What are the objectives of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986?

Question: What are the objectives of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986?

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Answer

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 is a law passed by the Indian parliament with the objective of prohibiting the employment of children below the age of 14 years in certain specified hazardous occupations and processes and regulating the working conditions of children in other non-hazardous occupations.

The main objectives of the Act are as follows:

Prohibition of employment of children in certain occupations and processes: The Act prohibits the employment of children in certain occupations and processes that are deemed to be hazardous or harmful to their health, safety, and moral development. These include work in mines, factories, and other hazardous industries.

Regulation of working conditions of children: The Act also seeks to regulate the working conditions of children in non-hazardous occupations. It lays down certain conditions that employers must adhere to when employing children, such as the maximum number of hours that a child can work, the types of work that are suitable for children, and the requirement for medical examinations.

Protection of the rights of children: The Act seeks to protect the rights of children by ensuring that they are not exploited or subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse while working. It also prohibits the employment of children in any work that is likely to interfere with their education or be harmful to their health and development.

Rehabilitation of child labourers: The Act provides for the rehabilitation of child labourers by setting up special schools and vocational training centers to enable them to acquire skills and education that will help them to lead productive and fulfilling life.

One of the most important judgments related to this Act was that of M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu, (AIR 1997 SC 699) case, which was heard by the Supreme Court of India in 1996. In this case, the court ordered the closure of all tanneries operating in Tamil Nadu that employed children below the age of 14 years. The court observed that the employment of children in hazardous occupations was a violation of their fundamental right to life and liberty, as well as their right to education and development. The court also noted that child labour was a social evil that needed to be eradicated through strict enforcement of the law.

The judgment in the M.C. Mehta case was significant because it highlighted the need for strict enforcement of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. It also emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of children and ensuring their proper development and education.

Overall, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 aims to eliminate the practice of child labour in India and promote the welfare of children by ensuring that they can receive an education, develop their skills, and grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

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