MULTISTAKEHOLDER EVENT ON
POLICY AND PRACTICE FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS IN NATURAL STONE SECTOR
23rd December 2014
VENUE: CONFERENCE HALL, PATEL BHAWAN, H.C.M.RIPA (OTS),
JLN MARG, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
2
Background and Introduction: The purpose of the event was to explore the challenges and gaps to arrive at decent working conditions and improve workers’ rights in the sandstone sector and, to develop a roadmap for overall developments through a group consultation. Rajasthan is a hub of sandstone mining. 90% of the country’s sandstone production is from the state of Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, sandstone is mainly found in parts of Dholpur, Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Bundi, Jhalawar, Kota, Bhilwara, Chittaurgarh, Jaisalmer and Baran districts in eastern Rajasthan and in scattered form in Jodhpur, Nagaur and Bikaner districts of western desert parts. Sandstone means a stone made up of grains of quartz and other minerals of fairly uniform size and often smooth and rounded. A cementing material holds these grains together, which may be siliceous or ferruginous. Silica cemented sandstone is very durable and hard. The sandstone is being quarried and used from centuries and a number of historical buildings and monuments are made of sandstone such as Budhist Stupas of Sarnath, Red Fort, Sansad Bhawan, Rashtrapati Bhawan etc. The sandstone is very popular and important because of its regular bedding, uniform grain size, suitable nature and durability. It has been exported to other part of the country as well as to international market including EU,Canada, Japan, and Middle East countries. However apart from business and livelihood for thousands, it also has a other implications like bonded labour, child labour, monopoly of mine owners, illegal mining and supply chain and sever health issues like Silicosis and TB. Silicosis is chronic disease of lungs that caused by inhalation of silica dust for long periods of time. Silica is the chief mineral constituent of sand and of many kinds of rock.The silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis and it occurs commonly in miners, quarry workers, stonecutters, and workers whose jobs involve grinding, sandblasting, polishing and buffing. Silicosis is one of the oldest industrial diseases, having been recognized in knife grinders and potters in the 18thcentury. There are many organization working on mine related issues across Rajasthan, however they’ve rarely had the opportunity to come together to share their views and discuss the solutions. ARAVALI with support of Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and other partners have established a forum where all partners can come together to share their issues& concerns and try to find possible solutions. All had one common concern, that there is dire need to identify and addressworkers’ welfare and issues related to mining sector yetat the same time maintain a harmonious balance between the business and the human rights aspects. In this regard, four consultations were organized, where different stakeholders participated. After the four subsequentconsultations the forum identified a need to initiating dialogue with a wider scope of stakeholders i.e.
Govework ARAVThe corporeseaand o Plen Mr. Vworkthe wstakeinclumininCEO expowelcoRSHRspeakand dthe wthrou PresETIU Mr. VARAVorganintersandsituafollow
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ernment depkers’ repres
VALI and ETMulti‐stakeorate, supparch & techother develo
ary Session
Varun welkshop. He mworkshop aeholders uding, Goveng compaof the
rts the stonomed Mr.DRC. Then hkers to lighdo the formworkshop. Fugh providi
entation oUKand Mr.
Vijay and MVALIand Mnisations, wrviews and stone quarration of worws There wrelated ilwork siteThere walocated inWorkers occupatioThere wanearby vactivitiesThe majoand mini
partments (entatives an
TI took the eholder Forply chain ahnical institopment exp
n:
comed all mentioned tall the concwere i
ernment ofanies, expcompany, nes from Indevarajan Mhe requestht the candlal inauguraFollowed byng bouquet
n Workers Bajrang, M
Mr. BajrangManjari. which was focus grouries. The obrkers work
ere no medllness or injes were donas no accessn the remotdo not reonal illness.as no availaillages; hows, further deority of wormize health
(Health, Minnd trade un
responsibilrum is ashaactors, govtutes, commperts.
the particithat in cerned invited fficials, orters, which dia. He ember ted all le‐diya ation of y that, guestt.
s’ VoiceFroManjariBun
g presentedThis studcompleted up discussibjective of ting in the m
dical servicjury,and none. s to health ste areas. ceive comp. ability of sawever qualiteteriorating rkers do noth & safety ri
ning, Labounions, NGO r
lity of organared platfovernment amunity base
ipants, faci
ts and digni
omSandstonndi
d findings ody was coin Decembions were the study wmines. The
ces provideo periodic h
services in c
pensation/r
afe drinkingty of water workers ant get any kinsk.
