The Government of India has ordered a ban on the employment of children under the age of 14 years as domestic servants or servants in dhabas (roadside eateries), restaurants, hotels, motels, teashops, resorts, spas or in other recreational centres.

The law came into effect in October 2006.

"It is at least good that the government recognises that it is hazardous work for children," said David Raj, World Vision India National Children in Ministry Coordinator. "But we do have some concerns regarding rehabilitation for children who are already working. The law should be implemented to its fullest or it will lose its essence."

The Labour Ministry imposed the ban under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986.

The decision was taken on the recommendation of technical advisory committees on child labour that highlighted that children in labour are subjected to physical violence, psychological trauma and sometimes sexual exploitation.

A three-month mandatory notice was given to warn people employing children that they would be liable to prosecution and other penal action under the Act.

World Vision India National Director Jayakumar Christian said, "It is a good start but we would like the age of a child to be increased to 18 years and also to have foolproof monitoring. Also our recommendation is to give alternative education to children who are currently working and to plan for livelihood security for parents."