On June 12, the world observes the International Day Against Child Labour. This day reminds us of the importance of ending child labour to secure the future of our children. In Gujarat, authorities have taken significant steps to combat child labour. Over the past five years, 616 children have been rescued from various forms of labour, and hefty fines have been imposed on those who employ them. The Labour Commissioner’s office has conducted more than 4,800 raids, freeing 455 child workers and 161 young workers. In total, over ₹72.88 lakh has been collected in fines from employers who violate child labour laws.
India has strict laws against child labour, especially concerning hazardous industries. The Constitution of India, under Article 23, prohibits the employment of children in dangerous jobs. In Gujarat, the Labour Department has been active in enforcing these laws. Between January 2020 and April 2025, the state conducted numerous raids, resulting in the rescue of 616 children from exploitative working conditions.
The government has filed 791 criminal cases against offenders and registered 339 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the relevant laws. These efforts highlight the seriousness of the issue and the commitment to tackling it.
Every year, June 12 marks the International Day Against Child Labour, a day established to raise awareness about the plight of child workers. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act was first passed in India in 1986. This act prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 in any work. It also sets regulations for young workers aged 14 to 18, allowing them to work only in non-hazardous jobs under specific conditions.
In 2016, the Act was amended and renamed the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Gujarat is the only state that has made significant changes to the penalties for violating this law. Offenders now face imprisonment of six months to two years or fines ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹100,000. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, with potential sentences of one to three years.
To enforce child labour laws effectively, the government has established special task forces in every district. These task forces, led by the district collector, hold regular meetings and plan raids to rescue child workers. After their rescue, children receive rehabilitation support, including shelter in children’s homes. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) oversees the well-being of these children and, after thorough checks, ensures they are reconnected with their families.
For children from outside Gujarat, the CWC works with their home states to ensure safe reunification with their families. All rescued children are enrolled in schools based on their age. If their parents lack stable income sources, the district industry centre offers various employment schemes to empower families economically.
This year, the theme for the International Day Against Child Labour is “Safe and Healthy Generation.” The focus is on improving the safety and health of young workers and eradicating all forms of child labour. Authorities in Gujarat hope that through continuous efforts, child labour will become a thing of the past. The state’s commitment to eradicating child labour is evident, and with the support of communities, there is hope for a brighter future for all children.
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