Death mines: Mine workers in Rajasthan suffer without an identity

The mining sector provides employment to lakhs of people in Rajasthan and earns crores for the state. In 2014-15 the sector earned revenue of around Rs 3,635 crore for Rajasthan. However, it has come at a heavy price. The state is becoming the epicentre for occupational diseases such as Silicosis, a lung disease caused by breathing tiny bits of silica. Lack of treatment and monetary compensation for occupational diseases is one of the biggest fallouts for workers, who have no proof of identity as mine labourers. This lack of identity is what makes them vulnerable with no social benefits, provident fund or minimum wages. As the Centre and the State keep passing the buck, everyone, from the administration to the mine owners shirk their responsibilities. And mine workers remain on the periphery without identity, despite being the backbone of a growing industry.