ur etc.), busirepresentati
nizing the srm for diffand non‐goed organiza
ilitators an
itaries were
ne Quarrie
of the studyonducted bber 2014. Aconducted
was to undere key findin
ed by the ehealth check
case of eme
relief after
g water at has deteriond their famnd of H&S e
iness partnives and oth
tate level wferent stakeovernment ations, trad
nd Chairma
e formally w
es by Mr. Vi
y conductedby three As part of thamong worstand concng of the st
employers k‐ups for w
rgency. Qua
accidental
worksite anorated due tmily’s healthequipment t
ers, mine hers.
workshop. eholders‐agencies, de unions
an of the
welcomed
ijay Jain,
d by ETI, different he study, orkers in cerns and tudy is as
for work workers at
arries are
death or
nd in the to mining . to protect
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PresDr. M Mr. Dcondgoodtheirworkworkeffor The Commintrocasesarea was preseeffororganCompmineif thbyimwhicand g
No identemploymID. The majWorkers (the quarand makeThe optiodebt andcontractomembers
entation an M.K. Devara
Devarajan mdition of md.The Rajastr concern ikers and iked well, ts and work
Rajasthan mission( oduced the s of Silicosisof Rajasthaconducted ented theirts.Since lasnisationin Rpare to othe owner’s roey want, t
mplementingh make up good practic
o o o o o o o o
The regisshould b
tification pment. Also o
ority of wonly deal rry owner’se paymentson for negotd changingors forcefulls to collect d
nd discussiajan,Memb
mentioned thmineworkerthan Govt. hn the areain India thhowever
k is needed.
StateHumRSHRC)‐ issues of hs in sand stan. After thby NIMH inr findings st two yeaRajasthan. her states,Role in welfathey can pg preventivethe majoritce. No wet drNo mask oNo managNo blasterNo medicNo emploNo facilitiNo registr
stration of Mbe available
provided toonly limited
orkers are with their s representato the contrtiation for wg the contrly taking hodebt.
ion on minber, RSHRC
hat he is wors is not has shown a of mine hey have greater
man Right formally
health and tone mine is a study n Karauli into State anar thousand
RSHRC takinre of mine wrevent exae measuresty of minesi
rilling doneor protectivger appointer appointedal examinatyment/atteies for workration of mi
Mine workerand checke
o workers numbers o
not awaredirect contative at woractors) workers is nractors is old of work
neworker’s
orking in th
n partnershnd Centralds’of cases
ng this issuworkers is cerbating hs at mines foin Rajasthan
ve gear giveed d tion endance reckers ine with DG
rsshould beed on regul
at worksof workers
e of their tractors andrksite to ke
not availablenot easy.
kers land or
problem a
his area sinc
hip with AR Governmewere iden
e in a mucvery cruciahealth issuor mine won, are not fo
n
cord
MS
e done and dlar basis ho
ite regardihave other
principle ed company’eep account
e which putThere are that of oth
and solution
ce last two y
RAVALI and ent, and wntified by v
chfocused wal and impores, such aorkers. Smaollowing re
details of thowever mo
ing their forms of
employer. ’s Munshi t of stock
ts them in ecases of her family
n by
years; the
DVS and with their voluntary
way. The rtant and ssilicosis, all mines, gulations
he owners ost of the
5
time this is not done.The owners of mine should informto the district collector’s before initiating mines operations, however they do not follow the rules and regulations. As informed DGMS has their own limitation of their inspections; as there are many mines in particular districts.
• Mr. Devarajan said that since many days the information about the silicosis is getting attention and media is focusing on it. The Hon’ble Chief Minister and Health Minister of GoR showed their concern in this area and conducted meetings with major departments and provided some directions. The Government official and Ministers have shown their interest and are sensitive to these issues, so there is scope for better condition of mine workers.
• Mr. Devarajan also shared his concern in relation with mine allotment with Department of Mines and Geology and enforcement of laws and regulations related to health and safety byDGMS.Most of the time, the licences were given very casually and the rules which need to be followed for operationalization of the mine are not followed.
• Mr. Devarajan suggested that DGMS do not have adequate resources and there is need to increase it. The DGMS needs to give strong message to mine owners. The mine workers should get an identity card by mine owners, so that they will get compensations, health facilities etc. The DGMS should cancel the licence of mines, if the mine owners are not following the rules and regulation. The Supreme Court has directed to developRegional clusters the clusters should be registered, so that they can be a registered entity and help in implementation of safety measures and compliance of legal provision.
