With Lok Sabha passing the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill ways have been cleared for trial of children aged between 16 to 18 years as adults for heinous crimes with government taking stand for providing a fine balance so that no injustice was done to innocent children. This is welcome move especially clearing the ambiguity. On the other hand there is another segment where government has to come with some stern measures. The menace is prevalent from domestic to commercial sectors. If the move as envisaged by the government becomes a reality the relief would be for the large child labour force prevalent in the society. The Govt is planning to seek complete ban on child labour up to 14 years of age with a clause that employment will only be allowed in family enterprises after school hours. The improved Act will also prohibit employing 14 and 18 years old in hazardous industry. The legislation proposes no penalty for parents for the first time but repeated offence may attract fine with imprisonment. Though these suggestions by the Govt look very positive but despite legislation banning child labour the menace is prevalent and what is the guarantee that the new legislation would be able to put a check on the social evil. Even the legislation is open to abuse at many stages. The new legislation emphasising the involvement of children in family run business after school hours stresses the importance of education especially elementary education guaranteed under the Right to Education Act. The very purpose is to have an educated class of labour who understands their rights and happenings in and around. Where as in earlier days children involved in labour never got this opportunity to expand their knowledge base to make them more contributory to the society. Thus a complete ban on child labour up to 14 years of age will surely give a better chance of living for these innocents.
