Analysis of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act

Child labour in India is not just a legal issue—it is a social and economic reality that continues despite clear constitutional promises and statutory prohibitions. This article examines the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, along with its 2016 Amendment, tracing the shift from limited regulation to a more explicit ban on child labour. It highlights how the law attempts to balance protection with ground realities such as poverty, informal work, and family-based occupations. While the amended framework strengthens penalties and aligns with the right to education and dignity, significant gaps remain in enforcement, interpretation of exceptions, and rehabilitation efforts. The paper argues that the persistence of child labour reflects not weak law, but weak implementation and structural challenges. Ultimately, it questions whether legal reform alone can protect childhood without parallel social and economic support systems.