Front Line would like to express its concern following reports of the remarks made by the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry regarding the role of NGOs in India in the fight against child labour. Minister Kamal Nath stated on 30 October 2007 that recent newspaper reports regarding the employment of children in sweatshops in the garment industry were exaggerated and implied that the allegations were motivated by a desire to impede economic progress in India.
Further Information
Posted 15/11/2007 The Minister's remarks were made following a report by The Observer newspaper on 28 October 2007, which reported having witnessed children as young as 10 making garments in a sweatshop in New Delhi which were destined for sale in stores belonging to the GAP Inc. fashion retail chain. Minister Nath reportedly viewed these reports, and NGO activities denouncing child labour in India, as little more than an attempt to create 'a non-tariff barrier for Indian goods' and stated that the Indian government 'would be under pressure to retaliate'. Minister Nath's sentiments were echoed by several members of the Cabinet, including the Minister for Finance and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Indian law prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 but it is recognised by all sectors that child labour continues to contribute significantly to their economy. The Indian government estimates that there are currently 13 million children employed in the garment industry, while some children's rights activists place the number at approximately 60 million. However, Minister Nath stated on October 30 that reports regarding the involvement of children in Indian production for global brands such as GAP were 'false and slanderous', and threatened retaliatory action against NGOs involved in the fight against child labour.
Front Line views any attempt to undermine the work of the NGOs and civic activist groups who are working to eradicate child labour in India and elsewhere as most worrying. Minister Nath's remarks are especially disappointing when viewed in the context of the response of the company involved, GAP. In the wake of the report, the retail chain has renewed its commitment to the eradication of child labour and released a statement reiterating that its prohibition of child labour through direct employment, outsourcing, or subcontracting is non-negotiable.
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