question_answer 9)

What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?  

Answer:

Despite a government ban on child labour, 20,000 children in Firozabad work in horrific conditions to support their poor families. The workers are exposed to hazards such as blindness, tuberculosis, bronchitis etc. Inspite of working in such hazardous conditions the children are conveniently underpaid.   They are forced to lead this life of poverty as this is their only means of livelihood) they can barely afford two square meals a day; They have no money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles, with not even enough to eat. The young men echo the lament of their elders. Times have not changed for generations. Years of mind-numbing toil has killed all their drive and the ability to dream.   They cannot organize themselves into a cooperative and escape the vicious circle of middleme for fear of the police and due to lack of leadership.   They are caught in a web of poverty, burdened by the stigma of caste. The bureaucrats and the politicians are equally callous towards them.