INDIAN GEMS & JEWELRY INDUSTRY
Published Date: 2007-11-27
INDIAN GEMS & JEWELRY INDUSTRY
AUTHOR: Jagdish Patel, Director of People's Training and Research Centre, India
OVERVIEW:
The gems and jewellery sector is an important component of the Indian economy. Since the 90s the industry made the quantum leap. India plays a leading role as the dominant supplier of every kind of diamond, as also an array of colored stones, required by global jewellery manufacturers. Today, India is poised to take a similar leap downstream with its rapidly expanding jewellery capabilities. The huge 1.5 million-strong skilled workforce is getting a boost with technical and design training institutes coming up.
The Indian Gem and Jewellery industry has witnessed a growth of 2.74% with total gem & jewellery exports reaching USD 17.1b (Rs. 77180.28 crores) as compared to USD 16.6b (Rs.73342.44 crores) in the same period last year. Exports of Colored Gemstones at US$ 246.48 million (Rs.1112.38 crores) in FY 06-07 shows a growth of 6.08% as compared to US$ 232.25 million (Rs.1023.73 crores) in 05-06.
In 90-91, the total exports were to the tune of 115.75 million USD which rose to 203.36 million USD in year 2000-2001 and was on its peak in year 99-2000 when it reached 204.92 million USD.
Gems and jewellery is one of the most important sectors, contributing to India's export basket. One of the biggest effects of economic liberalization and globalization has been the radical change that has come about in the gems & jewellery sector, retail in particular. The industry provides employment to nearly 3 million people. Commerce ministry feels that and the need of the hour is to fill the gap of jewellery designing and manufacturing specialists required in the sector for its further growth.
Exports:
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India announced the performance figures for the Indian Gems & Jewellery Sector for FY 2006-07. The Indian Gem and Jewellery industry has witnessed a growth of 2.74% with total gem & jewellery exports reaching USD 17.1b (7718028 million INR) as compared to USD 16.6b (Rs. 7334244 million INR) in the same period last year.
The industry's contribution to the total Value addition is to the tune of US$ 4.1 billion (Rs.18238.35 crores) in FY06-07. USA continues to be the largest exporting destination followed by UAE and Hong Kong with exports accounting for 31%, 19% and 21% respectively."
The Gem & Jewellery Exports to Japan have increased from US$ 384.48 mn in 2002-03 to US$ 488.04 mn in 2005-06. Cut & polished Diamonds are major contributor to this growth. The Exports of Cut & Polished Diamonds have increased by 25.6%. There is more than 3 times increase in the export of Gold Jewellery as it has increased from US $ 6.86 in 2002-03 to US $ 23.02 million in 2005- 06.
US has long been India's largest trading partner in gems and jewellery - about 19 percent by value (55 percent by volume) of US diamond imports and 27 percent of its jewellery imports are supplied by India. The total exports to the USA for the period January 2007 to August 2007 is USD 3510. Indian jewelry manufacturers, with their state-of-the art factories, trained work force and pro-business import/export laws, now have the prerequisite desire, skills and infrastructure to be more than the world's leading source of value-priced jewelry.
GJEPC:
Set-up in 1966, the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has over the years effectively molded the scattered efforts of individual exporters to make the gem and jewellery sector a powerful engine driving India's export-led growth. This apex body of the gem & jewellery industry has played a significant role in the evolution of the Indian gem and jewellery industry to its present stature. GJEPC is continuously working towards creating a pool of artisans and designers trained to international standards so as to consolidate the Indian jewellery industry and establish it as a prominent global player in the jewellery segment.
With strength of 6,500 members' spread all over the country, the Council is primarily involved in introducing the Indian gem & jewellery products to the international market and promotes their exports. To achieve this, the Council provides market information to its members regarding foreign trade inquiries, trade and tariff regulations, rates of import duties, and information about jewellery fairs and exhibitions.
Probably the best promoted national pavilion was Indian Pavilion at BaselWorld last year, The Council organized the largest contingent ever also launched a new India awareness campaign specially devised to position India as a one-stop-shop for global jewellery needs. Buyers had a chance to get comprehensive picture of the wide range and jewellery offered, which included from heavier high-end pieces to mass-market jewellery. The Jaipur jewelers displayed the whole range, from loose gemstones to colored gemstone jewellery.
JAIPUR:
Jaipur is India's second important gems and jewellery exporting centre and the first for sales to foreign tourists. With a history dating back to more than two and a half centuries, the famed Indian Gems City of Jaipur is still a hotspot in Gems 'n' Jewellery.
From tradition-bound manual processing of colored gems and the manufacture of specialised jewellery like Minakari, the long passage to a modern gems and jewellery sector has been a difficult and rather slow transition, but Jaipur has endeavored to keep pace with changing times. It has been a double challenge - living up to past glory, while moving ahead in modern times to meet growing global competition. So what Jaipur offers now is actually a glorious synthesis of the ancient and the contemporary.
Jaipur had not only been the main colored gems processing centre of India, but also a global centre because most of the world supply of cut and polished emerald flowed out from this gems city. Besides emeralds, Jaipur has been processing the whole rainbow of colored gems, as well as pearls. The traditional processing work undertaken here with outstanding skill includes cutting and polishing of over a hundred species of colored gemstones, both natural and synthetic, carving, bead-making, stringing, manufacture of objets d’art and fine jewellery. A local Ustad (master cutter) has performed the rare feast of cutting 1400 tiniest emeralds, totally weighing a single carat ! A world record indeed.
