GJEPC Rejects Claim Child Labor Common in Diamond Industry

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) rejected claims made recently that child labor is widespread in the Indian diamond industry. In a report, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), claimed child labor constituted nearly 3 percent of diamond work force in the country.

GJEPC Chairman Bakul R Mehta told reporters in Mumbai the report was “absolutely baseless”. However, he did concede that child labor existed in the industry, putting it at below half a percent.

“The children employed in the industry are not engaged directly in diamond cutting but are deployed in support activities which are recognized internationally,” Mehta was quoted.

GJEPC says it is fighting the use of children in the industry by running seminars and other initiatives.