Child and Adolescent Labour in India: Legal Framework, Permitted Work, and Protections

Child labour is a critical issue, and India has strict laws to protect children and adolescents from exploitation. The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended in 2016, provides a comprehensive legal framework prohibiting employment in hazardous work while allowing limited non-hazardous family-based work.

Definitions of Child and Adolescent under the law

• Child: Any person below 14 years of age

• Adolescent: Any person aged 14 to 18 years

The law applies differently to children and adolescents, especially regarding types of work, working conditions, and hours permitted.

Permitted and Prohibited Work

Prohibited Employment for Children (Below 14 Years)

Children cannot be employed in:

• Factories, mines, or hazardous industries (listed in Schedule 1 of the Act)

• Work involving firearms, explosives, or hazardous chemicals

• Commercial establishments outside family-run enterprises

• Work that interferes with education or is injurious to health, safety, or morals

  
  

Permitted Work for Children

Children may perform light work only in:

• Family enterprises (shops, farms, or small businesses)

• Cultural, artistic, or educational activities, such as acting or modelling, complying with child protection rules

All work must be non-hazardous, not interfere with school, and support healthy development.

Adolescent Employment (14–18 Years)

Adolescents may work in non-hazardous occupations with these conditions:

• Maximum working hours: 6 hours/day

• No night shifts: Work prohibited between 7 PM – 8 AM

• Weekly rest: Minimum 1 full day per week

• Mandatory breaks for meals and rest

Hazardous occupations (mining, explosives, chemical manufacturing) remain prohibited

Schedule 1 of the Act lists all hazardous occupations, and adolescents cannot be employed in these.

Working Conditions

Employers of adolescents must ensure:

• Safe and healthy workplace conditions

• Maintaining records of adolescent employees (name, age, hours, type of work)

• Compliance with Section 7 & 8 of the Act regarding hours, breaks, and rest intervals

  
  

Penalties for Violations

The Act imposes strict penalties to deter exploitation:

●      Employing a child (<14 years) in prohibited work:

○      Fine: ₹50,000 (first offence)

○      Imprisonment: Up to 2 years

●      Employing a child/adolescent in hazardous work:

○      Fine: ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000 (repeat offences)

○      Imprisonment: Up to 2 years for repeated violations

●      Failure to maintain records: Punishable under law

Enforcement is carried out by Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) and State Labour Authorities.

Reporting Violations

Citizens can report child labour through:

●      Labour Inspectors at district or state levels

●      District Child Protection Units (DCPU)

●      Childline helpline: 1098

●      NGOs and government bodies may assist in rescue and rehabilitation

Evidence such as photographs, employment records, and witness statements strengthens complaints.

Conclusion

India has made child labour largely illegal in hazardous occupations, while allowing limited, non-hazardous work for family enterprises or cultural purposes. The law carefully distinguishes between children (<14 years) and adolescents (14–18 years), emphasizing education, health, and safety over employment.

Awareness is critical:

• Employers must comply with legal norms

• Parents and guardians must protect children from exploitative work

• Citizens must report violations to uphold the law

Understanding the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended, helps ensure children are protected, educated, and given a safe environment to grow.