In order to nurture personal liberty and give protection against discrimination, our constitution led down certain provisions to check on the exploitation of vulnerable sections of society. The provision is made under Article 23.
- Article 23 – Prohibits trafficking in human beings and beggar and other similar forms of forced labour. Any violation of this provision shall be made punishable under the law.
- There is also a special provision made to prevent the exploitation of children in Article 24.
- Article 24 – No child below the age of fourteen years, shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment.
Child Labour Amendment (2016)
- The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act of 2016 amended the 1986 Child Labour Act. The Principal Act has been renamed the Child and Adolescent Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986.
- The Amendment Act makes it illegal to employ children under the age of 14 in any occupation or process. This prohibition previously applied to 18 occupations and 65 processes.
- In addition, the Amendment Act forbids the employment of adolescents (aged 14 to 18) in certain hazardous occupations and processes.
- The Amendment Act also makes the penalties for violators more severe.
- It carries a penalty of 6 months to 2 years in prison, a fine of 20,000 to 50,000 dollars, or both.
- In the case of repeated offences, the sentence ranges from one to three years in prison.
Right Against Exploitation, Right Against Exploitation, Right Against Exploitation
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