The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, amends the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. The amendment aligns the legislation with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. It introduces a complete ban on child labour in all sectors while regulating adolescent labour.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
The 2016 Amendment prohibits the employment of children (defined as persons below 14 years of age) in all occupations and processes. The previous 1986 Act banned child labour only in specified hazardous occupations. The amended Act allows exceptions only if the child helps his family or family enterprise (in non-hazardous sectors) after school hours or during vacations, or works as an artist in the audio-visual entertainment industry.
Statement 2 is Correct:
The Amendment introduces a new category called "adolescent," defined as a person between 14 and 18 years of age. It specifically prohibits the employment of adolescents in hazardous occupations and processes (e.g., mines, inflammable substances, or explosives). Adolescents are permitted to work in non-hazardous occupations subject to regulation.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Under the amended Act, the offence of employing a child or adolescent in contravention of the law is a cognizable offence. This means the police can make an arrest without a warrant. The Act also increased penalties, prescribing imprisonment between six months and two years, or a fine between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000, or both, for first-time offenders.
Key Takeaway:
The 2016 Amendment imposes a blanket ban on the employment of children (under 14) in all sectors, whereas it regulates the employment of adolescents (14–18) by prohibiting them only from hazardous work.