Rajasthan Bans Child Labour – No Employment of Children Under 14 in Shops
Rajasthan Bans Child Labour through new reforms that prohibit child employment below 14 years and strengthen worker safety and welfare measures.
Rajasthan Bans Child Labour
The Rajasthan government has taken a major step to protect children’s rights by banning the employment of children below 14 years in shops and commercial establishments. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has approved the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. This new law focuses on ensuring that children receive better education, health, and nutrition instead of being forced into labour.
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Rajasthan Introduces New Rules to Stop Child Labour
The newly approved ordinance prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in any shop or commercial establishment across Rajasthan. It also raises the minimum age for apprentices from 12 to 14 years, bringing the state’s rules in line with national child labour laws. According to officials, this reform aims to ensure that every child has access to education and welfare benefits without being forced into work at a young age.
Fresh Provisions Introduced for Young Workers
For adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, the new ordinance introduces stricter safety rules. These young workers are now prohibited from working during night hours, replacing the earlier rule that allowed employment for those aged 12 to 15. This change is designed to protect teenagers from exploitation and unsafe workplaces, especially in industries that operate late at night.
Updated Rules for Working Hours and Overtime
The amendment also brings changes to labour rules for adult workers. It increases the maximum daily working hours from nine to ten and raises the overtime limit to 144 hours per quarter. According to the government, these updates aim to boost productivity and business efficiency while ensuring that worker welfare and safety standards are maintained.
Important Points to Remember
- Employment Ban: Children below 14 years are now prohibited from working in shops and commercial establishments across Rajasthan.
- Apprentice Age Limit: The minimum age for apprentices has been raised from 12 to 14 years, aligning with national child labour laws.
- Adolescent Workers: Teenagers aged 14 to 18 years are not allowed to work during night hours under the new ordinance.
- Overtime Rules: The overtime limit for adult workers has been increased to 144 hours per quarter to improve productivity while maintaining worker welfare.
Workplace Safety and Welfare Measures for Women Employees
Along with the new child labour reforms, the Rajasthan government has approved amendments to the Rajasthan Factories Rules, 2025, allowing women to work in certain factories under strict safety guidelines.
Employers must now provide protective equipment such as face shields, gloves, masks, and heat shields, maintain proper air quality, and conduct mandatory safety training for all women employees. These updates aim to create safer and more inclusive workplaces, strengthening Rajasthan’s labour framework while promoting welfare and industrial growth.
Alignment with National and International Labour Standards
The Rajasthan government’s latest reforms align with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and international conventions set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). These measures reinforce India’s ongoing efforts to eliminate child labour, ensure fair employment practices, and promote a safe working environment for all age groups.
Focus on Education and Social Welfare
By banning child labour, the state aims to increase school attendance and support children’s holistic development through better access to education, health, and nutrition. The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to nurturing a generation focused on learning rather than labour, ensuring equal opportunities for growth and future success.
Government’s Vision for Inclusive Development
These labour reforms reflect Rajasthan’s broader vision of inclusive and sustainable development. By balancing the needs of workers, women, and businesses, the state seeks to create a fair and progressive economy. The amendments emphasize that economic growth and social welfare can move forward together under responsible governance.
Strengthening Child Rights and Workplace Protection
The Rajasthan government’s decision to ban child labour for children below 14 years marks a significant step toward safeguarding childhood and promoting education. By increasing the minimum apprentice age and introducing stricter protections for adolescent workers, the state aims to reduce exploitation and create safer working conditions. Alongside enhanced safety measures for women employees and updated labour regulations, these reforms reflect Rajasthan’s commitment to balancing economic development with social welfare, ensuring that growth is achieved through fair, inclusive, and responsible employment practices.
Summary
Rajasthan has introduced important labour reforms by prohibiting the employment of children below 14 years in shops and commercial establishments. The new ordinance raises the apprentice age limit, strengthens protections for adolescent workers, and improves workplace safety standards for women. These measures align with national labour laws and support the state’s goals of promoting education, protecting worker rights, and encouraging inclusive economic development.
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