India Halts Child Labor In Homes, Hotel Industry
Nji Che - All Headline News Staff Writer New Delhi, India (AHN) - India has banned children below the age of 14 from working as servants at hotels, homes, tea shops and restaurants. The Indian Ministry of labor said the ban will go into effect October 10. Punishment for those who defy the new law, by employing children under 14, will range from up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of 20,000 rupees ($427). Reuters quotes a government statement saying, "The committee...(against child labor) while recommending a ban on employing children in these occupations, had said that these children are subjected to physical violence, psychological trauma and, at times, even sexual abuse." The national Technical Advisory Committee on Child Labor wrote in a report published on Tuesday that, "These children are made to work for long hours and are made to undertake various hazardous activities severely affecting their health and psyche." Before the ban, India had a labor ordinance which barred children under 14 from working in certain industries such as those producing fireworks and glass. However, rights activists say the 20-year-old law has not been properly observed because of corruption in the society.
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