The Centre is planning to bring suitable amendments to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Abolition) Act-1986, said Union Labour Minister, Mr Mallikarjun Kharge.
Speaking after inaugurating Apex Hi-Tech Institute’s new building here in Bangalore, Mr Kharge said the amendment is being brought to ensure children in the 14-18 age group are not employed in any industry.
“This is being done to facilitate and encourage them to attend school and get educated,” he added.
At present, the law restricts it to children below 14 years of age.
“The Centre is committed to protecting the welfare of children. Elimination of child labour is an article of faith and commitment to us,” he said.
The Child Labour (Prohibition and Abolition) Bill is before the Cabinet and is expected to get approved shortly. The Government also plans to bring forward new legislations for the welfare of safai karmacharis (scavengers) and domestic workers.
Mr Kharge said the Government also plans to set up 5,000 Skill Development Centres on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He also said an ESI Medical College and Hospital would come up in Bangalore where 100 students would be admitted. “The college will start functioning this year. The project has been approved,” he said.