The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the child labour act which will prohibit the employment of children below 14 years in all occupations but will still allow them to work under some conditions in family enterprises and the entertainment industry.Two exceptions have been made to the Child Labour Act (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012: · The approved proposal will allow children below 14 years to work in family-owned non-hazardous industries after school hours or during vacations.· A child can work as an artist in an audio-visual entertainment industry, except the circus, provided that the school education of the child is not affected."However, while considering a total prohibition on the employment of child, it would be prudent to also keep in mind the country’s social fabric and socio-economic conditions. In a large number of families, children help their parents in their occupations like agriculture, artisanship etc. and while helping the parents, children also learn the basics of occupations," a release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting states.Adolescents, between 14 and 18 years of age, will also not be allowed to work in the hazardous industries sector.The amendments call for stricter punishment for those who violate the Act and the penalty for violation has also been increased in case of employers.In case of the first offence, the penalty would be imprisonment for a term not less than six months, which may extend to two years, or a minimum fine of Rs 20,000, but which may extend to Rs 50,000, or with both.A second or subsequent offence will attract a minimum imprisonment of one year which may extend to three years.For parents or guardians however, no penalty provisions have been mentioned for the first offence. But in case of a second or subsequent offence, the penalty would be a fine which may extend to Rs 10,000.Employing any child or adolescent in contravention of the Act has also been made a cognizable offence. While some in the social media welcomed the government's decision, several others thought such a move would only worsen the problem of child labour in the country. Why so much outrage on amendments to child labour act ? IMO they are reasonable . — Taurealeo (@r3duggal) May 13, 2015I am in agreement with the amendments made in the Child Labour Act. Amendments have been linked with the RTE, which was not necessary. — Krishna (@Rao_Krishna) May 13, 2015BREAKING: Govt. passes law allowing citizens to not feel embarrassed anymore on seeing rampant child labour. — वरुण (@varungrover) May 13, 2015In a country where you don't have close monitoring of children being sold.This Child Labour Act will be a total disaster. — Reni (@sak_foryou) May 13, 2015