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Let the childhood bloom, not wither

01
Nov '07

Innocence

Asia is growing rapidly and is attracting not only European retailers but also investors as well as manufacturers. Developing countries like India, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia are increasingly becoming popular and are now stealing the spotlight.

However, experts are saying that this may not necessarily be a good thing! Infact, recognizing the potential, manufacturers, particularly from textile and garment sector, in these poorer countries attempt to exploit the opportunities to the fullest and explore new ways to reduce their costs. These enterprises then export products to international brands and companies.

Since all eyes are focused on Asia, illegal activities in these countries are being uncovered. Several organizations have found that abundant availability of labour and limited work prospects has left human-resource in a deplorable state. Not only men but also women work long hours in dingy factories with almost no protection against the harmful chemicals used there.

One of the biggest and most burning issue that was unearthed recently was the extensive use of child labour. Gap Inc., the biggest US clothing retailer, cancelled an order for girls' blouses on October 28 after reports that a subcontractor in India had used child labor to make the clothes.

Gujarat Agriculture Labour Union (GALU) Vice President, Ms Paulomee Mistry, tells Fibre2fashion, “We appreciate steps taken by GAP and urge entire textile industry to do the same, so as curb abuse of innocent children.”

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