As industry claims, the manufacturing technology has been modernized in Jaipur - modernization of both the gems and jewellery industries. It started manufacturing colored gems in calibrated sizes to meet overseas demand. Ultrasonic machines were inducted into the bead making industry. Semi-automatic production in other sections of the gems sector followed. A very important development in this respect is that today Jaipur is not only using modern machines but is also manufacturing some of them.
Jaipur is the biggest center for Gems & Jewelry industry in India. In Jaipur approximately 2 lac workers are employed in gem polishing industry. 90% of the population works in unorganized units. A study carried put by National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), India in 2003 show high level of Silica dust in these units. Workers from Khambhat and Jambusar, who have experience working in this trade migrate to Jaipur. Their proportion is as high as high as 60%. As per NIOH study incidence of child labor is high in this industry. Incidence of Silicosis among these workers also seem high from the personal interviews we had with workers and our own observation during visit to Jaipur. Thus Gujarat connection is extended to Jaipur
Agate:
Agate, a variety of chalcedony known to the world since more than 6000 years is a mineral containing 60-96% of crystalline silica. Agates are among the most fascinating and popular of the world's gemstones. Tens of millions of these nodules of natural silica occur in volcanic parts of the world. When cut open, agates can display an amazing wealth of colors and patterns of a beauty often surpassing the achievements of the human artist. No two agates are exactly alike, yet all are thought to have been formed by one natural process.
Agates when cut and polished, are among the most beautiful of semi-precious stones. One of Agate's chief attractions lies in the great contrast between the dull, rough and pitted exterior of the pebble, newly released from its ancient lava bubble, and its unpredictable but often wonderful interior. In the past when stones were believed to have talismatic powers, each different variety was thought to have a different virtue. No wonder then that agates, with their infinitely variable patterns, have long been treasured and worn.
Major Agate producing countries are Brazil, Unites States, Urugay, Italy and India. In India, Agate mining is carried out in the state of Gujarat. Khambhat in Gujarat and Jaipur in Rajasthan are two centers of agate industry.
Production and export of Agaet in India are given in two separate tables below.:
AGATE: INDIAN PRODUCTION
Quantity: Tonnes
1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-2002(p)
Gujarat 239 154 120 120 53
ALL-INDIA TOTAL239 154 120 120 53
Private Sector 239 154 120 120 53
Public Sector 0 0 0 0 0
Captive 0 0 0 0 0
Non-captive 239 154 120 120 53
SOURCE : Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur
AGATE : INDIAN EXPORTS
Quantity: Carats
Value: '000 Rs
Agate Year Qty. Value
1998-1999 189654 89666
1999-2000 199643 91741
2000-2001 83825 45244
2001-2002 41964 16425
SOURCE : DGCIS, Calcutta
NOTE(S): Under the heading agate the forms included are cut and uncut
* Quantity given in Kg
AGATE INDUSTRY IN KHAMBHAT
hambhat is an ancient town of Gujarat State in India. In the world atlas one can see the Gulf of Cambay on western side of India. ‘Cambay’ is how the British used to know ‘Khambhat’. Till 17th Century Khambhat was busiest port on western coast of India. It was so well known that when Queen Elizabeth wrote letter to Mughal King Akbar, she addressed him as King of Khambhat!!! Fist textile mill established at Ahemedabad (Earlier political Capital and now commercial capital city of Gujarat) in Gujarat imported its machines from England which came to Khambhat port and from there it was taken to Ahemedabad by bullock carts. Ahemedabad later came to be known as Manchester of India. For 5 centuries Khambhat remained top port. It was ruled by Muslim rulers till it merged into independent India in1948.It is big center of Jainism and Muslim. Old Jain manuscripts are preserved in Jain temples here. It is a unique town with its unique culture.
Agate Craft:
Ornaments and other decorative and showcase items are being manufactured from Agate and other stones in Khambhat city and surrounding villages. It is believed that this business is going on in this region since last 2500 years. Excavations in Nagara village by archeologists have put forward this thesis.
Mandelslow, a German tourist visited Khambhat in 1638. He was gifted dozen chickens, basket full eggs, sugar cane bundle and beautiful Agate bowl by a Muslim businessman. He has written extensively on Agate craft in his travelogue. Before that Chinese tourist Huen Tsang also visited Khambhat 0in year 640.
Manufacturing process:
Manufacturing process include various steps like heat treatment, breaking the stones into small pieces, size reduction in ball mill, giving shape on grinding wheels, polishing for luster, drilling hole where needed and assemble and prepare final product for sale. All these are carried out by different set of people known as 'fodia', 'ghasiya' etc. in colloquial language.
Heat process helps remove moisture an, change the color to bright red and make it brittle helping for easier size reduction. For heat treatment, after sun drying stones for few days, fire heating is given. 3 -4 ft square and 1-2 ft deep pit is dug in the ground. Ash is spread at the bottom. Sun heated stones are filled in the small earthen pots and these pots are then put in the pit. Dung cakes or husk or wooden powder is spread over it and lit. Pit closed by tin sheet. The treatment is given for 12- 20 hours.
