Abstract
Tobacco control has been recognized as a key intervention to control cancer. Approaches like tobacco cessation for users, awareness for the public, and policy changes aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, are all currently being implemented nationally in India. An area needing emphasis but grossly neglected lies upon promoting economically viable alternatives to tobacco production as a way to prevent possible adverse social and economic impacts on population whose livelihoods depend on tobacco production. One such sector is the beedi production in Tamil Nadu. In India, at least 4.5 million workers are employed in the beedi sector. According to Ministry of Labour and Employment, there are 509128 beedi rollers in Tamil Nadu. (PIB, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt of India) Although the large part of the workforce is home based, involving women and children, beedi manufacturing is considered highly labour intensive. Article 17 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) emphasizes the importance of promoting economically viable alternatives to tobacco production. This approach aims to mitigate the adverse social and economic impacts on populations whose livelihoods depend on tobacco production. Such strategies are recognized as effective supply reduction measures to curtail tobacco usage within communities.
In an effort to shift beedi rollers to alternative healthy livelihoods, the Cancer Institute (WIA) with support from HCL Foundation initiated a series of activities, beginning from creating awareness on the occupational health hazards of working in the beedi industry. Two districts (Tirunelveli and Vellore) were selected for the same, as the proportion of beedi rollers was high as compared to other districts. In order to sensitize the beedi rollers, a number of awareness programs were organized in various locations since 2015. Through these awareness programs, nearly 3000 beedi rollers were sensitized on the risks and ill-effects associated with their livelihood. Following the awareness campaigns, the institute conducted a survey among 1000 beedi workers from Vellore and Tirunelveli. About 78% of the surveyed
beedi workers were found to suffer from one or the other ailment namely respiratory disorders, chronic cold, cough and skin diseases. Also, 80.4% of them expressed their willingness to shift to an alternate livelihood. (Josephine, S., The Hindu; 2019)
SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
In an effort to transition these beedi workers towards healthier livelihoods, the Cancer Institute (WIA), with support from HCL Foundation initiated various skill development training programs at Mukkudal, Tirunelveli as Phase I in association with the Labour Welfare Department, Government of India. The training programs were conducted at the Central Beedi Hospital, Mukkudal, Tirunelveli, at no cost to the beneficiaries.
