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Rajasthan Bans Child Labor: How New Law Protects Children Under 14

The Rajasthan government has taken a significant step toward child welfare by banning employment of children under 14. This new ordinance also raises the apprenticeship age from 12 to 14 years for better protection of minors. Adolescents between 14-18 years are now protected from night work under the strengthened safeguards. The reforms balance worker protection with business needs through extended working hours and enhanced safety measures.

Key Points: Rajasthan Bans Child Labor Under 14 in Shops and Establishments

  • Complete ban on employment of children under 14 in all commercial establishments
  • Apprenticeship age raised from 12 to 14 years for better child protection
  • Night work prohibited for adolescents aged 14-18 to ensure safety
  • Working hours extended to 10 hours daily with 144 hours quarterly overtime limit
  • Enhanced women's safety measures with mandatory PPE and factory training
  • Alignment with national labor reforms while maintaining business flexibility
2 min read

Rajasthan: Children below 14 banned from working in shops and commercial establishments

Rajasthan government prohibits employment of children below 14 in commercial establishments, raises apprenticeship age, and introduces night work restrictions for adolescents.

"The amendments aim to balance business facilitation with worker protection - Chief Minister's Office"

Jaipur, Oct 27

The Rajasthan government has approved the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, prohibiting the employment of children under 14 years of age in shops and commercial establishments.

The move, approved by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, aims to strengthen child welfare, ensure education and health for minors, and align state labour laws with national compliance and safety standards. The Chief Minister’s Office said the amendments aim to balance business facilitation with worker protection, in line with the Union government’s Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Docket.

Key provisions of the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 include a ban on child labour. Children below 14 years of age will no longer be permitted to work in shops or commercial establishments. Also, the apprenticeship age has been revised: the minimum age for apprentices has been raised from 12 years to 14 years.

Night work restrictions for adolescents have been announced under the new provisions, under which individuals aged 14 to 18 years will not be allowed to work at night, while safeguards for young workers have been strengthened.

Working hours have been extended: the maximum daily working hours have been increased from 9 hours to 10 hours, while the maximum overtime limit is now 144 hours per quarter, up from the previous limit. These changes are aimed at improving productivity and operational flexibility while ensuring welfare and health standards for workers.

The earlier Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 allowed adolescents between 12 and 15 years to work a maximum of 3 hours daily; this has now been updated to reflect current welfare and educational priorities.

Special provisions for women’s safety under the Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025 have also been made. The Chief Minister approved amendments to the Rajasthan Factories Rules, expanding employment opportunities for women in specific factory operations while prioritising workplace safety and privacy.

Under the new rules, women (except pregnant or lactating women) can be employed in designated factory sites. Employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory masks, face shields, gloves, heat shields, and other safety gear. Factories are required to ensure safety training for all workers and maintain air quality standards within the workplace.

These amendments reinforce the state government’s commitment to gender inclusion, worker safety, and ease of doing business, while ensuring alignment with national labour reforms, said officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative but what about enforcement? In rural areas, many families depend on children's earnings. Government should also provide support to such families so they don't have to rely on child labor.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in child welfare, I appreciate the comprehensive approach - not just banning child labor but also updating apprenticeship age and night work restrictions. The focus on women's safety in factories is also commendable.
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Vikram M
Increasing working hours to 10 hours daily seems excessive though. While I support the child labor ban, workers' welfare should mean reasonable working hours, not longer ones. This needs reconsideration.
A
Ananya R
Finally! I've seen too many young children working in tea stalls and small shops in Jaipur. Education is their right. Hope other states follow Rajasthan's lead 👏
M
Michael C
The provisions for women's safety with proper PPE and training are excellent. This shows progressive thinking while maintaining practical business needs. Good balance between worker protection and business facilitation.

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