Charter of Demands for Equity Based Decarbonisation of the Brick Kiln Industry in Uttar Pradesh

Namaste!

We are the brick kiln workers and owners of Uttar Pradesh. People often say that we make bricks, but if you look closely, you will see that we actually build dreams and futures. Every brick we shape carries our sweat, our dedication, and our hope.

For generations, thousands of kiln owners and more than two crore workers have laid the foundations of this nation, building the homes where families find safety, the schools where children learn, the hospitals where lives are saved, the bridges that connect us, and the shops and offices where livelihoods flourish. These bricks are not just walls, they are the stepping stones of progress.

But today, every citizen of Uttar Pradesh, whether young or old, from villages or cities, shares a common dream: clean air, a healthy life, and a better future. To make this dream real, our industry must also move forward by adopting cleaner, sustainable technologies that protect our environment, improve lives, and keep our skies blue.

This change is not just about technology, it is also about dignity. With energy-efficient technology, clean fuels, better design, and improved management, not only will our industry benefit, but will also help in increasing workers’ safety. And, most importantly, it will play a significant role in reducing the air pollution crisis in cities and villages.

That is why, under the Buniyaad initiative, we- brick kiln owners’ associations, workers, technical experts, bio-coal producers, and civil society groups stand united to appeal for your support.

This is a collective call to make the brick kiln industry progressive, responsible, and equitable. By adding your name, you show that the millions who work in this sector are supported by the nation, which stands with us for a better future for all.

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Our Key Demands:

Support for Industrial Transformation

State-level task force for equity-based transition: A dedicated task force should be created under the aegis of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Labor Department, with representation from workers, kiln owners, government, and experts.
Development and promotion of alternative fuels: Research on biofuels should be promoted, and a strong supply chain must be established in every district to ensure availability and accessibility.
Comprehensive shift to clean energy: Clean energy in the brick kiln industry should not be limited to fuel and firing technologies alone, but also adopted in all on-site work and supply chain processes.
Simplified licensing process: Just as the state government’s innovative effort “Nivesh Mitra” has benefitted entrepreneurs, a simple and transparent single-window system should be developed for brick kilns, with licenses valid for at least three years.
Safeguarding measures against extreme weather events: An economic security mechanism should be created to compensate for damages caused by untimely rains (similar to farmers’ compensation), ensuring the interests of both owners and workers.
Loans and subsidies for new technology: Easy loans/subsidies should be provided for transition to clean, energy-efficient technologies; the brick industry should receive financial incentives offered by the Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Clean Air for the Environment and Our Cities

Development of the green belt: Mandatory tree cover around brick kilns to keep the local air clean and reduce the impact of dust and smoke.
Protection from heat waves: In extreme summer, kilns must offer shelters, drinking water, first aid, rest areas and other such extreme heat protection measures to the workers and their families.
Environmental monitoring: Regular pollution checks and monitoring mechanisms should be in place at kilns so that both industry and society can comply with environmental standards.

Workers’ Life and Dignity

Health and nutrition: Government health and nutrition schemes should reach women workers and children; women workers must have a universal health card, maternity card, and be linked to local health services; children’s vaccination and nutrition must be guaranteed.
Registration of all workers: Both local and migrant workers must be registered under the BOCW Act, so that they can themselves avail of all social security schemes.
Safe housing and sanitation: Housing arrangements for workers must be ensured at kilns, with separate toilets and bathing facilities for men and women.
Right to education: Under the National Education Policy and Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, children of brick kiln workers – especially children of migrant workers – should get mid-term admissions and fee waivers.
Direct contracts and transparency: Direct contracts between owners and workers must be established to reduce contractor exploitation and ensure timely and full wages for workers.
Maternity rights and dignity: Pregnant women must be guaranteed maternity leave and access to all relevant government schemes.
Skill Development: Under the Skill India Mission, skill development programs for workers working in the brick kiln industry and training programs for kiln owners should be made mandatory.

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If you agree with all the suggestions given above then please fill the following form and submit

I/We Support

I/We support the decarbonisation of brick kilns and the adoption of clean technologies in Uttar Pradesh.
I/We support the above mentioned demands put forward by the Buniyaad initiative and urge the state government and relevant departments to take immediate action.
I/We support the effective implementation of workers’ rights to health, safety, and education.