Discussion by Sh. R. K. Nalwaya ADM, Mines & Geology Department, Govt. of Rajasthan Dr.R. K. Nalwayathanked all the participants and mentioned that the issues mentioned by Mr. Devarajan are right and he will provide overview of Govt.’s role and activities. Mines provide employment and revenue. The mine owners should be careful while providing the services to workers. In Govt. also there are separate departments and each has specific role and responsibility. The lists that include information regarding mine registration details are usually shared with DGMS and the same list is available to anyone on Internet. However the DGMS has very fewstaff and resources and they find it difficult to monitor and visit each and every mine. Many times the labours are also not concerned and don’t follow the rules. In most of the cases they are not aware about their own safety rights and role so creates more difficulties. He mentioned that there is immediate need of giving the identity card to labourers. However the labours that are working in the mines are not registered anywhere so first all workers need to be registered by the employers. In Rajasthan many mines are available and across the country,Rajasthan is leading in number of mines. He also mentioned that silicosis cases that are identified and mentionedneed to be seen thoroughly. The suggestions given by Mr. Devarajan can be adopted and the awareness can be done by street theatre
or usissueproveffor The W
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Dr.Naand silico Thenyearscasesthis cinsursecurnot p Mr.B Mr. Bprov20 yefromHe mthemplanscompRajascondtimesconceprodmentfoundunjusbig ralso havinGovtthis willimshowwhic
sing other ed, about thides compet by Govt. a
Workers anThevillagreceivingThe minethey go to
alwayaalso they checkosis were id
n Dr. Devaras have togos the nearbycases there rance is nority mask anprovided.
Bram Callew
Bram was ider. The coears. They h
m India. mentionedthm. As a famis. They alwpetitors. Hesthan and dition of thes he haerns as thuct outsitioned dmineworkstifiable anrisk for miif the peopng health i. of Europe
scenariomplement awing their ch seem tec
communicae processesensation of uthority to
nd participatges near bg proper comes owners do private an
shared thaked 2.5 lakentified.
ajan said thane under hey area also is need to ft available,nd gloves th
wierBusine
requested ompany starhave about
hat in wholeily businessways try te mentionehave seen
e workers. as shared ey sale thede India. that
ker’sconditiod not goodining comple are dyinssues and e came acroo then a ban on buyconcern andhnical but l
ation ways.s all are awa1 to 3 lakhsprovide the
ting NGOs ry mines ampensationdo not follond other lan
atMines depkhs worker
at mineworealth checkget affectedfile a compl, the medichat needs to
ess Commu
toshare hirted by his ft 100 emplo
e supply chs they usuato think ad that he n the Many his
e end He he
on is d. It is panies g and if the oss to they
ying the stod scrutinisilegally requ
The mine are about its is given toe facilities an
raisefollowinare also affns. ow the areands.
partment cors.However,
rkers who h‐up while ind, sometimelaint in polical check‐upo be provide
unity Memb
is views;hisfather, they oyees. They
ain India islly think ababout the has visited
ones. The mng the areauired, shoul
licences tht. Then he mo ill person.nd services
ng concernsfected and
a allotted an
onducted he,there were
have workedncludes chees cases of dce station. p has not ded and requ
ber from Be
s company are buying
y roughly bu
very cruciabout long‐teworkers a many min
edia has alsas. All rulesld be enfor
hat are gramentioned t. There is a .
s: labourers
nd most of
ealth checke no single
d in the minest X‐ray. Indeaths also The detailsdone propeuired by wo
elgium
is a naturthe stones uy 12.5 mil
al and impoerm perspend rest alnes and fac
so started tas and requiced. If the c
nted and that Govt. constant
are not
f the time
‐up cams e case of
nesfor ten n blasting found. In s of group erly. The orkers are
ral stone since last lion euro
ortant for ctive and ll crucial ctories of
aking and irements, condition
will compsuppstartimpr At thhelp to thpositthinkbene Sessi Case This with workin 18of RSilicoInstitand 2officewhicmentwereshockconfi Aparwereup. TThe cas thdistr OccuSingh Dr.Viprettpersoworkessen
not improvpany’s chairply chain toed workingroving and w
he end hesuand expertihem too. Htive mannerk about the efits.
ion 1 :Heal
e study by D
organisatiomost negleking with Fa8 villages unajasthan wosis of five dtute for Min278 were ider’s 443 weh 145 weretioned that e not acceptking for eirmed it wit
rt from the not able tThe workerschallenges ahe adequaticts.
