In a significant step toward the enforcement and modernization of child labour laws, the Labour Department of the Union Territory of Chandigarh has released the draft “Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Chandigarh Rules, 2025”. These rules have been framed under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 and aim to reinforce safeguards for children and adolescents involved in labour.
The draft rules are now open for public comment for 30 days from the date of official publication (SEPTEMBER 8, 2025).
📌 Highlights of the Notification:
✅ Public Review Period
- All stakeholders, including citizens, NGOs, educational institutions, and businesses, are invited to submit suggestions or objections.
- Feedback must be sent in writing or via email to:
📧 alcld-chd@chd.nic.in
✅ Access to Draft Rules
- The complete draft rules are available online at:
🔗 https://chandigarh.gov.in/information/public-notices
🔗 https://labour.chd.gov.in
⚖️ Key Provisions in the Draft Rules
👶 Definition Clarity & Family Work Provisions
- Children may assist in non-hazardous family enterprises, under strict conditions:
- Not during school hours
- No more than 3 hours/day
- No tasks that hinder education
- Work not in exchange for payment
- Must not substitute adults
🎭 Working as an Artist
- Children allowed to work in audio-visual media, TV, and cultural activities, subject to:
- Max 5 hours/day, 3 hours without rest
- Mandatory parental consent
- Undertaking from producer
- 20% of earnings to be fixed deposit in child’s name
- Educational continuity to be ensured
📚 School Absenteeism Reporting
- If a child is absent for 30 days from school without intimation, the Principal must report to the nodal officer.
💼 Employer Responsibilities
- Must maintain registers of adolescent workers
- Obtain age certificate if child’s age is in doubt
- Responsible for medical age verification costs
🏦 Rehabilitation Fund
- A Child and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund is created.
- Children rescued from illegal work will receive funds (including interest) when they turn 18.
- Funded by fines, court orders, or donations.
🔍 Enforcement Mechanisms
👮 Role of Inspectors
- Periodic inspections required in hazardous sectors
- Must report findings quarterly
- Must comply with Chandigarh & Central Government norms
🧑⚖️ District Magistrate’s Role
- Heads Task Force for rescue and rehabilitation
- Authorizes age certification and compounding of offences
- Oversees public awareness campaigns
🛑 Penalties & Compounding Offences
- First-time offenders or parents/guardians may apply for compounding with reduced penalties.
- Offences not compounded within the allowed time will face full legal proceedings.
📢 Public Awareness Campaigns Planned
The rules mandate proactive outreach including:
- TV, radio, print, and internet campaigns
- Posters and info at railway stations, malls, bus stands, police stations, etc.
- Inclusion in school curricula and training academies
📅 What’s Next?
📝 Submit Your Feedback Within 30 Days
Stakeholders and citizens are encouraged to actively participate by submitting their views to ensure the rules are robust and community-supported.
Send suggestions to:
The Labour Department
Labour Welfare Centre Building, Sector 30-B
Union Territory, Chandigarh
📧 alcld-chd@chd.nic.in
🧭 Conclusion
The draft “Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Chandigarh Rules, 2025” marks a progressive move to align regional regulations with modern standards of child welfare and international labor rights. Stakeholder engagement is now crucial to finalize and implement these vital protections effectively.