Background - In Solapur city, there are five major Bidi industries. Nearly 50,000 bidi workers (majority are women) earn their daily bread through this work. They earn about Rs. 150/- per day for rolling about 1000 bidis. It takes 8 hours to do the job.
But these Bidi rolling women are dangerously exposed to unburnt tobacco via tobacco dust inhalation as well as absorption through skin. As a result of this occupational hazard they become highly susceptible to getting respiratory disorders, obstetric complications, ophthalmic diseases, gastro- intestinal diseases, skin problems, nervous disturbances etc. along with increased risk of cancers.
These problems will continue until their exposure to tobacco continues. Once their exposure to tobacco stops the problems related to handling tobacco will also stop. Most of these women are keen to stop doing this work, but they are the main bread earners of the family and need a suitable alternative source of income in order to stop this bidi rolling work.
To address this, the idea of providing alternative employment by manufacturing eco-friendly paper and cloth bags instead of plastic ones emerged.
Structure - Women are trained in making cloth and paper bags for 1 month. Sewing machine is given to needy one. Prabodhini helps them to receive orders from various shopkeepers. Each woman prepares bags as per orders. Each one earns approximately INR 4,500 per month by making 3,000 bags, at a rate of INR 1.50 per bag.
Current Status - Currently 35 women are engaged in bag production.
Outcome - Shopkeepers are now using cloth and paper bags instead of plastic ones. Additionally, Bidi rolling women have found an alternative source of income, reducing their exposure to tobacco-related health risks.
An appeal - The initiative aims to provide this opportunity to 100 women, with a requirement for 3 lakh bags orders every month. Shopkeepers are encouraged to support these women by purchasing bags made by them, bringing a positive change to their lives.
Project Head: Mr. Rohan Pulli - 8087540316