Introduction
Child labour means making children work at an age when they should be in school or playing. It is harmful to their physical and mental growth. To stop this, the Government of India passed the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act in 1986.
Main Objectives of the Act
- To ban children from working in dangerous jobs.
- To regulate the working conditions of children in non-hazardous jobs.
- To protect children’s health, education, and development.
Key Features of the Act
1. Age Limit
Originally, the Act prohibited employment of children below 14 years in hazardous jobs. Later, it was amended to include children below 18 years in certain hazardous occupations.
2. Prohibited Occupations and Processes
The law listed jobs and industries where children cannot be employed at all, like:
- Chemical factories
- Fireworks manufacturing
- Mines
- Glass factories
3. Regulation of Working Conditions
If children are employed in non-hazardous sectors, their working conditions must follow rules like:
- Working hours limited to 3 hours at a stretch.
- Breaks and holidays must be given.
- No night work allowed.
- Proper record of employed children must be maintained.
Amendments in 2016
In 2016, major changes were made to the law through the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act:
- Complete ban on employment of children below 14 years in any occupation or process.
- Children below 14 can work only in family enterprises and after school hours.
- Adolescents (14–18 years) banned from hazardous occupations and processes.
- Stricter punishments for employers violating the law.
- Creation of a special fund for the rehabilitation of rescued children.
Punishment for Violations
- Employers hiring children illegally can face jail (6 months to 2 years) and fines.
- Repeat offenders get stricter punishment.
Support and Implementation
- National Child Labour Project (NCLP): A government scheme to rescue and rehabilitate child labourers.
- Role of NGOs: Organizations help in rescuing children, providing education, and awareness.
Conclusion
The Child Labour Act is an important step towards protecting the rights of children. Every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood. Strict enforcement, public awareness, and support from social workers are needed to make sure children stay in school and not in factories or shops. Ending child labour is essential for building a strong and educated India.