Study on Living wage for CUDP Recycle paper Unit, Dharamsala

Artisans working for Clean Upper Dharamsala Paper unit.

Findings of the Clean Upper Dharamsala Recycle Paper products:

-Calories test
a.No. of workers interviewd: 11
b.No. of artisans qualifying the calories test: 11

-Other findings
a.All the artisans have medical insurance/health facility
b.All the workers have a saving account in PNB Dharamsala
c.More than 95% of the artisans interviewd were being able to generate some amount of savings
d.Children of all the artisans are pursuing education
e.Provident fund scheme in operation for all the artisans
f.The artisans rated their level of satisfaction as “Good” (Option being excellent/Good/Average/Bad)

Conclusion:
The handmade Recycle paper workshop is the source of livelihood for 11 artisans. It is a modest workshop which combines the commitment and hard work of the artisans involved. Being a part of settlement office and being commercially located, it has good potential from the local market.
The wages being paid to the artisans at the workshop are well above the state minimum wages.The minimum salary paid to the artisans is INR 4400 per month(INR 133 per day, which is more than the state minimum wage of INR 110 per day). The wages are able to take care of food, clothing, entertainment, saving schemes, medical benefits, education needs etc. The workshop maintains propoer wage record for the artisans. All the artisans are paid wages on time, with no penal deductions. The artisans are happy working for the workshop. The ever rising prices and increase in the cost of living, however remains a challenge.

This report is done by Mr. Pankaj, resource person and uploaded on the blog by me.

Tsering Youdon
IM Fair Trade Coordinator