Taking an important step towards stopping child labor in the state, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s government has approved the ‘Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Ordinance 2025’. With this decision of the government, now children below 14 years of age will not be employed in any form in any shop, business establishment, company or institution in the state.
According to the notification issued by the government, this ordinance will be implemented soon and there is a provision for strict punishment and fine for violation of its provisions. This step reflects the strict policy of the Rajasthan government against child labour.
Minimum age of trainee increased from 12 to 14 years
According to the amendment made in the ordinance, now the minimum age limit for hiring any child as a trainee or intern has been increased from 12 years to 14 years. This means that now children below 14 years of age will not be able to be appointed as any kind of training, internship or trainee.
The government says that this amendment will not only prevent child labour, but will also give children an opportunity to focus on education. The state government has said it is in accordance with the Child Protection and Right to Education Act (RTE Act).
Strictness on safety of teenage workers also
Special provisions have also been added to the ordinance for adolescents aged 14 to 18 years. Now teenagers of this age group will not be made to work in night shifts. Earlier this age limit was 12 to 15 years, which has now been increased to 14 to 18 years.
The government says that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of physical and mental health of teenagers. Labor Department officials said that working in night shifts has an adverse effect on the education and health of teenagers, hence this provision has been made mandatory.
Main provisions of the ordinance:
Children below 14 years of age will not be able to work in any shop, business establishment or company.
Children below 14 years of age will not be allowed to be employed as trainees or on internships.
Adolescents aged between 14 to 18 years will not be made to work in night shifts (7 pm to 6 am).
Violation of the provisions will attract fines and legal action.
State government statement
The Labor Minister said that this ordinance will prove to be a milestone in the direction of eradication of child labor in the state. He said, “Our aim is to ensure that no child in the state spends his childhood working as a labourer, but takes advantage of opportunities for education and development.”
Social organizations welcomed
Organizations and social workers associated with child rights have welcomed this step of the government. He says that in Rajasthan, a large number of children are still engaged in small jobs in rural and semi-urban areas. This ordinance will not only provide legal protection but will also give a strong basis to the administration to take action.