day.

At the Rehabilitation Centre for Destitute and Migrant Child Labour, Sanjay entered a new world. He was nervous at first. He had never held a pencil, never eaten at a table. With caring teachers, friendly classmates, and the chance to learn new things, he began to open up. He smiled more, asked questions in class, and joined in games. He especially enjoyed the skills sessions.

With support from the program, Sanjay later joined a short-term vocational course. He was placed with Eureka Forbes as a junior technician. Today, he moves around the city doing service calls, carries his tool kit with pride, and earns enough to send money home.

He still visits his old centre sometimes. “I go back to show the younger kids that they can do it too,” he says, with a quiet smile.