This website is a one of the platforms to address the challenges faced by the mineworkers in Rajasthan.

This website is maintained by GRAVIS and HEDCON.

To learn about GRAVIS, click on www.gravis.org.in

To learn about HEDCON, click on www.hedcon.org
 


 

Tales of Woes ...

Marble and sandstone from Rajasthan, India, can be found in kitchens, bathrooms and palaces all over the world. The marble that was used to build the Taj Mahal came from marble mines in Rajasthan. Yet, most people are completely unaware of the reality of the 3 million workers who extract this stone. Men, women and children (over 25% of the mineworkers are women and children) work in the mines for at least 10 hours per day and earn 50 to 90 Rs. (USD$1.00-2.00) per day. The mineworkers work in deep open pits where the air is thick with dust from dry drilling and safety equipment is non-existent. There is no drinking water provided, no shade to rest in, no toilets, no first aid kits, and no worker's compensation for accidents. Accidents occur frequently and often mineworkers have no extra money to pay for medical treatment. Keeping the terrible situation of the mineworkers in mind, two organizations, GRAVIS and HEDCON have taken the initiavtive protect the rights of the mineworkers through various interventions. However, there is still a long way to go to restore the dignity of the mineworkers. But, hope floats from the ongoing efforts and the future plans.

Contacts

GRAVIS: 3/458, 3/437, MM Colony. Jodhpur, 342008. Rajasthan, India. Phone: 91-291-2785317, 91-291-2785116. Fax: 91-291-2785116 gravis@datainfosys.net.

HEDCON: 67/145, Pratap Nagar Housing Board, Sanganer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
302022 Phone: 91-141- 2792994 hedcon2004@yahoo.com