India on Tuesday ratified two key ILO conventions on child labour, according to a statement issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva.

Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, who is Geneva, said the ratification reaffirmed India’s “commitment to a child labour free society”.

According to ILO, “the Government of India deposited with the International Labour Office the instruments of ratification of the two fundamental ILO Conventions concerning the elimination of child labour, the Minimum Age Convention (No 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No 182).” India is the 170th ILO member state to ratify convention No 138, which requires states to set a minimum age under which no one shall be admitted to employment or work in any occupation, except for light work and artistic performances.

In addition, India is the 181st member to ratify convention No. 182, which calls for the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, forced labour and trafficking; the use of children in armed conflict; the use of a child for prostitution, pornography and in illicit activities (such as drug trafficking); and hazardous work.

Welcoming India’s move, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said: “Today, India’s ratifications of Conventions 138 and 182 solidifies further — in treaty obligations — that commitment to the global fight against the scourge of child labour in all its forms.

“They also represent a positive step on the country’s path towards full respect for fundamental rights at work.”

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