Rajasthan Bans Employment of Children Under 14 in Shops and Commercial Establishments

• The Rajasthan government has approved the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 , banning the employment of children below 14 years in shops and commercial establishments. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma cleared the ordinance to protect child rights and ensure access to education, health, and nutrition.

Key Changes Under the Ordinance

• Child Labour Ban: Employment of children under 14 years in any shop or business establishment is now illegal.

• Apprenticeship Age Raised: Minimum age for apprentices increased from 12 to 14 years , aligning with national child labour laws.

• Adolescent Protection: Adolescents aged 14–18 years are barred from working during night hours , strengthening safeguards against exploitation.

Labour Regulation Updates

For adult workers, the amendment increases:

• Daily working hours: from 9 to 10 hours

• Overtime limit: to 144 hours per quarter , aiming to balance productivity with worker welfare.

Provisions for Women and Safety Measures

The government also amended the Rajasthan Factories Rules, 2025 , allowing women to work in selected factories under strict safety norms. Employers must provide protective equipment , ensure clean air and safe conditions , and conduct mandatory safety training .

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Ban on child labour under 14 years in shops and establishments

• Apprenticeship age raised to 14 years

• Adolescents (14–18) cannot work at night

• Overtime limit: 144 hours per quarter

• New safety rules for women workers

Summary:
The ordinance marks a major step toward child welfare, gender safety, and labour reform in Rajasthan, aligning state laws with national standards and reinforcing a more ethical and inclusive work environment.