Complete Ban on Child Labour in Hazardous Industries

CNN Central News & Network – ITDC India Epress / ITDC News, Bhopal:

A complete ban has been enforced in the state on the employment of children aged 14 to 18 years in hazardous industries and processes. Assistant Labour Commissioner Rakhi Joshi informed that under the Labour Star Rating System, if any institution is found employing child labour or bonded labour, it will be awarded zero marks under the zero-tolerance policy. Necessary instructions in this regard have been issued to all labour officials across Madhya Pradesh.

At the same time, institutions that do not employ child or bonded labour will be encouraged for labour star ratings, even if there are minor shortcomings in other parameters. Continuous efforts are being made by the Labour Department under the VEDA initiative to eliminate child labour. Under this initiative, review meetings are regularly conducted to monitor cases.

Additionally, complaints received on the Child Helpline number 1098 Child Helpline are being resolved promptly. This helpline operates 24×7 and plays a crucial role in addressing cases related to child labour.

Under legal provisions, strict penalties have been prescribed for child and bonded labour. As per the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, offenders may face a fine ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 and imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years. Similarly, under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, there is a provision for imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine.

For the rehabilitation of bonded labourers, financial assistance is being provided under the Central Government’s 2021 scheme. Under this scheme, adult males are provided ₹1 lakh, women workers and orphaned children ₹2 lakh, and victims of exploitation or human trafficking up to ₹3 lakh.

In addition, a corpus fund has been established in each district for rehabilitation, ensuring that affected individuals receive adequate support and assistance.