Primary size reduction is done by chippers. A pointed iron rod is grounded in ground in slanting position. A hammer made of animal horn is used to break the stones into small pieces. Pieces are made keeping in mind the final product to be carved out of it. Hence this is a very skilled work. Size reduction is further achieved by the use of drum made of wooden planks, sort of ball mill. This is very dusty and noisy process. Many employers build four walls around it to prevent silica dust flying in air. It also helps reduce noise pollution.
Polishing or grinding is done by polishers who are exposed to silica dust. This is done in many ways depending on the product. But horizontal wooden benches called Bankdo and vertical moving emery wheel, known as Patiya are most commonly seen. Patiya is used for shaping bead for necklace.
Giving luster is done by different methods, popular being rotating the stones in metal drums with water, emery dust, aluminum oxide etc.
When needed, stone slicing is done by a specialized machine. Till few years ago, it was with only one employer who kept it greatly secret. Now, there are smaller machines available with many people. This machine is also nosy and lit of dust is generated.
Drilling was done earlier manually creating ergonomic problems but now electric machines are used. Final assembly is done manually.
Industry Structure:
Investment is mainly done by the traders who own show room in city of Khambhat. Most traders export their products. Once they found big market in middle east and African countries. Now it is USA, Hong Kong, Thailand and some EU countries. Traders buy different types of stones from different parts of the country. Then they give out different jobs to different people. Some traders get the preliminary jobs like sun drying, making small pieces from big stones etc. done by themselves in their premises while rest of the activities are done by the workers or middleman in their premises. Most middlemen also put in physical labor and they come from same social-economical class. Most middlemen employ 5-10 workers, though this number is small. Large numbers of workers work in their home with their family. Payment to the workers in all stages is on piece rate. Each stake holder in the business has more than one business partners and hence, barring few, well defined employer-employee relationship is absent.
Labor Situation:
Workers do need money for treatment or marriage or rituals after death and so on. They take advances from the middlemen. Interest is not charged but in some cases piece rate id different for the people who take advance. By and by the worker gets tied up in the vicious circle. Worker is not free to change either the job or employer till one fully repays the debt. If dared, employer would physically coerce and bring back the worker. If worker dies, some employers ask other family members to work and return the debt. Whole situation compels the family to continue the work with the same employer. Large number of workers has habit of drinking alcohol. One of the employers is known to supply them alcohol, too. Needless to say, these workers are not organized. It goes without saying that these are symptoms of bonded labor and there laws to end bondage that do not work. Workers are not allowed to attend any meetings or activities organized by voluntary organization
SILICOSIS:
Once upon a time it was a pure handicraft and an art but after introduction of electricity, pace of work increased. Grinding the stone on grinding (emery) wheels driven by electricity at a speed of 2-3,000 RPM generates large amount of dust. The generated dust contain fine dust of the size 2-5 micron size which, when inhaled reaches alveoli of lungs. The dust contains more than 90% of free silica. Thus Silica particles get settled in lungs causing Silicosis-a deadly disease. Large number of workers, men and women, till date have died of Silicosis. Number of families has been completely wiped off. Large numbers of children have been left orphans. The widows have their own specific problems of livelihood. Elders' loss support when youngsters in the family die of silicosis, when they need the support most. The youngsters in the age group of marrying do not find brides\grooms. Marriages break when one of the couple gets Silicosis. Society is paying high price. This is one of the most tragic stories of 'development' in Gujarat.
Way back , in1961 during the Census, special reports on Selected crafts of Gujarat were prepared. One of the selected crafts was Aagte. The report notes, "….The worker keeps one small earthen vessel filled with water by his side and the articles are dipped in water before they are put on the emery wheel to avoid the powder going into the breath of the workers. If water is not used, the wheel moves more rapidly giving better cut and greater output. But it releases tiny particles of dust which are detrimental to the health of the workers. It is believed that while breathing, the stone powder goes inside the lungs and causes TB. As the Ghasiyas (polishers) are given wages on piece rate basis, they do not dip the stone in water and there by get greater output of seven or eight pieces per minute. But by doing so they render themselves liable to this fatal disease which is reported to claim three to five deaths per year." It takes 5 year to 10 years to get Silicosis. It is only now that some people know the difference between TB and Silicosis. TB is curable while Silicosis is incurable. Though Silicosis is a compensable disease under Workman Compensation Act, there is not a single case of claim, due to complex social situation. Once the worker gets the disease his condition becomes pitiable. In many cases there is no one to look after and one is compelled to work till death, lest he & his family would not be able to get evening meal. Large numbers of women work as grinders and hence death rate among women is also high.
Study by Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC), Lucknow:
ITRC carried out study of respiratory morbidity some time in 80s. 342 randomly selected workers were examined engaged in chipping, grinding and drilling. 149 control subjects were also examined. Among 342, 240 (70.17%) were male and 102 (40.36%) female workers. Among them were 72 chippers, 258 grinders and rest were drillers.48.5 % had exposure less than 5 years. 34.2% had exposure 6-10 years.56.7% were smokers in exposed group.
