The government issued a notice on Tuesday saying the ban on employing children would come into effect October 10.

Tuesday's order also prohibits the employment of children in spas, motels, tourist resorts or other recreational centers, the Labour Ministry said in a statement.

The government had earlier banned government officials from employing children to work as domestic servants.

According to government figures, there are nearly 13 million child workers in India.

A Labour Ministry committee that reported on child workers in India said it recommended the ban because children were often subjected to physical violence, mental trauma and sexual abuse.

"Invariably such incidents go unnoticed and unreported" the report said. The committee said that "children employed in roadside eateries and highway restaurants were the most vulnerable lot and were easy prey to sex and drug abuse as they came in contact with all kinds of people."

Violators could face up to two years imprisonment, a fine up to 20,000 rupees (US$ 425, euro355) or both.

Although India has laws banning child labour in hazardous industries, regulations are widely ignored and tens of thousands of children continue to work in factories manufacturing matches, incense sticks, firecrackers and in the carpet weaving industry.