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Cabinet approves ratification of Minimum Age Convention, 1973 and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 of ILO
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of two fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation, namely, Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) concerning minimum age for admission to employment and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182) concerning the prohibition and immediate action for elimination of the worst forms of child labour such as slavery, prostitution, etc. While India has been in agreement with the latter convention in principle, it is one of only seven countries that have not ratified it. .
Ratification of these conventions is likely to bring significant changes to the legal framework on child labour in India, as these conventions would obligate the government to set 15 as the minimum age for admission into employment, instead of the current 14. Furthermore, light work in family based establishments would be permissible only for 13-15 year olds.