upational Hh, Former S
irendra Singty items maon who hasker who wontial things
ve immediarman, we neoo. The orgg for betterwe can mak
uggested to ise, so whilee suggestedr and start workers as
lth issues a
Dr.Vikas Bh
on is registeected and afamily Livelihnder 6 gramwith suppordistricts. As ners Health dentified anere referree identified.initially thetable as dateveryone. th the help o
his many o avail heas are not abare health fte resource
Health issu Superinten
gh mentionade by stones given the morked for tfor the life
ately then teed all help ganisation Mr future ane things hap
NGO’s that e working wd to Govt. t working es in the long
and challen
hardwaj, Da
ered in 200ffected area hood Resou
m panchayatrt of ARAVper latest r,Nagpur nd by TB d out of . He also e results a is very So they of NIMH.
workers althcheck ble to get prfacilitates ares is not av
es of workndent, SMS
ned thatat ves, most of money and the particuis air, food
they will noin improvinManjiri, ARd slowly coppen.
there are bwith mine wthatGovt. seffectively. g term their
nges:
aang Vikas
03. The goaland peopleurce Centres in the KarVALI. Dr. Vreport 409 c
oper healthre not accesvailable to
kers in san Hospital
various tourthe times wtookinitiati
ular piece. Tetc. we alw
ot able to bng the condRAVALI, ETIonditions o
business peworkers theyshould takeAnd the mr business w
s Sansthan,
l of the orge. Dang Vikaapproach erauli block oVikas presecases were
h facilities byssible at remspread ac
dstone qua
rist places wwe remembives but no Then he mways fail to g
buy the prodition of worIcame togef mine wor
ople who ny should give the suggemind ownerwould get l
Karauli
anization isas Sansthan evolved by Aof the Karauented prevareferred by
y state govemote meanicross all co
arries, Dr.V
we see beaubered the kione think a
mentioned tgive import
oduct. As rkers and ether and rkers are
need their ve a space estions in r’s should ong‐term
s to work has been ARAVALI, uli district alence of y National
ernment . ing areas, orners of
Virendra
utiful and ng or the about the hat most tance and
attencare,pressintrocookillnesChroDiseainfecidentthat basic
Dr.Vi PresDeva Dr. MNGOswith otherray mallottthe GPneubut DDoctowrontheir Then
ntion. As pe however sure inoduced (sming) and ss like Sinic Obstruase ( COPDctions and tified at eamineworkec things like
Safe minto minew
Early deshould bidentify t
Reportinthe patiewell infocases.
irendra Sing
entation arajan,Mem
M.K. Devarajs efforts. Ththe help ofr areas. Govmachine hoted to purchGot official umoconiosisDoctor’s haor’s bound ng and patier assistance
n he provide Rajasthantraining odone.
There is departme
Minister establish
er occupatiodue to
ndividual moking, dusprone by ilicosis, TBuctive PulmD).However illness ca
rly stage aers need to ing and stoworkers etection of be done eacthe cases. g of diseasents who hasormed abou
gh also men
and discumber, RSHR
jan mentionhe NGO’s wf Govt and Nvernment haowever thehase medichave not ps. The trainve not receto give theent may dieis not taken
e following sn state neeof paramed
need of invents in detehas initiated and star
onal health work get
st and other
B and monary these an be nd for adapt
one work‐pr
disease‐symch and ever
e – there iss symptomsut the comp
ntioned that
ussion onRC
ned that dewho are woNHR. Howeave receivede funds arecal van for ipurchased sning instituteived the tr treatment . The expern and welco
suggestionsds to launcdical and me
volvements ection of silied district t functionin
there are ce
roviding ne
mptoms thry individu
also need s of the silicpetent autho
t we can tra
n Detectio
tection of Srking in theever the samd funds for pe not used identificatiosingle van. tes are locaraining. Andof TB to Sirts are also omed by Doc
s ch a Pneumedical office
of village lecosis. level boardng.
ertain criter
ecessary equ
hrough heaals, and the
to educate cosis. And eaority for re
in Doctors t
on of Sili
Silicosis hase field haveme kind of wpurchasing properly.
on and checTheDoctor’ted in Ahmd due to thlicosis patieavailable inctors.
oconiosis cer’s so that t
evel worker
ds however
ria to work
uipment’s a
lth check‐uen only wil
the Doctorsach doctor seporting the
to detect Sil
icosisby D
s mostly done done the work can bethe machinThe funds ck up of silis are not t
medabad andhis most of ents that isn Rajasthan
control progthe detectio
rs, medical a
r the same
and take
and mask
up. X‐ray ll able to
s to refer should be e notified
licosis.