63.4% among exposed were found having lung disease. Respiratory morbidity was maximum in the age group 21-30 years. The report has one interesting observation,
“..Female are exposed to dust while at work and also when they are engaged in house hold duties. The male members escape this indirect exposure as they are out of the house for few hours.” Prevalence of pneumoconiosis among Agate workers was 18.4%. Grinders (22.1%) were found to suffer more than chippers. Grinders showed very low vital capacity( mean 3.09 lts). Forced Vital Capacity also was significantly lower in the grinders.
Out of 35 children engaged,51.4% were found to suffer from lung disease.
Dust concentration of respirable silica dust was highest in grinding process where it was found to be 186.4 mg/m3. Respirable dust contained silica and emery dust. More that of silica. Inhaled dust contained average 70.4% free silica.
The report states that the industry engages 30,000 workers.
Child Labor:
Among 227 children (below 18 years) working and/or living around the agate industry showed 29 (12.8%) children showed evidence of silicosis and 13 (6.7%) children showed evidence of tuberculosis. Ministry of Labor, Government of India has been requested by National Institute of Occupational Health to declare agate industry as worst form of child labor.
National Institute of Occupational Health:
As High Court Commission, NIOH carried out epidemiological study in 1987. 470 agate workers were examined. Overall silicosis prevalence was found as high as 29.1%, though it was even higher - 38.2% - among grinders. Progressive massive fibrosis was observed among 8.1% subjects and prevalence of Tb was 30.1%.Average total dust levels in horizontal and vertical machines were 14.75 and 25.40mg/m3, respectively. Follow up study was taken up in 1993. Out of randomly selected 150subjects from 1987 study, only 91 were available (emphasis added). Overall silicosis prevalence was 40.7%.As compared to the main study, the prevalence of silicosis in 1993 was very high -grinders 63.7% and non-grinders 23.3%. I t was estimated that numbers of agate workers is 15,000 in 1987 study.
When the High Court Commission visited Khambhat, the local residents presented memorandum on 4-01-1988 which contained list of 43 workers suffering from Silicosis
NIOH carried out one more study during 1999-2002 with an objective of environmental and medical survey, develop biomarkers for silicosis and redesign dust control system to make it more effective and acceptable. This study estimated 20,000 workers engaged in this industry in Khambhat. The study prepared a preliminary list of 5080 subjects and classified them in to present grinders (593), past grinders (533), family members (599), community (1706) and other workers (1649). Out of these 5080, 1927 were randomly selected for the epidemiological study. This included 397 present grinders, 341 past grinders, 127 family members, 748 community members and 314 other workers.
The survey suggested prevalence of silicosis (28.9 – 36.1%), silico-tuberculosis (14.6 -26.0%) and TB (27-49.5%). The non occupational group (neighbors, households and non workers) also showed high prevalence of silicosis (5.8 -13.3%), silico-tuberculosis (2.4 -7.7%) and TB (19.9 -22.6%).Even children and women working near the agate units were suffering from silicosis and silico-tuberculosis. Out of 397 present grinders 11.6% were below 20 year age-group. The study established clearly that prevalence of silicosis increased with duration of grinding.
The study analyzed quartz content in the dust samples. Average quartz content in the total dust was 34.19 and in respirable dust was 29.68.Quartz content in dust collected from bag filter was 38.6. Dust levels in horizontal and vertical shaft machines were measured and found to be much higher than the prescribed legal limits i.e. Threshold Limit Values (TLV). Total dust was in the range of 58.78 to 9.07 mg/m3 and respirable dust levels were in the range of 6.95 – 3.24 mg/m3 in vertical shaft machines. Total dust was in the range of 18.23 to 8.20 mg/m3 and respirable dust levels were in the range of 3.13 – 2.20 mg/m3 in horizontal shaft machines. This shows how dangerous the vertical shaft machines are.
The study reported 60 grinding units and 14 drum machines in the community. Dust was measured for environmental survey. Dust concentration was found to be in the range of 204.46 – 325.21 mg/m3. Quartz content in the dust was found to be in the range of 3.45- 9.03 mg/m3. Average respirable dust concentration in the vicinity of the units was 15.28 mg/m3.This can be correlated with the high prevalence of silicosis (5.8 -13.3%), silico-tuberculosis (2.4 -7.7%) in non occupational group.
Ambient Environment:
This is a major environmental problem, too. Industrial area is not separate from community. Most people work in their small house. Not only the worker is exposed to deadly Silica dust but the other inmates of the house including children are also exposed. Many a time mothers are seen polishing with children in their lap. ITRC study has shown Silicosis even among small children. The dust gets spread all over freely and the people in the neighborhood also are exposed to the dust. Thus the problem is not limited to the workplace only. In fact there is nothing like a separate workplace. Whole community is exposed to the air-pollution. This is an environmental problem where large numbers of people are at risk. Silica is found to be carrying risk of Cancer according to the recent international studies. The population at risk is more than 5,000.
Gujarat Pollution Control Board instructed Gujarat Electricity Board not to give new electrical connection or increase load to the agate polishers, if one do not possess No Objection Certificate from GPCB. In some cases, where neighbors complained with GPCB, the Board has taken some action, but it is limited to few isolated cases and as a whole it has not been effective to reduce the pollution load of the area
Legal Action:
The problem of Silicosis was first cited in a study taken up by Industrial Toxicology Research Center (ITRC), Lucknow around 1980. Press briefings of this study lead Lok Adhikar Sangh to make public interest petition in Gujarat High Court (No.6692/86). The High Court set up an inquiry commission in which a high court lawyer, Dy. Chief Inspector factories and NIOH expert were members. NIOH carried out a survey and installed an exhaust system to measure the dust levels before and after the installation of the system. The results were excellent. The Commission submitted its report to the Court. The petition is still pending in the Court for final hearing and order. Te petition was disposed off by the High Court years later form any complex reasons.
