While child rights activists have been demanding a complete prohibition of child labour, the government said "it would be prudent to also keep in mind the country's social fabric and socio-economic conditions" before taking any such decision".
However, the new amendments propose to make child labour a cognizable offence, while punishment has been increased for those employing children below the age of 14 years in violation of the law. They would face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 50,000 for each offence under the new law, after it gets passed in Parliament.
These provisions are part of the 'the official amendments to the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Bill', which would make changes to the nearly 30-year-old law and was today approved at a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning.
The amendments were, however, criticised by activists and opposition. Congress leader Ahmed Patel tweeted: "Government's move to partially legitimize child labour is a retrograde step. It violates right to eduction and defeats our aspirations to be a just society."
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Also, the prohibition has been extended to all kinds of employment, with the exception of non-hazardous family enterprises, entertainment industry (including films, ads and TV serials) and sporting events (except circus), from the 18 occupations and 65 processes specified under the current law.
Justifying the exceptions to the complete ban on child labour, the government said, "In a large number of families, children help their parents in their occupations like agriculture, artisanship etc and while helping the parents, children also learn the basics of occupations."