Dr. M.K.
ne due to check up e done in nes like X‐are also icosis but rained in d Nagpur the time ethically however
gram and on can be
and other
e need to
Sessi MigrVika GSVSundeworkBhilwTherBighaarounare mentworkmine50,00neighstateacros
• • • •
• The The sThe ithis twork308 walso laws He smineident
Indeathcacause of t
Some of tCommunThe state
There is detecting
ion 2 : Wor
ration a casas Sansthan
S is workingeveloped arkers they awara distre are 149a ) and 136nd one‐lakpresent intioned thatkers are wes and the00.The worhbouring es. This migrss all mines
Security eFirst aid UnavailabLess concfor 25‐29No house
organisatiosame cardsinformationthey are alsk and moneworkers. Thorganising done with m
suggested feworker’s istification an
ases, post mthe death wthe organisanication ( IEe Govt can aneed to tieg and treatin
rkers issue
se study onn, Ajmer :
g since 200reas. For mare workinrict Rajast9 bigmines64 block mikhmine wor this areat around working in ere numberkers come districts ration has hare as follo
efforts and facilities bility of Bancern and sec9 years) e/home faci
n has distr are also avn about heaso distributiey can be mhe bank accthe camp inmineworke
formingofwssues like hnd registrat
mortem exawill be revellations like AC)campaigndopt the ICEe up with Nng Silicosis.
s in supply
n mine work
1 for mine ng in than. ( 25 ines , rkers a. He 60% the
er is from and history of 3ows
tools are no
nk and insurcurity (the m
ilities and n
ibuted arouvailable if thalth facility ing the diarmentioned. Tcount for 18n which senrs.
welfare boaealth, policytion of work
amination sled and futuARAVALI don, however tE activities National Rur
y chain :
kers byAbh
30 years. Th
ot available
rance migrants co
o sanitary a
und 2128 idhey are movis mentionery to workeThey have a85 was opensitization a
ardfor miney, children kers. There
hould be dure plan canoing Informthey have thacross all mral Health M
hay, Grami
he challeng
ome at very
and water fa
dentity cardving from oed behind ters so that talso providen by organand discuss
eworkers, etc. this wile is need of
one so thatn be workedmation Educaheir own limmine areas. Mission ( N
nevamSam
ges faced by
young age a
acilities
ds to mine one mine tothe card. Apthe details aed accidentnisation andsion about r
which can ll also beneregular che
t the root d on. ation and mitations.
NRHM)for
majik
y workers
and work
workers. o another. part from about the t policyto d they are rules and
address efiting the eck up of
mineplace Thenmineadvoassiscomp WorkMajd The unionbetteworkarounregisunionawarand condregulmanycond3000recei The mcondwidoalter Goveby Sh Mr. Ralmoto taka comSilico He salso workidentmedi
eworkers ane. The radio
n he presene, the NGO acacy with mtance and pensation to
kers’ voicedoor Surak
union formn is to erment ofking in the nd 23000stered andn. The wre about thstays in vedition. The lar coopery organisatducted med0 people anived suppor
mine ownerdition of theows of minenative liveli
ernment inh. R.P. Pare
R. K. Pareekost all districke inspiratimpensationosis is also p
aid thatManoticed thekersfrom retify the illnication whic
nd discussincan be adap
nted a case allotted had mine ownerdue to t
oo.
eWorker Rksha Sangth
med in 2012work tow
f the womines. Ther0 workers attached orkers areheir own ry poor wounion rec
ration fromtions. Theydical check‐nd they havrt from state
rs and Govee sand stons workers aihood oppo
nitiatives aeek, Add. LC
k said that Rcts. About ton from Drn for their hpart of it.
ny organisae issue andehabilitationess properch is very al
ng the issuepted for thi
of one mingiven him rs and presthis advoc
Representahan, Karaul
2 in Karaulwards orkers re are s got with
e not rights orking ceives m the y have ‐up of e also e governme
ernment gene mine was they havertunity thei
nd role of C (RSBY), L
Rajasthan hahe minewor.Devrajan. Ihealth issue
ations are wd compensan funds. Hly and moslarming for
e of Silicosiss issue as it
ne worker, wcard and whsurise him acy that p
ative, by Pli
li district R
ent.
ts benefits orkers. Theelost their hir life becom
Employers Labour & Em
as good covrkers condin labour dees detected
workingtowation were pHowever thst of the timall of us.
