Child labour remains one of the most critical ethical challenges facing the handmade carpet industry globally. At Deepak Carpets, the protection of children is not merely a policy — it is a non-negotiable principle. This article outlines our comprehensive framework for preventing child labour across our operations and supply chain.
Strict Age Verification
No individual below the age of 14 years shall be employed at Deepak Carpets under any circumstances. For workers between 14 and 18 years of age, employment is permitted only under strict conditions that comply with Indian child and adolescent labour regulations:
- Government-Issued Documentation: All workers must provide valid proof of age through government-issued identification before commencing work.
- No Hazardous Work: Workers under 18 are strictly prohibited from performing any hazardous tasks, including exposure to chemical dyes, heavy machinery operation, or prolonged work in poorly ventilated areas.
- Limited Working Hours: Adolescent workers work only during permitted hours and are never required to work overtime or night shifts.
Education-First Approach
Deepak Carpets believes that education is the most powerful tool against child labour. Our approach includes:
- Ensuring that employment never interferes with a child's right to education
- Supporting local educational initiatives in the Bhadohi region
- Providing educational support and scholarships for children of our artisan families
- Partnering with community organisations to promote school enrolment and retention
Supply Chain Monitoring
Child labour risks are highest in decentralised production models where weaving occurs in home-based or small-unit settings. Deepak Carpets addresses this through:
- Regular Inspections: Both scheduled and surprise inspections of all subcontracted weaving units.
- Worker Registration: Comprehensive worker registration systems that track age, identity, and working conditions across the supply chain.
- Community Engagement: Working with village-level leaders and local authorities to create awareness and reporting mechanisms for child labour.
Remediation Protocol
If a case of child labour is identified — whether in our own facilities or within the supply chain — Deepak Carpets activates its remediation protocol immediately:
- The child is immediately removed from work without harm to their family's livelihood
- Educational enrolment is arranged and funded by the company
- The family receives support to ensure the child's removal from labour does not create economic hardship
- Root cause analysis is conducted, and systemic changes are implemented to prevent recurrence
Industry Responsibility
As authorised by Anup Savita, Partner, Deepak Carpets recognises that eradicating child labour requires collective action. We actively participate in industry forums, buyer-supplier dialogues, and certification programmes that promote ethical labour practices in the handmade carpet sector.
Every knot in our carpets represents skill, patience, and artistry — values that thrive only when the hands doing the work are those of adults working by choice, with dignity and fair compensation.