The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 is an important piece of legislation in India aimed at prohibiting and regulating the employment of children in certain occupations and processes. The act seeks to protect the rights and well-being of children and ensure their proper development. Here are the key provisions of the Child Labour Act:

1. Prohibition of Employment of Children: The act prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in certain occupations and processes. It identifies a list of hazardous occupations and processes from which children are completely barred.
2. Regulation of Adolescent Labor: The act allows the employment of adolescents (children between 14 and 18 years of age) in non-hazardous occupations. However, they must be provided with certain safeguards like working hours, rest intervals, and conditions conducive to their health and education.
3. Child Labour Technical Advisory Committee (CLTAC): This committee is responsible for advising the government on various matters related to child labor.
4. Penalties: The act prescribes penalties for employers who employ children in prohibited occupations or processes. Penalties can include fines or imprisonment.
5. Rehabilitation of Rescued Children: The act mandates the rehabilitation of children rescued from child labor. This includes providing them with education, vocational training, and other support services.

Amendment to the Child Labour Act (2016):

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 brought significant changes to the original act to further strengthen the provisions for the protection of children. Some key amendments include:

1. Expanded Scope of Prohibition: The 2016 amendment widened the scope of prohibited occupations and processes. It further tightened the restrictions on the employment of children.
2. Introduction of Adolescents Category: The amendment introduced a category for adolescents (14-18 years) and prohibited their employment in hazardous occupations and processes. This effectively ensured that adolescents are no longer engaged in work that is detrimental to their health and safety.
3. Stricter Penalties: The amendment increased the penalties for violations of the act. Penalties for employers involved in child labor were made more stringent.
4. Strengthened Rehabilitation and Social Integration: The amendment emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and social integration of rescued children. It laid down guidelines for their proper care, education, and skill development.
5. Introduction of National Child Labor Project (NCLP): The NCLP is a scheme under the amended act that aims to rehabilitate children rescued from child labor and provide them with education and skills training.
6. Monitoring and Enforcement: The amendment emphasized the role of district and state-level authorities in the enforcement and monitoring of the act.

The 2016 amendment to the Child Labour Act was a significant step towards more effectively combating child labor in India and ensuring the well-being and development of children. It aligned the law with international conventions and reflected a commitment to the rights and dignity of children.