<h4>Introduction to PENCIL Portal</h4><p>The <strong>PENCIL Portal</strong>, an acronym for <strong>Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour</strong>, represents a significant initiative by the Indian government.</p><p>It was conceptualized to strengthen the regulatory framework against <strong>child labour</strong> across the nation.</p><h4>Launch and Mandate</h4><p>The portal was officially launched in <strong>2017</strong> by the <strong>Ministry of Labour and Employment</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>Its primary objective is to ensure the <strong>effective enforcement</strong> of the provisions outlined in the <strong>Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986</strong>.</p></div><div class='key-point-box'><p>This act is crucial for safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents by prohibiting their employment in certain occupations and regulating working conditions in others.</p></div><h4>Key Components of PENCIL Portal</h4><p>The <strong>PENCIL Portal</strong> is designed with five integral components, each playing a vital role in its operational efficacy.</p><ul><li><strong>Central Government</strong>: Provides overall policy guidance and oversight.</li><li><strong>State Government</strong>: Responsible for ground-level implementation and monitoring within their respective jurisdictions.</li><li><strong>District Project Societies</strong>: Operate at the local level, facilitating coordination and action.</li><li><strong>Child Tracking System</strong>: A mechanism to track rescued children, ensuring their rehabilitation and follow-up.</li><li><strong>Complaint Corner</strong>: Allows individuals to register complaints regarding child labour incidents, ensuring swift action.</li></ul><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding these components is key for Mains answers, especially in <strong>GS Paper II (Governance)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper I (Social Issues)</strong>, highlighting the multi-stakeholder approach to social welfare.</p></div>