‘Brick-kiln sector slowly getting back on track as sales pick up’

Industry & Lockdown

‘During these tough times, it was our responsibility to address the labourers’ issues so that did not feel abandoned. We provided wages to workers during the lockdown period. Our workers did not leave for their native states. And now that the brick kiln industry has resumed operations, workers are also returning to work. Truck operators, who load and unload bricks, have also returned to work.’ Jagjit Sood, patron, Ludhiana District Brick Kiln Owners’ Association

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 6

Jagjit Sood is patron of the Ludhiana District Brick Kiln Owners’ Association. He said the sale had been hit amid nationwide lockdown. He said the government should release some relief package for the brick kiln industry. He is an owner of a brick kiln at Bhutta village in the district.

What is the impact of lockdown on brick kiln industry?

The government-imposed lockdown had stopped the sale of bricks due to which the brick kiln industry suffered huge losses. The movement of trucks and loading vehicles was stopped. We could not visit brick kilns for many days due to curfew and lockdown restrictions. Now that relaxations have been given, the brick kiln industry is slowly getting back on track as sales are picking up at brick kilns and we are thankful to the state government. The supply of sand, gravel and other material has been resumed too.

How are you tackling issues related to labour?

During these tough times, it was our responsibility to address the labourers’ issues so that did not feel abandoned. We provided wages to workers during the lockdown period. Our workers did not leave for their native states. And now that the brick kiln industry has resumed operations, workers are also returning to work. Truck operators, who load and unload bricks, have also returned to work.

What steps are being taken for making operations normal?

As per the guidelines, we are ensuring social distancing at brick kilns and have also provided masks to labourers. The working at brick kilns is moving towards normalcy. The work will continue till the end of June as the brick kilns will not be functional during rainy season.

What are your expectations from the government?

It is a small industry that has been hit by Covid-19 crisis. Besides facing operational disruptions, this industry also suffered because raw bricks got damaged due to rains. In the past few months, untimely rain lashed at least twice, causing damage to raw bricks. The government should release some relief package for the brick kiln industry.

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