Living conditions of informal workers: A sociological study of brick kiln workers in district Budgam of Kashmir valley

Abstract

In India, the brick kiln industry is a huge industry employing millions of workers belonging to both rural and urban areas. Most workers in the brick kiln industry reside near the worksites in unhygienic and shabby homes, mainly made up of raw bricks. The present research was carried out on migrant workers who work in the brick kiln industry in District Budgam of Kashmir valley. It is a qualitative study carried out with the help of a focused group discussion with the workers. The study has revealed that all the workers are from Bihar and work in the brick kiln industry for six to seven months per year. All the respondents of the study with whom group discussion was done were illiterate. There are various problems associated with workers like health problems, lack of proper living space, the problem of child labour and lack of any social security support from the government. Workers in the brick kiln industry work under a very high-pressure workload especially during the peak season of construction. There is an urgent need on part of the government to frame some policies for the welfare and protection of migrant brick kiln workers. Further, employers should also provide safe living space and social security to workers.