Several school children aged between 12 and 14 from districts like Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh are working as labourers in Chennai instead of going to school. They have been employed to sell different products in busy public places, especially at Marina Beach, which comes under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). These children sell items such as cotton candy, toys, balloons, snacks and other small goods to tourists and visitors. The children say they miss their schools, teachers and friends. Officials say child labour is illegal and harmful to children’s physical and mental health.