Shifting of economic responsibilities on vulnerable shoulders for survival of families: a scenario from mining industry in India

Abstract

Context: Mining industry has boomed precipitously to provide for demand of metal and minerals for emerging infrastructure. It is major occupation in India involving large work force, although it is hazardous. Aims: To assess the socio-demographic profile of sandstone mine workers in Jodhpur and to identify their major social issues.Material and Methods: Study design: Cross-sectional study; Setting: Residential area of mine workers, Jodhpur, Rajasthan; Participants: Mine workers residing in residential areas in Jodhpur district for more than 6 months, and who gave consent for participation in study.Data on socioeconomic status and occupation of each family members was collected;Analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS v.23. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: One thousand six hundred four mine workers were enrolled in study. More than three fourth (78.7%) of them were male. Their age ranged between 14 to 82 years with mean age of 37.62 ± 12.30 years. Mean age of female workers was significantly higher than of male workers. Average years of working for males was significantly higher than females.Mean age of entry into mines for male workers (20.33 ± 6.69) was significantly lower than females (24.59 ± 8.52). About 2.68% children below 14 years of age were involved in any sort of income generation activity. Conclusions: Majority of mine workers were of young age group. Major socioeconomic issues found were illiteracy, child marriage, child labour, loneliness and shifting economic responsibilities on females.Strengths and limitations: Robust dataset, complete enumeration, large sample size.