The frequently arising assertion that the natural stone industry in India is connected with child labour is being convincingly refuted today.

This is made possible by

• the cooperation of member companies of the German Community of Interest for Indian, African and Latin American Granite Interessengemeinschaft indische, afrikanische und lateinamerikanische Granite and
  
  
• the Indian Monument Manufacturers Association“ (IMMA) 

The two company groups have united on a voluntary basis, to carry out independent and neutral inspections in quarries and manufacturing companies.

These inspections are being made without prior announcements and aim to secure that there is no child labour and that the companies comply with national and international alid norms and agreements within the social and environmental sector.

The inspections have been carried out since summer 2008. The first social projects are being established. These projects primarily focus on education measures and health care. Many Indian suppliers are fully involved. Some of them have already established their own schools which are partly supported by German customers.

The private economy is not waiting for the government to act but is active itself and making a statement. India is striving to make a positive impression in comparison to other export countries. The cooperation of the two communities of interest, IGEP and IMMA, is a perfect oppertunity for this.