District Level Consultation – Makrana
District level workshop on Children and Mining, Illegal Mining, DMF and PESA was conducted at Makarana, Rajasthan. The meeting was presided over by the Secretary General of mm&P. The Secretary General introduced the theme of the workshop and why children’s rights should not be neglected especially in the mining areas.
A short documentary film “Falling through the cracks – Children and Mining” was screened and followed by a detailed session on the plight of children in mining areas by the Secretary-General of mm&P. Participatory approach was followed in sensitizing the people on violation of child rights in the context of Children in mining areas.
One issue that was prominently discussed was the plight of migrant laborers especially women and children. Most of the CSR or development activities by the mining company or the administration do not take into account the migrant population. These are the most marginalized groups who find it hard to understand the reasons for discrimination at all levels of our society. Some raised concern about scattered movements across the state which could be one of the reasons for lack of interest on the part of the mine owners and the administration. A collective and coordinated discussion might improve the situation.
In the consultation at Makarana, a very important point was raised about collectively having a dialogue with the mine owners for a more democratic way forward.