Discuss the rules relating to the employment of children and adolescents under the Factories Act.

Question: Discuss the rules relating to the employment of children and adolescents under the Factories Act.

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Answer

The Employment of Children and Adolescents is regulated by the Factories Act, 1948 in India. The Act lays down several rules and regulations to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of children and adolescents who work in factories.

According to Section 67, a child who has not completed his fourteenth year of age, shall not be employed in any factory.

Condition for the Employment of Children and Adolescents in any factory:

According to Section 68, children completing their fourteenth year or an adolescent, shall not be required to work in any factory unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

(i) the manager of the factory has obtained a certificate of fitness granted to such a young person under Section 69;

(ii) while at work, such child or adolescent carries a token giving reference to such certificate.

Here's an overview of the rules relating to the employment of children and adolescents under the Factories Act:

i. Age Limit: The Factories Act prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory. However, children above the age of 14 years but below the age of 18 years can be employed subject to certain conditions.

ii. Working Hours: Children below the age of 15 years cannot be employed in any factory. Adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 years can work for a maximum of 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week. They are also prohibited from working between 7 pm and 6 am.

iii. Health and Safety: Factories employing adolescents must ensure that the work environment is safe and healthy. They must provide protective equipment and clothing to protect them from occupational hazards. They must also ensure that the work is not harmful to their health or development.

iv. Medical Examination: Every adolescent employed in a factory must be examined by a qualified medical practitioner before joining work. Subsequent Medical Examinations must be carried out at least once every 12 months.

v. Welfare Facilities: Factories employing adolescents must provide adequate welfare facilities, such as clean drinking water, sanitary facilities, and a first-aid kit.

vi. Certificate of Fitness: Every adolescent who is employed in a factory must obtain a certificate of fitness from a registered medical practitioner. The certificate should state that the adolescent is fit for the work that he/she is to undertake in the factory.

vii. Register of Adolescent Workers: The factory must maintain a register of all adolescent workers, which should contain details such as their name, age, address, and the nature of work they are engaged in.

It is important for factories to comply with these rules and regulations to ensure the safety and welfare of children and adolescents who work on their premises. Failure to comply with these rules can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment.