Child Labour Act

What is Child Labour?

Child labour refers to the engagement of children below a certain age in any economic activity for pay or otherwise. It deprives children of their childhood, education, and basic rights, often exposing them to hazardous working conditions and physical, mental, and emotional harm.

What is the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act?

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act was passed in 1986. This landmark Act prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in any occupation and restricts adolescents (14-18 years) from hazardous occupations listed in a Schedule. It also regulates working hours, rest periods, and health examinations for non-hazardous work permitted for adolescents. This Act forbids employing kids under 14 in any job and limits teenagers (14-18 years) from being involved in risky jobs listed in a schedule. It also controls work hours, breaks, and health check-ups for non-hazardous jobs allowed for teenagers.

State the main causes of Child Labour in India.

The main causes of child labour in India are:

• Poverty and financial instability

• Lack of Quality education

• Demand for cheap labour

What steps are being taken in India to address child labour?

The steps being taken to address child labour in India are: a. National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Provides vocational training and rehabilitation support to rescued children. b. Right to Education Act (RTE): Makes education free and compulsory for children aged 6-14, aiming to reduce the need for child labour. c. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Offers early childhood care and education, potentially diverting children from labour.

What are the international laws on child labour?

The International Laws on Child Labour are: a. ILO Convention No. 138: Sets the minimum age for employment at 14 years and prohibits hazardous work for adolescents. b. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: Recognizes the right of every child to be protected from economic exploitation and harmful work.

Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act is an Indian law that prohibits the employment of children in certain occupations and regulates the conditions of work of children in certain other employments. The Act defines a child as a person who has not completed 14 years of age. It prohibits private, government, or semi-government companies, organisations, civil departments, or a child’s family from employing a child or adolescent in any occupation or process. The Act also lays down enhanced penalties for the employment of children in violation of its provisions and other Acts that forbid the employment of children.