CHAPTER III

FIREWORKS INDUSTRIES – AN OVERVIEW

Introduction
This chapter discusses the history of fireworks industries in India and
Virudhunagar district, growth of fireworks industries, problems and number of
accidents incurred in the fireworks industries in the study area.

3.1 History of Fireworks Industry in India

In India, fireworks making was originally restricted to a few items made
of gun powder and iron borings. India restricted its making rockets and high
blast flower pots with gun powder and iron fillings only. It is quite focusing to
observe today in Bengal the street competitions of the talents type of flower
pots. Soon after the appearance of chlorates, nitrates, and metal powder, the
fireworks maker improved his production progressively adding these elements
to obtain colour, brilliance, flash, sound and certain desired effects. In the
earlier days the use of these new elements, with imported chlorates, nitrates,
aluminum and magnesium, was restricted in making large type of fireworks for
festivals and religious occasions. In due course smaller items of rockets and
flower pots and Bengal lights appeared in the market for family consumption.
These may be called small fireworks in comparison with display fireworks.

Some writers make unsupported claims that the rockets was known in
India as far back as can be remembered and that gun powder was known at a
very early age but “probably died out before historic times”. It is suggested
form studies on popular tradition that rockets or rocket – like weapons were
used as language as the Mahabharata war which took place in 3103 B.C.

Analysis of the famous poetic chronicles of Mahabharata by historian

Chandra Ray concludes that while inflammable material such as reign are
mentioned “there is nothing to show that gun powder of any sort was in use or
any chemical which would act as a propelling agent”.

Bengal was much interested in the manufacture of both display

fireworks and small fireworks, sometimes restricted by controls and guns due
to the so called anarchist activities. As chemical and metals were available
through unloading at Calcutta port from European countries, Bengal started
manufacturing seriously Bengal lights which are well known even today. Mr.
Das Gupta setup the first fireworks factory in India at Calcutta. Initially he
experimented with colour matches and later with flower pots, fountains and
large size crackers. In the early 20th century, two young men, A.
ShanmugaNadar and P. IyyaNadar who set out to Calcutta on business from
Sivakasi, tumbled upon a small Japanese match factory next to the lodge where
they stayed at Calcutta. These two gentle men yield with a few metallic sticks,
brought with them a few materials and attempted to make the first match at
Sivakasi.

The knowledge of match making motivated them to make colour

matches also as the process was more or less similar. During this period India
was importing colour matches and star matches from Germany. People
knowledge of chemistry helped them improve the quality of their products.
Their success manufacture of safety matches, colour matches made them
sparklers which became the most popular item in the small fireworks family.
China was then exporting only fire crackers of several ranges but no fireworks.

Import of fireworks and fire crackers was restricted from 1938 to 1944
by World War – 2. The shortage gave a fillip to the indigenous industry,
which was in its infancy. During 1940 the Indian Explosive Rules were
enacted where by a system of licensing was introduced for manufacture,
possession and safety measures was setup at Sivakasi. The shortage in the
market helped the seasonal factories work even during off season and build up
inventories. When World War2 was coming to an end, the Gateway for the
import of raw materials was opened and the indigenous industry was enlarged
itself. While the existing factories broadened their efforts there came into
existence several new units, of which national fireworks, Kaliswari fireworks
were prominent in the year 1942. These two factories started marketing their
products throughout the length and breadth of India. What were 1 or 2
factories in 1927 rose to 189 by the end of 1980 and 260 by the end of 1986
and 400 by the end of 1996 in Tamilnadu. In these cases of other states Kerala
took up this production very earnestly. In the past 15 years there were
organized factories coming up in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, AP, and
West Bengal and up.

The fireworks industry which met the domestic markets started to

collide with the Chinese who are monopolizing the world markets. In the year
1977- 78, for the first time India exported about 40, 00,000 rupees worth of
fireworks and fire crackers. They were accepted as superior to Chinese
products and broken the world monopoly of China. Indian goods travelled to
shares of Japan and the idle East also. Subsequently, however, India could nit
thrive in export because of cutthroat competition from China and its
geographical proximity to the world market. Had concessional ocean freight
been offered, India could have played a vital role in fire export earning a
handsome foreign exchange. The item and ranges of Chinese production were
large. They numbered over 1000. Their catalogues showed innumerable ranges.
India should strive well to reach this in the forth coming years to chain a right
place in the world markets.

The fireworks industry had a glorious record in World War II, Indo-
China war and Indo-Pakistan war. A few factories were engaged in the
manufacture of pyrotechnic materials for the army, the navy and the air force.
A few members offered the serious of contribution to the ministry of defense.

