The Indian Government declared a ban against employing children under 14 as domestic workers on 1 August.

The announcement is an important step forward in official recognition of child domestic work as a significant problem.

Millions of children in India, some as young as seven years old, work as domestics. They have to work long hours cleaning, washing, cooking, doing the shopping and taking care of the employer's children, often for little or no pay. Many are only given leftovers to eat and a spare space, such as the kitchen floor, on which to sleep.

Although domestic work is widely seen as a safe occupation, particularly for girls, in many cases it is extremely hazardous. Because they are hidden from view, children are at risk of mental and physical abuse. They handle harmful substances and are denied their right to education, rest and recreation.

The order supplements the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act (1986), which prohibits employing children under-14 in a range of sectors, but does not include domestic work or work in such areas as hotels and restaurants.

The ban, which will come into effect from 10 October, also prohibits employing under-14-year-olds in restaurants, teashops, hotels and motels and other recreational centres.

Offenders could face two years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 rupees (US$430), but implementation and prosecution of offenders are vital if this ban is to have any effect.

__________________________________________________