s within thet is used acr
who got huhen he got hto provide patient rec
rabhuDaya
Rajasthan. T
and they faere is also husband as wme miserabl
s to overcomploymen
verage of mition the staepartment td during the
wards the hprovided tohe Doctor’sme they we
eir working oss all mine
urt while whurt the NGmedical facceived a c
al, Preside
The objectiv
ail to undersneed to wwell as in abe.
ome the chnt, GoR
ines and miate governmhe workerseir services
health and o affected ps were notere treated
time and es.
orking in GO done a cility and care and
ent Khan
ve of the
stand the work with bsence of
hallenges
inerals in ment need s received s and the
the Govt. people or t able to with TB
Whilowneloansin minhumall stdetaithemformthey paymGoveformschemmentwork10,00has tof it. Mr. RInsurconstworkinsurinsurhospare tmineneedhe srespo Sessi SociaUnio WorkKaalunot irecorhaveTherhas n
e working ier and mines from contmines. He mmane and wtakeholdersils of workem in receim of identi
can avaiments receipernment ofmed the mes and intioned thaking cost is00/‐ then to receive b
R. K. Pareerance Progtruction wokers are girance agenrancecompaitals empanaken care beworkers ind to provideaid that coonsibility of
ion 3: Reha
al issues aon Jodhpur
kers situatiou Rammentin fear of ards with the also seen e is lack of not focused
in labour deeworkers istractors or omentioned workers do s to keep alers and helpiving someity, so thail facilitiespts. f India ha
welfarn this, it iat if ths more thanthe workebenefits ou
ekprovides gramme(RSorkers, strevien 100%ncies are any allot thneled to proby insurance the scheme details of mommunity f doing the s
abilitation
a case stud
on and key itioned that anyone. Them, so mostthe boundebasic facilitand discuss
epartment h big challenothers and that the wnot receivell p e at s,
s e s e n r ut
details abSBY). Thiseet vendor% premium also identiem smart covide inpatieagency. The. And statemineworkerbased pilosame thing.
and Social
dy on mine
issues: in Jodhpur e workers t of the timeed labour sties.Apart frsed.
he felt that nge. The womost of theworking co any help o
out flagshi scheme s, Bidi worand 75% ified at stcard that is ient treatmehere is discue governmers and the fot plan can
Security:
eworkers
illegal minedo not gete they get chystem, widrom Silicosi
the relationorkers are me time,their ondition isr tools to w
ip programis primarrkers. Amoin rest thtate and nbiometricent. And theussion goingnt has initiafacilities wiln initiate a
Sh. Kaalu
es have start any identheated and ows and chis there are
nship betwmostly illiterchildren al very diffi
work safely.
mme‐Nationary for Mong all conhree categonational lecard. Theree expenses g on about ated procesll be availaband he also
Ram KMP
rted and owtity proof oless paymehild labourse other issu
een mine rate; take so works icult and He urged
al Health MNEREGA, nstruction ries. The evel. The e are 700 occurred including ss, thereis ble. For it o took a
S, Trade
wners are or labour ents. They s in field. es, which
Unio The uothermemwomare awith CoorThe geneThe utheirwas checkat Jotakengettinsmalup caworkand t WrapDeva Dr Mdurin Issue
•
•
on interven
union former districts mbership is men and restalso workin
TUCC dination Ce
union ration amounion alsor medical ca man whk up ingovedhpur, the n from him ng the coml schools foamp. This ckers were lithey do not
p up of tarajan (IPS
M.K. Devarang the day a
es discusse
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13
provision of safe drinking water for workers at worksite, no committees at workplace to resolve their issues. The workers work in very conducive atmosphere.Most of the time due to this atmosphere, worker’s fall sick and get illness or dieses. And there are no options for the workers to earn after illness.
• Education facilities: the schools are either not presents or they are located at very far and the children’s are not able to reach to the schools. Most of the times the schools are not opened or the teachers are not available. In all this condition proper education and learning didn’t happen in most of the places. The atmosphere is also not very supportive for the children and they are not willing to go to schools.
• Social issues‐ alcohol consumptions‐ o Women workers do not feel safe in the working areas. o Women find difficulties to work and manage their children at their
home as they have to take dual responsibilities o Saving options are not available for the mine workers o In this areas migrant workers come for sake of earning and they do
not have any identity proof, which become hindrance while availing any services from the Govt.
o There is no consultation at workplace or at residence between workers and implementers
o The workers have to pay double to buy basic things o The PDS (Public distribution system)services are not in good
working condition
Recommendations: • Dr M.K. Devarajanmentioned thatcost effectiveness and usefulness of
including the mineworkers in RSBY should be examined before taking any decision.
• He also mentioned that at three different districts Doctor’s training for treating and identifying the Silicosis will start soon.
