The level of garment factory compliance is very high for Indian exporters. Large global firms, conscious of their image, often set up their own compliance standards for the exporters to ensure that all standards are being complied with. Many U.S. companies have included child labour in their code of conduct, due to persistent evidence of child exploitation in the industry.
Common compliance codeThere is a huge compliance fatigue in the Indian apparel export industry. Although catering to the global brands, apparel suppliers are yet to accept that compliance is an essential management practice. Further, the Indian apparel export industry has decided to adopt zero tolerance on child labour and cleanse the supply chain.
“This common compliance code will not only give the opportunity for the industry to negate international claims against child labour promotion in the garment industry, but will also help to improve the image of the industry and win more international businesses,” as per Premal Udani, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
AEPC-DishaApparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the apex body of Indian apparel exporters, has launched the programme “DISHA” (Driving Industry towards Sustainable Human Capital Advancement) to aid garment exporters comply with global standards pertaining to child labour.
The programme will encourage members to follow better social practices, which will give them a competitive edge in the global market where industrial compliance code is increasingly becoming an important factor in buying decision.
Responsibilities of Disha member factoryDISHA member factory is committed to adhere to the DISHA common code of conduct (CCC) Principle on child labour and takes the responsibility to:
Disha-CCC for child labourDisha- common code of conduct (CCC) is based on various central and state laws. Some of the laws that specify conditions on the subject of employment of children and young persons are as follows:
By implementing DISHA CCC, it will be possible for the DISHA Member Factory to establish factory compliance to adhere to Indian laws, re-frame policies and better practices aimed at improving social and environmental impacts by the factories.