The reports received from the State Governments indicate that there are some cases of children working in the hybrid cotton fields where children were found to be mostly working with their parents.
As per the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, employment of children is presently not prohibited in cotton fields.
However, the State Governments have taken steps to ensure that children do not work on processes involving handling of pesticides in the hybrid cotton fields.
Government is regularly monitoring the enforcement of Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 by the States. In order to step up enforcement of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, a fortnight long nation-wide 'Enforcement Drive against Child Labour' was launched by the Government on 14th November 2007.
During this period, the State Governments had been specifically directed to conduct inspections/raids and also launch awareness campaign against child labour.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Oscar Fernandes (Independent Charge) in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Press Information Bureau Government of India
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