SOCIAL IMPACT:
Discrimination:
Since Agate workers dieing of Silicosis in young age group are well known, Agate workers are discriminated. Particularly young males find it difficult get bride and many die of silicosis before getting married. Young males there fore object being photographed or being interviewed for press or film / documentary as many of them work without their family knowing the occupation.
Broken marriages:
Silicosis is known to break the marital relationship. After marriage, if wife gets silicosis, she is deserted by the husband. In some cases, wife would leave when husband is sick of Silicosis, has no money and needs wife to earn and feed him. We have come across cases when a male and females - may be a widow - staying together or both widowed or separated stay together.
Widows:
There is large number of young widows in this area who have lost their husbands in silicosis. In many cases they have 3-5 children to be brought up. They also have to work on the wheels. Widows are exploited to the core. When husband dies, in-laws harass them and kick out them from the house and then they have to start the life a new. When the widow herself gets silicosis, she has neither money nor energy to get up and prepare food. In such cases they have to depend upon the mercy of neighbors. They are living under constant threat of death and concern for their children after their death. During the serious sickness they are worried who will do their last rites and from where the money would come for their funeral. We have seen people asking to lend money for their own funeral. Rasik Gohel, widowed male died on 27/11/06. He had a 9 year old son whom he had sent to his in-laws for schooling. Few days before his death, when he was barely able to even speak, requested our field worker Jayesh to lend himRs.500/- for his funeral. He requested us to give the amount to his neighbor and friend Jivan so that he can carry out the last rites!!
Orphans:
In January 1988, citizens of Shakarpur, worst affected by Silicosis, presented memorandum to the High Court Commission. They presented a list of 266 orphans of 200 Agate workers who had died of silicosis.
Orphans are brought up by their relatives. They are some times forced to take up labor work. Many a times they are kicked out after few years. They are deprived of basic education. When we decided to prepares a street play, we decided that it will be done though the victims. We invited the youth who were brought up as orphans. When they came for theater training, they wept remembering their child hood days. The play became live with these people acting in it. They told us how difficult it was for them to make a place in society. Since they had no elder left in their family, getting married is difficult, they informed. We know a 'family' where the head of the family of 4 is 12 year girl. In one another such family, when parents died eldest girl had got married. After the death of both the parents, the husband of the eldest sister started looking after the children. He raped 15 year old unmarried sister-in-law. Each house here has different pathetic story.
There are single parent children who also need love and affection.
Voluntary Efforts:
GANTAR, another voluntary organization worked for some time with the widows and children. The widows were helped with buying buffaloes while for children play centers were opened. Some of the orphans were got admitted to Ashram schools. The activities were stopped after two years.
In 1991, one of the employers, on his own, decided to install the system. Vyavsayik Swasthya Suraksha Mandal helped him to get the NIOH design which he got fabricated locally. The system worked well and workers were satisfied. NIOH carried out an efficacy study of these systems and results were satisfactory. But the social environment hampered the progress further. The experiment failed in a sense that other employers were not prepared to accept the burden.
Later, Vyavsayik Swasthya Suraksha Mandal contacted Gram Technology, Gandhinagar and requested them to develop a system, which is energy efficient and use smaller motor. Gram Technology (GT) developed such a system after several experiments and got it patented. NIOH carried out efficacy study of these machines, too. JANPATH, a voluntary organization, got the permission from the GT and got three machines fabricated locally. The machines were given to three employers at a token cost. It was observed that these were not used by the employers and some of them took out the motors and grinding wheels and used them in their own machines.
Life Insurance:
JANPATH organized meeting with workers and workers expressed to get the insurance cover. So Janpath got 900 workers insured under a group insurance scheme of LIC. In first year 28 workers died. LIC got alarmed and increased the premium. The insurance continued. In second year about 36 workers died and once again LIC proposed to raise the premium. Then the organization decided to discontinue the scheme.
Again in 2004, we implemented this Central Government Scheme. 25 workers bought the policy from us at Rs.100/-. 2 among them died. When their families received claim amt, community got convinced. In year 2005 we propagated the scheme widely and worked for 2 months for promotion. As a result 160 workers bought policy. By December, 8 among them died. In 2006, LIC refused renewing it saying the claim ratio is high!!!
Unless the individuals buy their own policy, they have no insurance.
Research project by University of Wisconsin:
Experts from Archeology department of University of Wisconsin and M.S. University, India and SMIO, Rome, Italy came together under Smithsonian Institution grant to study Agate craft in 1990. It was with a view to record wide set of data relating to this traditional industry before it is completely transformed by modern technological changes. The project ended with preparing an exhibition of photographs, write ups and models. Traditional workshops were recreated with the help of actual tools and implements. Unfortunately, the exhibition, nowhere took note of the dust related disease taking toll of large numbers of young craftsmen.
