In September, TFT went to a workshop in Kota, Rajasthan, to discuss how the challenges affecting those working in the cobble making process are being tackled. ARAVALI (Association for Rural Advancement through Voluntary Action and Local Involvement) and ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) were two of the attendees explaining what they are doing in the sector.

These challenges include:

• Access to quality education
• Works related challenges like health, safety and wages
• Service delivery in health

The workshop was an opportunity to bring stakeholders together to identify and discuss how they could collaborate to overcome such challenges.

Some of the highlights of the workshop included:

ARAVALI explaining the challenges in diagnosing silicosis – a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust – in the absence of trained doctors and testing centres. Government programmes, funding and other developments regarding silicosis were shared. Government representatives shared the work they are doing, such as providing scholarships for educations, widow pensions, hostel facilities, and meals for workers.