The present work, although a pioneering effort is a modest study of problem of child labour in India with special reference to Orissa. The study intends to explore the socio-economic perspective of exploitation and abuse inflicted upon the child labourers manifested in Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Orissa. Besides making a penetrative survey of the problems, the study presents a comprehensive view of legislative policy measures and useful suggestions. The case studies undertaken in the tribal pockets of Orissa, with the help of sample data, bring into light some hitherto unknown facts and useful findings to formulate policy measures to eradicate the problem. Being a serious research work, the work ensures an attractive reading to the scholars and policy makers.