Rajya Sabha passes bill on child labour

NEW DELHI, July 19:  The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, which prohibits employment of children below 14 years in all occupations except in family business, with the provision for imprisonment of up to two years for any violation. The bill, which provides for enhanced punishment for violators, was passed by a voice vote. It defines children between 14-18 years as adolescents and says that children should not be employed in any hazardous occupations. The pelty for employing a child has been increased to imprisonment between six months and two years (from three months to one year), or a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 (from Rs 10,000-20,000) or both. (IANS)