Step Towards Dignity and Empowerment: Visit to Beedi Workers’ Areas by Nava Jeevan Trust and Peace Bridge India

On 10 January 2026, a joint team from Nava Jeevan Trust and Peace Bridge India carried out a field visit to several beedi workers’ villages in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. The team was headed by Mr Nalan of Nava Jeevan Trust and included Mr Ramasubbu, Director of Peace Bridge India, and Ms Radha, Senior Programme Coordinator of Nava Jeevan Trust. The purpose of the visit was to review ongoing programmes, interact directly with beedi workers, and gain first-hand understanding of their living and working conditions. 

The visit began at the Life Skill Training Centre operated by Nava Jeevan Trust in Chellapillayarkulam village of Kadayam Block. At this centre, 34 women, most of whom are beedi workers, are enrolled in a six-month training programme in sewing and embroidery. The primary objective of the programme is to empower women through alternative livelihood skills. During the interaction, the women expressed their happiness at having the opportunity to learn new skills. Many shared that the training would enable them to gradually move away from beedi rolling and contribute to their family income in a safer and healthier manner.

The team then visited another Skill Training Centre in Naraiyappapuram village, also located in Kadayam Block. This centre had 34 women participants, largely engaged in beedi rolling and belonging to low-income families. The women spoke openly about their aspirations and requested support and assurance to establish a ready-made garment unit in their village, which would help them generate sustainable collective income. 

The third visit took place in Udayampuli village of Pappakudy Union, where a meeting was held with beedi rolling women, including members previously associated with the Beedi Workers’ Association. The women raised serious concerns that welfare schemes intended for them were not reaching the beneficiaries. They reported exploitation by intermediaries such as beedi contractors and commission agents. The women stressed the need to strengthen village-level associations so they could collectively demand their rightful entitlements. During this visit, the team also met a woman social worker who had earlier worked with Nava Jeevan Trust and continues to support beedi workers in resolving their issues. 

here reported that they were neither receiving government welfare benefits nor being paid the prescribed wages. They requested the appointment of a woman social worker who could provide guidance and assistance whenever required. 

The visit concluded with a stop at the Supplementary Education Centre in Lakshmiyapuram village of Alangulam Block. The centre supports 36 girl children from below-poverty-line families. The children appeared happy and disciplined, and teachers reported regular attendance and punctuality. Parents expressed satisfaction with the children’s educational progress and improved discipline. 

 The visit reinforced the urgent need for continued intervention and collective action to improve the livelihoods, rights, and wellbeing of beedi workers and their families.