Workplace standards in UP to be elevated for adolescent workers, weekly paid holidays & more

With an aim to expunge child labour and ensure the overall welfare of adolescents, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a set of rules. The regulations, in sync with various amendments to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, seek to safeguard young workers.

Under these proposed provisions, adolescents will not be allowed to handle weight more than 10 kgs and, in other news, paid weekly holidays will be provided to young workers. The former precautionary measure will be intended towards preventing any injury to young workers, while the latter is meant to offer relaxation and time off for de-stressing.

Moreover, this paid weekly holiday will ensure the worker's right to taking time off. In the education domain, rules have been set regarding the absenteeism of a child. As per the proposed regulations, school principals will be mandated to report the absence of a child from school for consecutive 30 days to the relevant nodal officer. This will ensure that the child's educational interests are protected.

“This provision will ensure that educational interests of adolescent workers are protected, and any prolonged absence triggers appropriate intervention since a long absence of a child from the school will be seen as the possibility of a young student being a potential child worker,” an official explained.

In order to spread the word, awareness campaigns, via media platforms, are in the pipeline for employers, workers and general public. Additionally, the government is also keen on setting up a Child and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund. Much like a savings account for youngsters, this measure, with clear guidelines on crediting, depositing and investing, will help workers handle money more efficiently.

Discussions around improving working conditions, keeping in mind cleanliness, ventilation, lighting and safety of a workplace, have also been considered. Employers with adolescents, even in non-hazardous spaces, have been ordered to uphold health, hygiene and safety standards.

The draft rules are currently open for public opinions and suggestions in the next 45 days and one can submit their feedback for the same.