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Socio-Economic Assessment of the Brick Kiln Workers in Conventional and Mechanized Units in Punjab

This article reports comparison of socio-economic conditions of brick kiln workers in conventional and mechanized units based on primary research. The study reveals some interesting results. Conventional brick kiln workers though under debt bondage possess more assets than the mechanized workers. However, mechanized workers do not have debt but their income is not enough to cover expenditures. Mechanized workers are disadvantaged compare to conventional workers in terms of free housing and access to credit from owners. Workers at mechanized kilns have not reported any health problems while conventional kiln workers reported pains in their body, limbs and joints as common health issues. There exist a clear trade-off for both type of workers in terms of debt-bondage and lower income. Mechanization alone will not address the socio economic challenges faced by the workers. Government has to formalize this industry so that workers would also get their rights protected by law. In addition, government should be proactive is providing education, health, clean water and sanitation.