INTERVENTION BY Peoples Training And Research Centre (PTRC):
PTRC- a non-profit voluntary organization- was established in 1992 to focus the issue of Occupational Safety and Health. Before that, some work was done by us under the banner of Vyavsayik Swathya Suraksha Mandal, which was formed in 1986. VSS Mandal was the first among NGOs to reach there. Mandal activists first visited Shakarpur in early 1990.Then it gave wide publicity, mainly among NGOs and media and arranged their visits. We encouraged them to work with this community. PTRC was born out of VSS Mandal later.
In last one year, we aimed at bringing attitudinal change in local community regarding safer technology. People did not have clear idea of the difference between TB and Silicosis. We published pamphlets and booklet and distributed freely.
‘Machine Yatra : In 2002, we propagated safer technology through local TV channel and 2 Cinema houses for more than 6 months at a stretch. We organized 'Machine Yatra' for a week, which went through the Agate Bazaar (Market) on the first day and culminated in a public meeting. The Agate traders, local politicians, community leaders, representatives of NGOs and few workers attended it. Later, the Yatra visited all the areas where Agate polishing is going on. Workers and employers had an opportunity to see it and take a trial.
Health Fair: We organized 'Aarogya Mela'. (Health Fair) on 25-26 January in Khambhat city which was inaugurated by local MLA. In two days time several thousand people visited the fair. This has helped clarifying the difference among target group.
Posters: We published 2 posters which were distributed freely.
Street Play: We prepared a street play. Aditi Desai - a well-known theater artist, directed the play. Professional scriptwriter wrote the play. Local youths were trained to play the show. They were either agate workers or diamond cutters or bricklayers. Most of them had lost one or two parents in Silicosis. We organized more than 21 shows in various areas. All these focused activities helped make a change to look at the problem. During this period, there were occasions of conflict with the employers and we were not allowed to hold street play in some of the areas.
Survey: We carried out a questionnaire survey to investigate the Occupational Health problems other than Silicosis among Polishers. We included workers from other processes than Polishing, so that hazards in other processes can also be known. Report of the survey is ready
Influencing policy makers: On the other hand, we made representation to the Labor Minister and liaised with Factory Inspectorate. They made several visits and we helped them identify the units, which could fall under the Act. They issued notices to 12 new units to get themselves registered under the Act.
Safer Technology: As a result of the activities, some big employers have come forward to invest in safer technology. We have helped them in locating fabricator. The fabricator is experimenting with different ideas to make it more cheaper and eco-friendly, energy saving. Three models were tried and is being improved further. We hope that soon we shall have a machine which satisfies the safety needs as well as satisfies employers economic limitations and energy saving.
Earlier people used to think that the Government wants safer technology and therefore Govt shall give the machines or Govt will give subsidy, NIOH will give machine to all (NIOH gave 10 machines for demonstration). Now people have come out of such beliefs and probably they have understood their own responsibility. They are ready to invest in safer technology. 10 employers are waiting for the latest experiment to succeed.
Sammelan : On 16th December we organized SAMMELAN. Objective was to provide common platform to the Silicosis sufferers, widows, orphan youth, small & big employers, traders, Government officers, concerned citizens and NGO representatives to share their concerns, problems, efforts and plans for preventing Silicosis. Over 350 people participated. Local MLA presided over the function. Other guests included Jt.Director, Health & Safety, Baroda, Sr. Officer, H & S, Anand, NIOH representative, local industrialist and Agate traders.
Study of widows: A study of widows was carried out by PTRC in collaboration of Dr. Ambedkar Chair, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar in 2003-04. The study revealed how widows lead the life.
Representation with NHRC: In July, 2004, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan and NHRC jointly organized public hearing fro concrete cases of denial to right to health care. We participated in this hearing. We were able to persuade one of the victims to represent his case.
Self-help Savings groups: After the big employers install the machines, we shall persuade smaller people to install machine. They would need some financial support. We have formed 11 SHGs till now which has saving of rs.50,000/-. We look forward to form 30 groups by September 2006.
Helping Education: In June every year we distribute notebooks, books, uniforms and school bag to the most needy. Books are taken back after the year and given to others. We spend up toRs.5,000/-.For this we appeal individuals to donate the amount.
Victims Association: This September we helped Silicosis victims – including widows, orphans, elderly people and Silicosis patients to form victim Association. The association shall now be helped to implement their programs for Silicosis prevention, compensation, relief and rehabilitation, care & support and capacity building.
Films & TV reports on Silicosis Deaths:
Joseph Alkazi, well known documentary film maker made a film called “The Living Stones” for National TV for regional broadcasting. The film was in English and inspired us to visit the place for the first time in 1990. Later, numbers of TV channels have made stories.
