⭐ILO and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry have launched a joint initiative to eliminate child labour and forced labour in India’s cotton fields.
⭐The project, titled Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), will target 65 lakh cotton farmers across 11 states.
⭐It aims to promote freedom of association, eliminate discrimination, and create a safe work environment.
⭐The collaboration will provide farmers with information on government schemes, promote financial inclusion, and support education and skill development in cotton-growing communities.
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016
⭐The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 amended the original Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act of 1986.
⭐The Amendment Act provides for complete prohibition on employment or work of children below 14 years and also prohibits employment of adolescents (14-18 years) in hazardous occupations and processes.
⭐A child is permitted to work only to help family, in family enterprise or as child artist after school hours or during vacations.
⭐The offences under the Act have now been made compoundable and cognizable notwithstanding the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code.
⭐It provides for setting up of the Child and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund in which all the amounts of penalty have to be realised.
⭐After strengthening the legislative framework through amendment in Child Labour Act, Government has framed the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017.
⭐The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017 specifies the duties and responsibilities of State Governments and District Authorities to ensure effective enforcement of the provisions of the Act.
.