Good Intentions Are Not Enough

Whatever the intent of the Government, some of the changes the Union Cabinet has approved for India’s Child Labour Act could prove counter- productive. While it has approved a ban on employment of children below 14, it also offered a caveat that children can pursue family businesses, entertainment and sports activities after school or during vacation. The penalty provisions for employing a child have been increased to a jail term of three years and a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Some changes could be in contravention of the Right to Education Act.

The Centre has introduced a new definition of ‘adolescent’ to prohibit employment of those aged 14-18 years in hazardous jobs, but the amendments of the Child Labour Act have relaxed the penal provisions for guardians who were earlier subject to the same punishment applicable to employers of children. This could help parents pushing their little ones into traditional caste- ordained jobs escape the rap.

Child labourminimum agenew lawParliament