A film maker from Delhi expressed his desire to make a film on the issue and sought our help in collecting information; arrange visits and interviews with different stake holders and other local arrangements. The film 'A way to dusty death' is a result of these efforts. Film was produced by PSBT, Government of India. It is an excellent film which was telecast on National TV Network. It is a tool we use for advocacy. We met several eminent personalities, institutions and organizations to seek their help, guidance and support for the cause through this medium. This film is chosen to be best documentary film for the year 2006-07 by the Govt. of India
Recommendations for Silicosis prevention among Agate workers:
Preventive Law:
Existing law for protection of workers H & S at work is Factories Act. Govt. proposal to lower the numbers of workers to just 1 to cover all the units may not yield the desired results because of inadequate implementing workforce. People may not have the information about the new amendment and Govt. does not invest in informing people. There is also fear that the work then would be carried out in such a way that it is not 'seen' to keep away the law makers. Clandestine work would continue and in such situation the exposure may be much more. Then, on Govt record there will not be any workers in hazardous situation and in reality workers would keep on dieing of Silicosis. In that situation it would be embarrassing for the Govt to acknowledge Silicosis patients. Govt. will think that the problem has been resolved and nothing remains to be done. The amendments will nothing but a farce.
Again, Factory Act is so comprehensive that the small – say one worker unit – can not implement all the provisions therein. Unnecessarily the unit holders shall be fined for violations. In past, this has happened even with some unit holders that they were prosecuted for not having the plans passed or the width of the window is not as per the standards etc.
Instead, a law which would put responsibility on the shoulders of traders for the H& S of the workers where they get it done would go a long way in preventing Silicosis. The economic relationship between workers, manufacturers and traders need to be changed. Traders are investing in raw material and out source various processes, particularly that of polishing where the hazard of silica dust poses. In this way they get away with any responsibility. The so called manufacturers are small people who, in many cases work themselves. The rates are fixed by the traders and workers are not organized to negotiate the rates. As a result what they get is used in buying grinding wheel and electricity and if there are any workers, they have to be paid. Law should hold the traders as 'manufacturers' and not the polishers, except in certain cases where more than 10 workers are employed. Here, too, implementation strategy should be well thought or it may meet the same fate. NGOs and workers will have to be involved in implementation giving legal powers. This law should have some most basic requirements like dust control, water & sanitation, safety measures for grinding wheel etc.
Welfare Board:
It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 workers engaged in this trade in various processes. There is lot of potential in this business for development. These workers are ignored till date. The minimum wages have not been fixed. They do not enjoy any benefits of social security. No insurance, no compensation, no pension, no gratuity. The industry has remained highly informal and unorganized. A welfare board for these workers may resolve some issues faced by this population.
Compensation:
These workers do not get any compensation for injuries at work including Silicosis. There is no well defined employer-employee relationship. Neither are they covered by ESI Act. In such situation until any legal reforms are implemented Silicosis sufferers should be paid lump sum compensation from Chief Minister's Fund.
Group Insurance:
State Govt. group insurance for rural /urban workers has not helped these workers as 'disease' is not considered 'accident'. In fact in legal terms, injury at work includes disease. Insurance companies take a view that in that case they would lie to know health status at the time of buying policy.
Ending Bondage:
Most workers have to take advance form the employer and then one is bonded till the debt is paid back. Till the advance is paid back, one can not change the employer. Those who get the advance get lower rate of labor. Those who die before paying back, in some cases, the widow have to work for the same employer. Physical coercion by the employers is common. Workers are under constant threat. In fact employers like the workers to pay advance so that they ensure production. System of advance need to be ended. Government should take some proactive actins to end the system.
Common Shed:
A common shed may be one option. A shed set up with all basic facilities for polishing the stones, including local exhaust ventilation. This may be managed by Panchayat or entrepreneur or worker's cooperative. Polishers may pay charge for using facilities to the cooperative.
Diagnosis & certification of work related diseases:
PHC/CHC and TB centers have continuously refused to be practical and rise to the situation. They have been trained by NIOH. Even NIOH gave one X-ray machine to Khambhat CHC but that has not been used for Agate workers. Without proper diagnosis Government can not have reliable estimates and data which are most basic for planning. This needs to be dealt with urgently.
Health education is another area where lot of work is needed. Health education may include nutrition, protection from hazards at work, personal hygiene and sanitation, habits etc.
Care & Support for the sufferers:
Silicosis is a condition of irreversible change in lungs. Lung capacity keeps on reducing till death. Still, till the last breath, young patient craves to live. S/He needs symptomatic treatment. He also needs a place where S/he can die peacefully. These workers are so poor that many do not even have fan in their home. Ordinary nursing care can be given at the hospice.
Child welfare:
Children younger than 5 years accompany their mother at work exposing children to the deadly dust. Their exposure need to be stopped. The law should take care that no children can be taken at work place. More over day care centers may be set up where children get all necessary facilities.
Orphans and single parent children of school going age need support for education, recreation and emotional needs. Community rehabilitation of orphans can be done. Bright students may be admitted to some good boarding schools. Activity centre may take care of their over all development. The centre can have out door and indoor game facilities, reading room and library. Centre may also take care of their educational needs like books, stationary, uniform etc. and keep watch over the progress of their studies.
Welfare for Elders:
We find old age people who have lost their young children in Silicosis. Some time they have a responsibility to look after their grand children. Such elders need to be looked after under any specific scheme devised for them.
Food support:
We find many families who have no source of income either because the bread winner is bed ridden or is no more. In such cases, they need to be supported based on the needs. They may be issued food coupons or some other ways.
Welfare of Widows:
Widows in young age group face lot of problems to live with dignity. They feel lonely and isolated. Their emotional and other needs are grounds for exploitation. They can be imparted vocational training and supported to start their own small businesses. They can be encouraged to set up self help groups.