• The initiation by NGO‐providing diary is really good, it provides all details of labour and payment and it can be incorporated and introduced for all workers. It is very local solution and can be adaptable in all areas of Rajasthan. The additional health and life insurance scheme can be created
• Organisaing camp is good initiatives however, all are aware about Silicosis and now there is need of involving Medical services providers.
• IEC activities are very crucial, Government is doing it and at local level NGO’s and workers can also do the same things.
• Funding under CSR activities can be taken and need to explored • The specific complaints should be given to Dr.Devrajan sothat the action
on those acts can be taken. • The media and press has really worked well in this area, they were having
the opinion that Rajasthan Govt. is not doing anything, however Govt has really taken the initiatives like provision of rehab funds.
• There is need to having the pension schemes for mine workers • As in Sand stone mine area large number of mine workers widows are
seeking alternative livelihood, government of Rajasthan has to
14
incorporated them with skill development programme or livelihood strengthening programme.
• The NGO’s can work for the self‐help group they can assist them very well. • The DGMS is the nodal agency and has to take a charge of above all
demands, which are very basic and required in the field. • There is need to add Silicosis patients and his families in BPL list. • Need to give disability benefits to silicosis‐affected patients.
Conclusion: During this meeting there was a presence of Mine workers, NGO representatives, Trade Union members, international donors, Business Communities and Government officers provided motivation and importance to the issue of mine workers. During the day, difficulties and challenges faced by mineworkers were discussed along with possible solutions. This workshop was also helpful for all the participants as they share and learn different practices that can be adapted while solving the issues of mine workers. At the end Mr. Alok thanked all members and stakeholders for coming and participating in the meeting. He especially thanks to mine workers, NGO workers who came to attend the meeting. And special thanks to Dr.Devrajan, who guided and took the discussion very well.
15
Annex I Agenda of the workshop
“Policy and practice for better working conditions in the natural stone sector, Rajasthan” Date: Tuesday 23rd December 2014 Venue: Conference Hall, Patel Bhawan, H.C.M.RIPA (OTS), JLN Marg, Jaipur Rajasthan
10:00 ‐ 10:30 Registration Reception, Networking tea and coffee 10.30 ‐ 10:45 Welcome note from Rajasthan State Forum Mr. Ambuj Kishore
/Varun Sharma, ARAVALI 10.45 ‐11.00 Event’s Introduction Mr. Ambuj Kishore / Varun Sharma,
ARAVALI 11.00 ‐ 11.10 Formal inauguration of the event 11.15 ‐ 11.40 An Overview of the Social and Labour rights in sandstone
mines and quarries By Dr M.K. Devarajan (IPS), Hon’ble Member State Human Rights Commission
11.40 ‐ 12.00 Government perspective on mine workers’ issues BY Sh. R. K. Nalwaya ADM, Mines & Geology Department, Govt. of Rajasthan
12.00 ‐ 12.15 Business Perspective and challenges Bram Callewier Business Community Member
1215 ‐ 12.30 Case study by Dr.Vikas Bhardwaj, Daang Vikas Sansthan 12.30 ‐ 1.00 Occupational Health issues of workers in sandstone quarries,
Dr.Virendra Singh, Former Superintendent, SMS Hospital 1.00 ‐ 2.00 Lunch 2.00 ‐ 3.00 Presentation and discussion on Detection of Silicosis by Dr.
M.K. Devarajan, Member, RSHRC 3.00 ‐ 3.20 Migration a case study on mine workers GSVS by Abhay Kumar3.20 ‐ 3.45 Workers’ voice Worker Representative, Karauli by
PrabhuDayal 3.45 ‐ 4.15 Government initiatives and role of Employers to overcome the
challenges by Sh. R.P. Pareek, Add. LC (RSBY), Labour & Employment, Govt. of Rajasthan
4.15 ‐ 4.45 Social issues a case study on mineworkers Sh. Kaalu Ram KMPS, Trade Union Jodhpur
4.45 ‐ 5.15 Wrap up of the session, Actions and Recommendations by Dr M.K. Devarajan (IPS), Hon’ble Member State Human Rights Commission
5.15 ‐ 5.20 Vote of thanks
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Annex II List of participants
SN Name Organisation 1.
