A growing phenomenon is using children as domestic workers in urban areas. The argument for domestic work is often that families have placed their children in these homes for care and employment. The conditions in which children work is completely unregulated and they are often made to work without food, and very low wages, resembling situations of slavery.

There are cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse of child domestic workers. There has been a recent notification by the Ministry of Labour making child domestic work as well as employment of children in dhabas, tea stalls and restaurants “hazardous” occupations.