Children s Work Activities, Surplus Labour and Fertility-Case Study of Six Villages in Birbhum

Real gains from a large number of children depend crucially on the amount of land owned by the family and off-farm job opportunities. Since both are available in negligible amount, children's participation in productive work not only disguises surplus labour but also substitutes adult work-hours, thus in no way alleviating household poverty. In fact, on the basis of a survey, the article notices a concealed need for fertility regulation among poor couples, and suggests dissemination of knowledge and delivery of family control methods at affordable price.