Question : Eradication of Child Labour

(a) whether despite stringent Child Labour laws Child Labour is still prevalent in various parts of the country including factories of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to make amendments in Child Labour laws including fixing of accountability of labour officials with a view to ensuring the enrolment of each and every child in school;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the measures undertaken by the Government to eradicate child labour in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): Child Labour is an outcome of various social economic problems such as poverty, economic backwardness, lack of access to basic services, illiteracy, etc. The number of main workers in the age group of 5-14 years in the country is 43.53 lakh as per 2011 Census. The State-wise details is given at Annexure-I.


(c) to (e): Government has enacted the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 which came into force w.e.f. 1.9.2016. The Amendment Act inter alia provides for complete prohibition of work or employment of children below 14 years in any occupation and process and prohibition of adolescents in the age group of 14 to 18 years in hazardous occupations and processes. The Amendment Act also provides stricter punishment for employers for violation of the Act and has made the offence as cognizable.
After strengthening the legislative framework through amendment in Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, the Government has framed the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017 which inter alia specifies the duties and responsibilities of State Governments and District Authorities to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act. Government has also devised a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as a ready reckoner for trainers, practitioners and enforcing and monitoring agencies.
Government is also implementing the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for rehabilitation of child labour. Under the Scheme children in the age group of 9-14 years, rescued/withdrawn from work are enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, mid day meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system.
Further to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 and smooth implementation of the NCLP Scheme a separate online portal PENCIL (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) has been developed.

* ******