On 13.05.2015, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, gave approval for moving official amendments to the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012. The Official Amendments along with the Amendment Bill 2012 proposes to make the following salient amendments to the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986:-
1. Prohibition of employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes, except- a) where the child helps his family or family enterprises, which is other than any hazardous occupations or processes set forth in the Schedule, after his school hours or during vacations; b) where the child works as an artist in an audio-visual entertainment industry, including advertisement, films, television serials or any such other entertainment or sports activities except the circus, subject to such conditions and safety measures, as may be prescribed and provided that such work does not affect the school education of the child.
The proposed amendment has been made keeping in mind the country’s social fabric and socio-economic conditions.
2. Introduction of new definition of adolescent in the CLPR Act and prohibition of employment of adolescents (10 to 18 years of age) in hazardous occupations and processes, in order to protect adolescents from the employment not suitable to their age.
3. Stricter punishment for employers for violation of the Act has been proposed to act as a deterrent.
4. Offence of employing any child or adolescent in contravention of the Act by an employer has been made cognizable.
5. Taking a realistic view of the socio-economic conditions of the parents/guardians, there would be no punishment for violation of the provisions in case of a first offence by the parents/guardians, and in case of a second and subsequent offence, the penalty would be a fine which may extend to Rs.10,000.
6. Constitution of Child and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund for one or more districts for the rehabilitation of the child or adolescent rescued. Thus, the Act itself will provide for a fund to carry out rehabilitation activities.
-Press Information Bureau
