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Your child cannot quit school even if they are working with the family enterprise. The law specifically states the importance of a child’s education and prohibits work during school hours and between 7 pm and 8 am.

Children working in the family business

Last updated on Jun 22, 2022

Children (below the age of 14) and adolescents are allowed to work in the family business.

Family Business

A family business means any work or business which is performed or run by the members of the family. The business could belong to or be run by an immediate family (mother, father, brother or sister) or extended family (father’s sister and brother, or mother’s sister and brother).

Types of Work

It is important that the family business does not involve the following:

  • Dangerous substances or processes (the term in law is ‘hazardous’ occupation or process).
  • Mines, Inflammable substances and explosives.

Children are allowed to work in a family business, but the child’s education should not be affected. The following points should be kept in mind:

  • They have a right to education.
  • They should only be made to work after school hours or during vacations.
  • Parents also have a duty to send their children to school under the law.

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Related Resources

Filing a Complaint against Child Labour

Complaining about any instances of child labour can be via the different modes enumerated in the post.

Employers Responsibility towards Child Artists

When child artists are being employed for work, there is an obligation on the employer to fill out Form C as given in the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

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Duties of an Inspector to prevent Child Labour

The Government appoints Inspectors to make sure that there is no illegal employment and the permitted employment of adolescents is done as per the law.

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The right to education of a child applies even if the child or adolescent is working as an artist or in the family business. School has an important role in preventing child labour.

Determining age of Child

If you as an employer are unsure if the child is below 14 years or above 14 years of age, then the age of the child will be determined by a medical authority.