The fireworks industry is perhaps the most readily available source for
production of ordnance weapons. The taxes paid by the fireworks unit cannot
comply easily. Any money paid is needed and welcomed by the national and
local governments. The fireworks industries offer steady employment to
several thousand persons in the plants and sales outlets. Transport people are
also immensely benefited in fireworks. By experimentation a new chemical
composition might produce an original star colour or noise effect or a new shell
burst are set piece pattern might be achieved. Today progress is measured in
times of the spectacle that can be accomplished with the use of vast quantities
of fireworks, sophisticated electronic firing devices and the enhancement that
musical accomplishment and lasers can give to a show. At present there is a
tremendous improvement in the manufacture of a variety of delightful fancy
items in several countries, particularly in china. The government of India has
imposed a lot of restriction on the introduction of innovative machines and
tools and production of fancy fireworks. If the government of India tackles
these problems in construction with leading fireworks industrializes and solves
them suitably then the Indian fireworks industry can have a bright future in
India.

3.2 History of Fireworks Industries in Virudhunagar District

Virudhunagar District is the natural choice for fireworks production.
Low rain fall and a dry climate prevailing in the Virudhunagar District
contribute to unabated production. What could have been consumed in three
hours of the Diwali Day comes to be produced in 300 days, always with
overtime jobs throughout the year.

In Sivakasi, the first fireworks industry was started in the early 20th
century. Having achieved a measure of success in Safety Matches, Colour
Matches an Star Matches, Mr. A. Shanmuga Nadar and Mr. Ayya nadar
ventured upon the making of sparklers then the most popular item in the Small
Fireworks family, which were at the time imported the UK and Germany.

The germinal seed for the making of modern family fireworks or small
fireworks was planted in the year 1934 when the Central Excise Duty on
Matches was promulgated. Until the outbreak of World War II in 1939, there
were only a handful of factories in Sivakasi, Trichur and Rimjalakuda in Kerala
State from 1938 to 1944 the import of fireworks and firecrackers was
obstructed by war. This shortage gave a fillip to the indigenous industry, which
was in its infancy.

During the year 1940, the Indian Explosive Rules were enacted where
by a system of licensing was introduced for manufacture, possession and sale.
Thus came to be set up in the year 1940 the first organized factory with several
precautions and safety measures. The shortage in the market helped these, then
seasonal, factories to work even during off-season and build up stocks. With
World War II coming to an end and the gate way for import of raw materials
having been reopened, the indigenous industry enlarged itself.

Not only the existing factories broadened their efforts, there came in to
existence several new units, of which National Fireworks, Kaliswari Fireworks
and Standard Fireworks were prominent in the year 1942. These three factories
started marketing their products throughout the length and breadth of India.
These were later supplemented by new units at the average of 10 per year.

3.3 Factors Influencing Location of Fireworks Industries in

Virudhunagar District
Generally, the starting of Industries is mainly determined by economic
considerations. Certain other non-economic considerations might also
influence the location of some industries. Industries are primarily governed
and guided by the profit motive and the location of an industry substantially
influences the profitability of any industry. Maximization of profit is the most
important principle in the choice of particular places for the location of
industries. An Entrepreneur therefore has to bestow carefully on the choice of
location of Industrial units. There are several factors which contribute the
industry to the choice of particular places. Some of the major factors which
influence the location of fireworks industries are:
 (a) Historical
In many cases, historical incidents have played an important part in
affecting the location of an Industry. The representative of a Board of Trade, in
his evidence before the Barlow Commission, in the U.K. pointed out that,
though natural conditions and certain other factors in Lancashire were
admirably suited for cotton manufacture, “the industry first settled in
Lancashire for no particular reason except perhaps that the woolen industry
was already there” Likewise, the fireworks industries were started at Sivakasi
only for the reason that there were already match industries there. It has
already been pointed out that, the fireworks industry was started following the
success of the match industry.

(b) Natural and Climatic Considerations

Natural and climatic considerations include the level of ground,
topography of a region etc. These factors sometimes affect the location of
industries. Climate plays an important role in the determination of location of
industries associated with agricultural raw materials and certain chemical raw
materials. In the case of fireworks industry non-humid climate is preferable
(must); and this is an added advantage for drying up the fireworks items. In the
manufacturing of fireworks items two more chemicals are mixed and packed in
a hollow paper tube. Then both the side of the paper tube is covered with
ground charcoal. The fuse is then inserted and the hole is covered with gum.
Then these are dried up. In this process the chemicals and hollow paper tube
get wet. If this item is not dried up well, it will not function well. So, non-
humid climate is a must. In Sivakasi, the climate is generally hot and dry with
low degree of humidity. Sivakasi receives its bulk of rainfall from the North-
east monsoon, which falls only during October/November.

