Child-and-adult-labour-in-the-export-oriented-garment-and-gem-polishing-industry-of-India

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Child and adult labour in the gem polishing export industry of Jaipur
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iron tools because he polished ruby stones by hand. Mommad started working in the morning
around 8 a.m. and finished work around 5 to 6 p.m.
The owner did not treat him well. Often the money he should get was not paid to Mommad. He
earned Rs 100 per month and earlier when started working he earned Rs 50 per month.
His father sent him to the work because he did not want Mommad to waste his time. Mommad,
however, liked to play and would like to go to school. But his father thought that he wasted his
time. 'There is never time to play', said Mommad. The tears could be seen in his eyes.
He wanted education otherwise his life would be spoiled. Mommad wanted to become a doctor
and give treatment to patients. Mommad's father also worked in the gem polishing industry and
earned Rs 2000 per month. His two elder brothers earned Rs 1200 each for polishing gem stones
in Jaipur.
Case 6: Mommad Gamiruddin
Mommad is 12 years old and had been working for 1 year. His parents sent him to the work. He
often saw other children going to school and he also wanted to go to school, if his parents allowed
him. Then he would become a doctor. The owner of the workshop where Mommad worked, was
not a relative of his and beat him. Often his fingers were damaged by the polishing machine. His
eyes and body were aching due to the work. He worked from 7 a.m. till 6 p.m. After work
Mommad always went straight to bed. Playing was not allowed by his father because he thought
that a waste.
Case 7: Altaf
Altaf is a boy of 10 years. He had been working for two years. He polished emeralds for Rs 150
per month which he only received 3 month ago. Before that time he was not earning any money.
The owner was not a relative. His father was a broker and sent him to work. His parents worked
and thus Altaf should also work. Altaf often played with his friends after 6 p.m. when the work
was finished. Later Altaf wanted to become a policeman and fight for the nation. Because of the
work Altaf always felt a pain in his back.
Case 8: Brassin
Brassin had been working for 5 years and is now 10 years of age. He was positive about his work.
He said that now he was earning money, and received Rs 200 per month for polishing stones.
There was no government school in the neighbourhood of his house. His father sent him to work.
Case 9: Gamil
Gamil is 11 years old. He said that he was often punished if he made mistakes or broke the stones
while polishing. The owner did often beat him. When he told this to his father, his father said that
the beating was good because he had made a mistake. His father's profession was fruit-seller.
Gamil earned Rs 300 per month and two years ago he received Rs 50 per month.
Case 10: Riayaz
Riayaz is 8 years old and had been working for 2 years. He started at the age of 6 and did not get