An estimated 82,875 children - aged 6 to 14 - are employed in the cottonseed farms of Mahbubnagar and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh and the girl child constitute most of the work force

These farms have acquired the dubious distinction of being the only industry in the world to employing thousands of children, as young as six, working for 12 to 16 hours every day for Rs. 15 to Rs. 20, are grappling with health problems ranging from breathlessness to nervous disorders.

Roli Srivastava, Mumbai Mirror, Saturday, September 11, 2005

Attachments:

Withering.pdf

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Number of weavers at Pochampalli, the Mecca of ikat (tie and dye) style of saris, has dropped by 50 per cent and villagers blame liberalisation policies for it

An annual ritual in this leafy village has come to an abrupt end. Every year on the Ramnavami day, Pochampalli?s finest weaver Ch Ramalingam would load a miniature loom on his bullock cart and weave a sari on his way to the temple from his hutment. This sari would then be draped around the deity amidst cheering and festivities. Ramalingam passed away in 2003. And the tradition of draping the goddess in a freshly woven Pochampalli sari also ended with his life.

Roli Srivastava, Mumbai Mirror, Sunday, August 07, 2005

Attachments:

pochampalliweavers.pdf

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102 Kb