GAP to continue sourcing from India

International textile retail chain GAP today clarified that it has not stopped importing Indian textile and clothing for its global operations.

The company's reaction came in response to yesterday's statement in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Labour and Employment Harish Rawat stating that the US-based chain has stopped sourcing of materials from India citing purported use of child labour in the Indian apparel industry.

"We have, do, and will continue to source from India," GAP Inc Senior Vice-President (International Sourcing) Stan Raggio said in a statement.

"We work closely with many stakeholders and we receive valuable and important help from the local NGO community that assists our ongoing effort to ensure our products are manufactured in a socially responsible way. Our efforts in this important area will continue," he added.

Yesterday, in the Lok Sabha, Rawat had said in a written reply that "GAP banned the import of Indian textile and clothing on the pretext of Indian units using child labour".

The minister's statement has created furore with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) terming the statement as factually incorrect and harmful for the country's interest.

Meanwhile, AEPC office bearers met Rawat and apprised him of the situation.