Employing children under 14 as domestic workers in India became illegal on 10 October.

Millions of children in India, some as young as seven, work as domestics. They work long hours, often for little or no pay, and many are only given leftovers to eat and a spare space, such as the kitchen floor, on which to sleep.

Although domestic work is widely seen as a safe occupation, particularly for girls, in many cases it is extremely hazardous and exploitative. The Government's action is an important step in recognition of child domestic work as a serious problem.

The ban supplements the 1986 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, which prohibits employing under-14s in a range of sectors, but did not include domestic work or work in such areas as teashops, restaurants and hotels.

Offenders could face two years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 rupees (US$430), but implementation and prosecutions are vital if this ban is to have any effect.