Rajkumar Sen IGMBVS, Sri Mahavirji, Karauli
2. Bhagwan Sahay IGMBVS,Sri Mahavirji, Karauli 3. Satya Matai Stone Shipper Ltd. Bundi 4. Prerna Prasad BW I South Asia Office, New Delhi 5. Amrat Singh CUTS International, Jaipur 6. Kalu Ram Bhati RPKNMS Jodhpur7. B.L.Gupta
Seaward Exports Pvt. Ltd. Kota
8. Manish Singh Manjari, Bundi 9. Dr.D.B.Gupta Manjari, Bundi10. Gaurav Kaushwah TFT, New Delhi 11. DharmendraGorna RMPS Udaipur12. Rajinder RVHA, Jaipur 13. Vikram S. Raghav RVHA, Jaipur 14. H. P. Raizada Rtd. Jt. Director,GoR15. Pawan Bhargava MarbelMazdoor Union, Makrana 16. Ganesh Ram MarbelMazdoor Union, Makrana 17. Suman Pujari MarbelMazdoor Union, Makrana 18. Abhishek Srivasata
Rajasthan Patrika, Jaipur
19. Chhail Bihari Sharma GKVPS, Dausa20. Amar Lal Bundi21. Anil Jaipur 22. Dr.Malti Gupta RUWA, Jaipur 23. R.K.Gupta Rajasthan University 24. Madhukar Verma ARAVALI ERRcC Kota25. S.N.Singh ARAVALI, Jaipur26. Rakesh Agarwal Mal Bros, Jaipur 27. Bram Callewier Belthrami, Belgium 28. Deena Ram Marble Mazdoor Union29. Radha Marble Mazdoor Union30. Vikas Bhardwaj Daang Vikas Sansthan Karauli 31. Rajesh Sharm Daang Vikas Sansthan Karauli 32. Raju Lal Khan Mazdoor Suraksha Sangthan
Karauli 33. PrabhuDayal Khan Mazdoor Suraksha Sangthan
Karauli 34. Nekram Khan Mazdoor Suraksha Sangthan
Karauli 35. Brijbhusan Sharma DVS Karauli36. Sugar Bai Khan Mazdoor Suraksha Sangthan
Karauli 37. Dharmendra Khan Mazdoor Suraksha
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SangthanKarauli38. Prakash Chand
Khan Mazdoor Suraksha Sangthan Karauli
39. Bajrang Singh
ManjaraiBudhpura, Bundi
40. Babu Lal Mine worker from Bhudhpura 41. Jatan
Khan Mazdoor Suraksha Sangthan Karauli
42. BarkhaMathur BARC, Jaipur 43. Sanjeev Kumar Safu SRKPS Jhunjhunu44. Alok Sharma ETI‐ New Delhi 45. Gaurav Jain ARVICOM, New Delhi 46. Harsh Kalani Shree Agencies, Kota47. Lokesh Gupta ARAVALI48. N.K.Bairwa SME (DMG) Jaipur49. Pavan Singh Manjarai, Bundi 50. Dr. Arvind Prakash Sri Ram New Horizon51. Abhay Singh GSVS Ajmer52. Vikash Singh GSVS Ajmer53. R.K.Nalwja Mines Department54. S.R. Qurbsm 55. Salini Agarwal StonelandP. Ltd.56. Sai Poorna Legend Stone P. Ltd.57. Ram Kishore Prajapat Grammothhan, Jaipur 58. KanhiyaPuri GVSTK, Malpura59. Bhanwar Lal Tailor JVS Tilonia60. Prakash Silicosis patient61. Gera Devi Silicosis patient62. Madu Devi Silicosis patient63. Maga Ram Silicosis patient64. Chena Ram Silicosis patient65. Madan Mohan Daily News66. Kriti Agarwal Stone Land67. Manvendra Singh RS Tone World68. M.K.Devrajan RSHRC69. P.N.Sharma S.R.Society70. Deepak Vyas India News71. Bansi Bairwa Prayas Kendra Harsoli72. Rishi Sharma Siti News73. Jitendra Pradhan Siti News74. Karan Devra A‐1 TV75. Sunil A‐1 TV76. Indumna Bora BHL Delhi77. Vijay Goyal RIHR78. Mahendra Jaipur79. Priyanka Jaipur80. R.K. Jaipur
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81. R P Pareek Labour Dept. GoR82. R.C.Gaur Aape News83. Navel Kishore AAPE News84. Shirish Khare Rajasthan Patrika85. Suresh Chand Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi 86. VirendraJat “ “87. Varun Sharma ARAVALI88. Anil Jain ARAVALI89. Ambuj Kishore ARAVALI90. Vijay Jain ETI91. Babu Lal OTS, Jaipur 92. Vishal OTS, Jaipur 93. B.L.Gurjar ARAVALI