Vidhi Codex

Child & Adolescent Labour (Prohibition) Act, 1986

The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

Labour198630 sections4 chapters

The Child and Adolescent Labour Act protects young people in India by prohibiting children under 14 from working in any occupation, though they may help non-hazardous family enterprises after school hours. It also bans adolescents aged 14 to 18 from dangerous jobs involving mines, inflammable substances, or explosives. For permitted work, the Act strictly regulates an adolescent’s working hours, rest periods, and health conditions. This law matters because it prioritizes education and shields youth from exploitation. Violators face imprisonment or heavy fines, with collected penalties funding the rehabilitation and future welfare of rescued children.

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Part I PRELIMINARY

  1. 1Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. 2Definitions.

Part II PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS AND PROCESSES

  1. 3Prohibition of employment of children in any occupation and process.
  2. 3AProhibition of employment of adolescents in certain hazardous occupations and processes.
  3. 4Power to amend the Schedule.
  4. 5Technical Advisory Committee.

Part III REGULATION OF CONDITIONS OF WORK OF CHILDREN

  1. 6Application of Part
  2. 7Hours and period of work
  3. 8Weekly holidays
  4. 9Notice to Inspector
  5. 10Disputes as to age
  6. 11Maintenance of register
  7. 12Display of notice containing abstract of sections 3A and 14
  8. 13Health and safety

Part IV MISCELLANEOUS

  1. 14Penalties
  2. 14AOffences to be Congnizable
  3. 14BChild and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund
  4. 14CRehabilitation of rescued child or adolescent
  5. 14DCompounding of offences
  6. 15Modified application of certain laws in relation to penalties
  7. 16Procedure relating to offences
  8. 17Appointment of Inspectors
  9. 17ADistrict Magistrate to implement the provisions
  10. 17BInspection and monitoring
  11. 18Power to make rules
  12. 19Rules and notifications to be laid before Parliament or State legislature
  13. 20Certain other provisions of law not barred.
  14. 21Power to remove difficulties.
  15. 22Repeal and savings.
  16. 23Repealed.

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