Abolition of Child Labour

A proposal for amendments in the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 to make it more effective, is under consideration with the Government. The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012 has been placed in the Parliament and is presently under examination with Parliamentary Standing Committee. The Amendment Bill inter-alia covers (i) complete prohibition on employment of children below 14 years and linking the age of the prohibition with the age under Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, (ii) prohibition of working of Adolescents (14 to 18 years)in Mines, Explosives and hazardous occupations set forth in the Factories Act, 1948, (iii) more strict punishment to the offenders and making the offences under the Act cognizable.

The Government is implementing National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for the rehabilitation of children withdrawn from hazardous occupations and processes. Ministry of Labour & Employment in consultation with other Ministries is considering to review the Scheme for making it more child friendly.