An analysis of the latest Census data by NGO CRY (Child Rights and You) reveals that one in every three child labourers in the state within the said age group is illiterate.
Even for children who support their families by working for less than six months in a year, a very common feature in the state, the situation is bleak, said the report.
As findings point out, a whopping 48 per cent of these marginal workers have compromised their education.
A district-level analysis of the state scenario shows that illiteracy among working children is highest in North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad districts with an average of 40 per cent followed by Purulia with a comparatively lower 30.3 per cent.
However, districts like East Medinipur, Kolkata, Howrah and North 24 Parganas fare better with less than 15 per cent illiteracy, the report said.