Craft School:
A craft school may be opened where young workers can be given training for the trade. This may also be linked with entrepreneurship development. Because of Silicosis lot of good artists have been vanished. New workers do not dare to enter the trade for fear of death. Only those who have no other option continue with this deadly occupation. The school may also help in developing new designs and products which find good international market. The school may also give idea of the work hazard, safe systems, maintenance, economics, business tricks, laws, history of the trade and history of craft etc.
Ban:
Ban is one more option if we can ensure its implementation. This idea needs careful brainstorming and discussions with various stake holders. The logic is simple: This agate business need to be banned immediately as it does no good to any one except the traders. For workers it brings death and miseries. Society has to bear with sick workers and lowered productivity. Workers dieing in working age group is major loss to economy for any society. Since neither industry nor Government has been able to prevent deaths in last more than 5 decades, the business should be banned at the earliest. Even now there is no hope for workers. The workers not only pose hazard of silicosis but they are exploited to the core. They do not get even minimum wages or any social security. Their children have to start work at an early age. They are given advances by the employers and then they are nothing less than slaves. Government does not earn any taxes. It brings bad publicity due to Silicosis for the State and country. Even children are not spared. In a small village, we find large numbers of young widows who lead a poor life. Constitutional right to life has not been implemented. The ban may be implemented after rehabilitating all the workers.
Environmental hazard and hazardous waste:
In Shakarpur and other areas where Agate polishing is going on, silica dust in ambient air is so high that it causes Silicosis among the neighborhood also as per the NIOH study. Heaps of silica waste can be seen at various places in open. These heaps of hazardous waste are taken care neither by the industry nor by Panchayat. This needs to be taken care immediately.
Appendix: 1
List of agate polishers died of Silicosis in year 2005:
No. Name Date
1 Mahesh Muljibhai Parmar 25-02-05
2 Rehana Ayub Pathan 12-01-05
3 Rajput Shanabahi Amarsinh 23-02-05
4 Sharifabibi Siddiqbhai Pathan 04-04-05
5 Aminabibi Bashirbhai Malek 31-01-05
6 Ravjibhai Bhimabhai Makwana 12-03-05
7 Sikandarsha Haidersha Diwan 09-04-05
8 Banubibi Rasulbhai Malek
9 Mrerajbibi Ibrahim Shekh 01-09-05
10 Shardaben Punambahi Vankar
11 Dhuliben Chhaganbahi Gohel 26-06-05
12 Chandrakant Purshottam Vankar 25-05-05
List of agate polishers died of Silicosis in year 2006:
No. Name Date
1 Ramesh Chandubhai Prajapati 27-03-06
2 Akbarbhai Ghodi 04-04-06
3 Khatunbibi Yusufbhai Malek 08-04-06
4 Maiyambibi Latifbhai Pathan 02-05-06
5 Salmabibi Husenbhai Diwan 15-06-06
6 Shivabhai Somabahi 14-09-06
7 Kanubhai Pashabhai Makwana 26-09-06
8 Firdos Ibrahim Shekh 19-10-06
9 Dineshbhai Mathurbhai Parmar 25-11-06
10 Rasik Kalidas Gohel 27-11-06
11 Arvind Makwana 16-12-06
12 Mahesh Makwana 19-12-06
Some case studies of widows:
1. Manjubahen,27.
Her husband died of Silicosis on 24-7-97.; Has three children:
Vishnu(10),Lalo(7) and Youngest 4 yr old.
Her husband was drunkard. He was grinding since his childhood, i.e. since he was 12.When Manjuben married him and came to Shakarpur, she had to spend her nights in monsoon with neighbors.
He was dreaming of a good house but died before he can achieve it. He did not want Manju to work with Agate after he dies, but Manju had no other alternative. She is earning her living by grinding Agate. She is illiterate.
2. Pushpaben Bhagawati Gohel, 21.
Married to Bhagawati at the age of 12-13. Bhagawati was illiterate. Husband Bhagawati Aasahbhai Gohel died of Silicosis on12-02-01, leaving behind two children- Nitin ( 5) and Shankar (3).
When she gave birth to her second child, husband fell down from tree and fractured his leg. He had to be admitted in hospital. They sold their small piece of land for treatment. After he was out of it, he again fell sick, now for Silicosis. Again they needed money. Money was borrowed from employer.
Now she is staying with her mother-in-law. Mother-in-law works as agriculture labor. Pushpa works as house made and earn Rs.400/- a month. Elder child attends school while younger one is yet to go to school.
3. Aayesha Abdulbhai Malek,36; Married in 93-94.
Husband fell sick in 98.;died on 20-02-01, leaving behind two children:
Anish(8) and Bilal (6)
She does not have any nearby relatives here. She is staying in a rented house paying Rs.250/- per month. It is just one small room without any facilities. Since last three months she is ill. She too used to work with her husband on agate grinding. Now she is working as house made. She is not happy with what she is earning. Because of her illness, she is not able to attend work regularly. In last December, when she was very ill, her neighbors used to send her food. She is much worried about future of her children.
4. Taherabanu Malek, 35
Husband died in 2001. She died in 2004. She left behind 5 children:
Shahin (11), Shirin ( 9), Farzana ( 7), Arbaz ( 4), Muskanbanu ( 2)
She also was working with her husband on agate stone.
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