Question : CHILD LABOUR IN MSMES

(a)whether the practice of engaging child labourers in different Enterprises/Industries/Factories especially in the factories of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has come to the notice of the Government;

(b)if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c)whether any child labourers working in the factories of MSMEs have been freed during the last three years especially from Rajasthan;

(d)if so, the details thereof during the last three years; and

(e)the action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): As per the data of Census 2011, there are 43.53 lakh working children in age group of 5-14 years in the country. State-wise details of working children are given in Annexure-I. The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 provides for action by the appropriate Government to secure the compliance with its provisions.

(c) to (e): Ministry of Labour & Employment is implementing the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for rehabilitation of child labour rescued/withdrawn from the prohibited occupations and processes which may include factories of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The number of child labourers rescued/ withdrawn from work, rehabilitated and mainstreamed under National Child Labour Project Scheme during the last three years, State-wise, including Rajasthan, are given at Annexure-II.