BACKGROUND: Bidi is a popular form of smoking tobacco in India. Manufactured by hand rolling tendu-leaves (Diospyros-Melanoxylon) with tobacco flakes by economically poor community with inadequate education, mostly women, widows and non skilled individuals. State produces 17% Bidi in the country. As per GATS-(2016-17), 9.1% adults consume Bidi in Madhya Pradesh. Bidi-rollers are forced to work in hazardous condition and exploited by the traders. This rapid study attempt to capture various aspects of Bidi-rollling, practices, health status and challenges working in unorganized sector.
METHODS: Study has been done in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh directly with the individuals and families involved in Bidi-rolling. FGD and interviews conducted using schedules. 50 Bidi-rollers families along with their members were extensively interviewed, providing sufficient time in year 2022-23. Primary and secondary data both collected and analyzed in Microsoft Excel.
RESULTS: A:98% Bidi-rollers want to leave rolling and looking for alternative livelihood.
B:70% do not have any other technical skills to adopt new livelihood.
C:88% complained health problems such as neck-back pain, body ache, stiffness in fingers, respiratory problems, burning sensation in eyes, etc.
D:Average monthly income ranged from Rs.1000-5000 only.
E:Most of them raised issue of poor remuneration by industry and their brokers
F:Only 30% went to middle school.
G:Wlling to take alternative livelihoods, if they get skill training and financial support to start new income generating activities.
CONCLUSIONS: Study indicates that working condition and remuneration needs to be looked seriously. They should be provided skills and financial support under various government schemes to have alternative livelihood. Should be enrolled under government health insurance scheme, be linked with community based self-help groups to learn group enterprise for enhancement of income and reduced dependency on hazardous work.