Involvement of Rural School Going Children in Agricultural Activities:Causes and Problems

The present study was undertaken in one block of Sangrur district on a sample consisting of 160 (10-14 years old) rural school going children (both boys & girls) engaged in agricultural labour. A Personal Information Sheet was used to assess the demographic profile of the children and a self structured Interview Schedule was used to determine the causes of participation by the children in agricultural activities and problems experienced by them at work and school. Various causes revealed by both girls and boys (100.00%) for their involvement in the agricultural related activities were to earn the livelihood and to carry on their family occupation. Children faced various problems at school and at work due to their involvement in agricultural activities. Most of the boys (97.80%) and girls (75.00%) were unable to cope up with studies due to their engagement in agricultural activities. Boys were found to be having more short of attendance and lack of understanding in school compared to girls. Significant differences were observed in the punishment experienced by both boys and girls at school and boys were more punished physically. Long and no fixed working hours were found to be major problems experienced by both boys and girls at work.