Demystifying Bidi Industry Tactics

The study explores the complexities of bidi manufacturing and its effects on local communities in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Murshidabad, West Bengal, produces 25% of India’s bidis, with Jangipur as a major centre, while Jabalpur and Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh have rich histories in bidi production.

The research investigates the challenges bidi rollers face, occupational health risks, and the industry’s CSR, ESG practices, and tactics. Emphasizing WHO FCTC Article 5.3 implementation in these regions, the study aims to shape effective interference strategies against the bidi industry’s influence, informing policy development to mitigate its negative impacts on local communities.

Bidi industries and Munshis exploit workers by denying benefits, underpaying wages, mismanaging funds and profiting from rejected bidis all while evading taxes through unregistered corporations.

Child Labour

Often young adolescent girls were seen assisting their mothers in rolling bidis to maximize their household earnings.

Illicit Trade

Munshis and mahajans drive a network of direct and indirect channels, fuel the illicit bidi market, making taxes more liberalised.

Violation of Policies

Middlemen and bidi companies frequently violate minimum wage laws and mismanage Provident Fund accounts for bidi rollers.

Inequity

Wage disparities, irregular payments, contractualization, unfair bidi rejection, and power struggles between middlemen and rollers lead to widespread unfair practices in the bidi trade.

Authoritarian middlemen and ignorant workers

Munshis wield authority over wage rates, rejection rates, and payment withholdings, shaping the bidi industry dynamics.

Exposing The Devious Ways Of Bidi Industry Interference
In West Bengal And Madhya Pradesh (India)

Hear it from the bidi rollers itself in the documentary videos below

Silent Suffering | The Human Cost of Bidi Roller | Bidi Life Cycle

Tobacco Trails | The Shadowy World of Bidi Commerce | Bidi Life Cycle

Silent Resilience | Plight of the Bidi Rollers for Fair Wages | Bidi Life Cycle

Forged in Ashes - The Bidi Roller's Struggle for Survival | Child Labour | Bidi Life Cycle

Embers of Resilience | The Bidi Roller's Fight for Equity | Bidi Life Cycle

Weaving Hope for Bidi Rollers | A Journey of Empowerment | Bidi Life Cycle

Bidi Life Cycle | A Documentary | Exposing Industry Malpractices

Photo Gallery

Media Coverage

Slide 1

Published in:
Paribartan News Channel

Published date: 26-06-2024

Slide 2

Published in:
Aaj Talkss

Published date: 26-06-2024

Slide 3

Published in:
BA DWEEP BARTA

Published date: 27-06-2024

Slide 4

Published in:
AJJKAL

Published date: 03-07-2024

Slide 5

Published in:
B-Dwip Barta

Published date: 01-07-2024

This Study has been produced with the help of a grant from Vital Strategies on behalf of Bloomberg Philanthropies. The contents of this Study are the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the positions of the donors.