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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took advantage of the family's dependence on his supplies. Regularly he did not pay in time.
When the family needed money they went to the employer and borrowed it. The employer asked
interest and paid them a lower price.
Zazmah never had any education and was illiterate. Her father was a very strict Muslim and wanted
the 7 daughters to stay inside the house. They were not allowed to go to school. They received
only moral teachings from the Koran, the religious book of Muslims. At the moment only one
brother went to school and another brother worked in the gem polishing industry. The latter
brother cut emeralds in a unit next to the house and earned for the job Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per
month. He is 24 years old and had an education up to the 9th standard. The family totally depended
on the income of the working son and of Zazmah. The family consisted of 13 members:
grandmother, mother, and 11 children.
Grandmother and Zazmah's mother were in charge of the household and were actively involved
in the interview. Also grandmother did not allow the girls outside the house. While talking to all
the family members, Zazmah continued her work at a high speed. She looked very tired and when
she was asked if she was tired she confirmed that. She worked around 8 hours a day. The work
was very boring and monotonous.
The family looked very unhealthy. They said that they were continuously having financial
problems. They also complained about the high costs of living in Jaipur.