Under the Factories Act 1948, what is the minimum age below which a child cannot be employed in a factory, and what additional requirement applies to an adolescent aged 15 to 18 years?
- A Minimum age 14 years; adolescent requires registration with the Labour Commissioner
- B Minimum age 16 years; adolescent requires parental consent only
- C Minimum age 14 years; adolescent requires a certificate of fitness from a Certifying Surgeon ✓
- D Minimum age 18 years; adolescent requires prior approval of the Chief Inspector of Factories
Correct answer: C. Minimum age 14 years; adolescent requires a certificate of fitness from a Certifying Surgeon
Explanation
Section 67 prohibits employment of any child below 14 years in a factory. An adolescent (15 to 18 years) may be employed only after obtaining a certificate of fitness issued by a Certifying Surgeon under Section 69, renewed annually. Adolescents may work only limited hours and are barred from dangerous operations. Parental consent or Labour Department registration has no role in the statutory scheme.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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