Union Cabinet has approved the ratification of 2 fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization concerning Child Labour.
These are the Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182).
These conventions will now be legally binding.
Minimum Age Convention: No 138
This is concerned with the minimum age for admission to employment
It has been ratified by 169 countries so far.
Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention: No 182
It is concerned with the prohibition and immediate action for elimination of the worst forms of Child Labour.
It has been ratified by 180 countries.
For both strategies, GOI has adopted a multi pronged strategy. This includes the project based approach as well as stringent legislative measures to address concerns pertaining to child labour in the nation.
The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 completely prohibits children employment below 14 years in any occupation or process.
Recent initiatives taken by Government to eradicate child labour also needs to be maintained for elimination of child labour for attainment of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
ILO: Know More- It was established in 1919 as an agency of the League of Nations.
- It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- India is a founder member of the ILO.
- Currently, it has 187 members.
- The principal means of action in the ILO is the setting up of International standards in the form of Conventions, Recommendations and Protocol.
- So far India has ratified 45 Conventions, out of which 42 are in force.
- Out of these 4 are Core or Fundamental or Conventions.
