International Labour Organization's Convention 138 and 182 are related to
Contents13
- AChild labour
- BAdaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
- CRegulation of food prices and food security
- DGender parity at the workplace
Show answer
Answer: (A) Child labour
Correct Answer: (a) Child labour
ILO Convention 138 and Convention 182 both deal with child labour:
Convention 138: Sets the minimum age for admission to employment. It requires countries to set a minimum working age that should not be below the age of completing compulsory schooling (generally 15 years).
Convention 182: Deals with the worst forms of child labour — like slavery, trafficking, forced labour, use of children in armed conflict, prostitution, and hazardous work. It calls for immediate action to eliminate these.
India ratified both these conventions, aligning with its domestic laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
REMEMBER: ILO Convention 138 = minimum age for work. ILO Convention 182 = worst forms of child labour. Both = child labour related. India has ratified both.
ILO Convention 138 sets minimum working age (generally 15 years) and Convention 182 targets worst forms of child labour like trafficking and hazardous work.
India ratified both conventions around 2017-2018, making this a current affairs topic for the 2018 exam.
The question tests knowledge of specific ILO convention numbers rather than just general child labour concepts.
ILO Child Labour Conventions
World Affairs (International Relations) Convention 138 Convention 182 Child labour
ILO Conventions 138 & 182: Child Labour Standards
Convention 138 sets minimum age for employment (generally 15 years)
Convention 182 targets worst forms of child labour for immediate elimination
India has ratified both conventions and aligned domestic laws
Both conventions form ILO's core framework against child labour
What These Are
The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted these two conventions as the cornerstone of global efforts to eliminate child labour. They represent the most widely ratified ILO conventions on this issue.
Key Differences
Convention | Focus | Key Requirement | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
Convention 138 (1973) | Minimum working age | Set minimum age not below 15 years | Gradual elimination through age limits |
Convention 182 (1999) | Worst forms of child labour | Immediate action to eliminate hazardous work | Urgent elimination of specific practices |
Convention 182: Worst Forms
Slavery, trafficking, and forced labour of children
Use of children in armed conflict
Child prostitution and pornography
Hazardous work that harms child health, safety, or morals
Work that interferes with schooling or child development
India Connection
India ratified both conventions and enacted the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act to align with these standards. This demonstrates how ILO conventions influence domestic legislation.
Convention numbers are specific: 138 = minimum age, 182 = worst forms. Don't confuse with other ILO convention numbers
All wrong options (climate change, food security, gender parity) are legitimate ILO concerns but not these specific conventions
Both conventions deal with child labour but from different angles - age limits vs immediate elimination
International Labour Organization
World Affairs (International Relations) International Labour Organization
International Labour Organization: Structure & Functions
UN specialized agency founded in 1919, headquartered in Geneva
Tripartite structure: governments, employers, and workers represented
Sets international labour standards through conventions and recommendations
Won Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for improving working conditions
What ILO Does
The ILO promotes decent work and social justice through international labour standards. It's unique among UN agencies for its tripartite structure where workers and employers have equal voice with governments.
ILO Functions
# International Labour Organization
## Standard Setting
- Conventions (binding)
- Recommendations (guidance)
- Labour standards
- Monitoring compliance
## Technical Cooperation
- Capacity building
- Advisory services
- Development projects
- Skills training
## Research & Statistics
- Labour market data
- Working conditions studies
- Employment trends
- Policy researchCore Labour Standards
Freedom of association and collective bargaining rights
Elimination of forced labour and modern slavery
Abolition of child labour (Conventions 138 & 182)
Elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation
ILO is a specialized agency, not a UN programme or fund
Tripartite structure is unique - don't confuse with other UN bodies that only include governments
Founded 1919 (before UN) but became specialized agency in 1946
India's Child Labour Laws
Indian Polity
India's Child Labour Legal Framework
Article 24 prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous work
Child Labour Act 1986 (amended 2016) is the main legislation
Complete prohibition below 14 years, regulation for 14-18 years
India ratified ILO Conventions 138 and 182
Constitutional Basis
Article 24 of the Constitution prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, and hazardous work. This forms the constitutional foundation for all child labour legislation in India.
Age-wise Employment Rules
Age Group | Employment Status | Key Restrictions | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
Below 14 years | Complete prohibition | No work allowed except family enterprises | Imprisonment up to 2 years + fine |
14-18 years | Regulated employment | No hazardous work, limited hours | Fine up to ₹50,000 |
2016 Amendment Changes
Complete ban on employment of children below 14 years
Adolescents (14-18) can work but not in hazardous occupations
Family enterprises exception: children can help in family business after school
Stricter penalties for employers violating child labour norms
Rehabilitation provisions for rescued child labourers
Article 24 sets age limit at 14 years, not 15 (unlike ILO Convention 138)
2016 amendment made significant changes - know current provisions, not pre-2016 law
Family enterprise exception exists but child's education cannot be compromised