Draft Bill for the Replacement of the Child Labour Prohibition and Regularization Act, 2056
On 24 April 2026, representatives from organizations working in the child labour sector including Swatantrata Abhiyan Nepal, NACG, CIWISH, NCPN, Domestic worker’s Forum, Child Welfare Society, Bishwas Nepal, Nepal Goodwill Foundation, World Vision, GoodWeave Nepal, etc. submitted a draft bill to the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security proposing the replacement of the existing Child Labour Prohibition and Regularization Act, 2056. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen Nepal’s legal framework on child labour in line with the Constitution, federal governance structure, and international labour standards.
The draft bill focuses on strengthening provisions related to the prohibition and regulation of child labour, employer accountability, occupational health and safety, minimum wage compliance, and rehabilitation support for affected children. It also proposes stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, including inspections and local child labour eradication committees at different government levels.
According to stakeholders involved in the drafting process, the bill was prepared through extensive consultation with more than 100 organizations and networks working on child rights and labour issues. Trade unions, civil society organizations, development partners, and former child labourers contributed recommendations to ensure the proposed law is more inclusive and implementation-oriented.
During the submission meeting, discussions were also held regarding the progress and next steps of the proposed amendments. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued coordination and strategic lobbying with the concerned Parliamentary and Cabinet Committees to ensure the draft bill receives priority and moves forward for endorsement and implementation.
