The fine for employing children under the age of 16 is set to increase tenfold after amendment is passed in Parliament

The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today without a vote.

The key amendment to the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956, is the tenfold increase for fines for employing children under the age of 16.

A person convicted under this amended law will be fined Rs. 100,000 for this offence, a significant increase from the previous fine amount of Rs. 10,000.

Background

The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No. 47 of 1956 prohibits the employment of children below the age of 16.

The Bill that was passed on Thursday (August 20) amends the fines stipulated in Sections 7(3), 13(2), and 20(a)(3) of the Act.

Section 7(3) restricts the employment of young persons – defined as individuals between 16 and 18 years of age – in industrial undertakings or during night hours.

Section 13(2) covers the general prohibition against employing children under 16 years of age, while Section 20A(3) prohibits employing young persons (under 18 years of age) in recognized hazardous occupations.

All three violations will now carry an increased maximum fine of Rs. 100,000 for persons convicted under the Act.

These offences also carry a potential prison term not exceeding 12 months, or both a fine and imprisonment.

Additionally, the court may, at its discretion, order the offender to pay compensation to the affected child or young person.