Question : Adolescents in Hazardous Jobs

(a) whether the Government is aware of the findings of the World Report on Child Labour 2015, recently published by the International Labour Organisation which has identified India with the highest number of adolescents (aged 15-17 years) employed in hazardous jobs, at 2.4 million;
(b) if so, whether the Government is considering to introduce stringent rules for eliminating employment of adolescents in hazardous jobs by bringing amendment in the Child Labour (Prevention and Regulation) Act, including extending the benefit of compulsory education to adolescents;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)
(a): The World Report on Child Labour 2015 has been published by the International Labour Organization.
(b) & (c): The Government has introduced a Bill in Rajya Sabha to amend the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 which alongwith the proposed Official Amendments, inter-alia, covers prohibition of employment of adolescent (14 to 18 years) in hazardous occupations and processes. The Bill also provides for punishment for employing adolescent in contravention of the provisions of the Act and creation of a Child and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund for rehabilitation of child and adolescent.
(d): Does not arise, in view of answer to (b) & (c) above.
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