Non-compliance with the child labour laws could lead to an imprisonment up to three years and/or fine of Rs 50,000, as per the relevant Bill likely to be passed in the Budget session of Parliament. Currently, the violations of the Child Labour (protection & Regulation) Act, 1986 could result in jail term up to 1 year and a fine of a maximum of Rs 20,000.
The child labour Bill, which prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous occupations, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha in 2012. Incorporating official amendments, the Bill was proposed to be tabled in the last two sessions but that was not to be, due to the face-off between the ruling and Opposition benches.
Offences of employing any child or adolescent in contravention of the Act by an employers has been made cognizable. This provision would act as a deterrent against the offence of employing a child or an adolescent in contravention of the Act,” a labour ministry official said.
Besides, the bill also proposes for constitution of a child and adolescent labour rehabilitation fund for one or more districts of the rehabilitation of the child or adolescent rescued. Thus, the Act itself will provide for a fund to carry out rehabilitation activities.
However, the bill has provided for a couple of exceptions on employing children below 14 years in all occupations and processes. This would not be an offence in cases where the child helps his family or family enterprises, which is other than any hazardous occupations or processes after his school hours or during vacation.
Child below the age of 14 years could also be employed in cases where the child works as an artist in an audiovisual entertainment industry, including advertisement, films, television serials or any such other entertainment or sports activities except the circus or any such work which does not affect the school education of the child.