(c) Personal Factor

Industrial Entrepreneurs are not always guided by purely economic
considerations in deciding the location of their industrial enterprises. “Mr.
Ford started to manufacture motor cars in Detroid because it was his home-
town” Similarly Mr. Ayya Nadar and Mr. Shanmuga Nadar started the match
industries at Sivakasi because, it was their native place. The success of the
match industry prompted them, to start the colour matches, sparklers and
fireworks. This technology was kept a secret by their families for over 10
years. And then this technology passed to their community and later on to
others.

(d) Availability of Raw Materials

In the determination of the location of an Industry, availability of raw
materials assumes vital consideration. For most of the major industries, the
cost of raw materials forms the bulk of the total cost. Raw materials may be
classified as “ubiquities” (like minerals, coal, and sugarcane) which are
available only in certain places. The pull towards the sources of raw materials
would be greater, in the case of industries requiring localized materials. Hence,
localized materials wield an important influence on the concentration of an
industry. The major raw materials required for fireworks industries are
saltpetre (potassium Nitrate), Sulphur and pyro - aluminum powder. If these
raw materials are not available, then the production will be interrupted. The
interrupted production will definitely affect the growth of fireworks industry.

(e) Availability of Skilled Labour

Adequate supply of cheap and skilled labour is necessary for an
industry. Labour can always be provided by the immigrants from other areas.
The importance of labour supply influencing the location of an industry is
difficult to assess, since non-availability of local labour is not likely to prevent
a site which has great many natural disadvantages for an industry. The fact that
labour can be obtained at lower rate has lost much of its importance in those
days, because of national agreements relating to minimum wage and social
security benefits. For instance, watch making and precision instruments
manufacturing industries are concentrated prominently in Switzerland because
of its traditional skills. Likewise, the easy availability of skilled labourers in
and around Sivakasi is one of the factors responsible for the concentration of
fireworks industries. Labourers in Sivakasi have inherited technical skill from
their forefathers and have developed it through periodical experience. A
fireworks industry normally consists of the following work force namely, a
foreman, labourers and managing staff. A foreman is the supervisor of the
fireworks industry in production. He must be a skilled one and having the
efficient managing capacity. The foreman and the managing staff are paid, the
monthly salary basis. The remaining labourers are paid on the price rate basis.
The organization should ensure that the labourers employed do not change
frequently. And the absence of labourers will result in the decrease in
production.

(f) Access to Market

Easy marketing facility is an important factor which the entrepreneur
must not lose sight of. Industries whose products are costly to transport, on
account of their fragility, perishability must have their marketing places nearer.
Industries located near the market could easily transport their products at a
lower freight rate. Easy accessibility to market is more important in the case of
industries manufacturing consumer goods, rather than producer goods.
Because, they require constant adjustment with changes in the habits of
consumers. Fireworks are classified as non-essential luxury products. Today,
one can see the great demand for fireworks all over India. As has already been
stated, Sivakasi is the only centre which meets 96 per cent of the demand for
fireworks in India.

(g) Finance Facilities

Finance is required for the setting up of an industry, for its running and
also at the time of its expansion. The availability of capital at cheap rates of
interest influences industrial location. Capital is a highly mobile factor of
production and it is likely to be equally available for use in any part of the
country. But in certain special circumstances this factor may be important.
The government may influence the banks to withhold financial assistance,
unless the entrepreneurs concerned do not show due regard to national interest.
In Great Britain during the 1930’s the opportunities provided for financing new
industries through the special Areas reconstruction Association and Nuffield
Trust induced many entrepreneurs to choose a site in distressed areas”. Indian
government launched many schemes for developing the industrial activities
over a wide area in the country. In order to develop the backward regions,
some places were classified as backward areas, where the entrepreneurs would
be granted various incentives like the granting of loans at low interest rates or
subsidies. Under this scheme, Indian government announced the undivided
Ramnad District as industrially backward district and provides financial
assistance and subsidies to the entrepreneurs who came forward to locate their
units in this area. (Sivakasi was previously under the Jurisdiction of the unified
Ramnad District.)

(h) Entrepreneurship
The owners of the fireworks industries have the skill of
entrepreneurship. Most of the fireworks owners started their industries with
previous experience as a fireworks manager or a fireworks employee. Persons
who have business skill, come together with the persons who have capital with
much skill and thereby start a new industry.

(i) Family Background

Entrepreneurs without industrial background may lack such capability.
But even such persons may acquire required abilities with their own initiatives.
Persons with industrial background can run the business successfully. Hence,
the family background of the respondent is taken as one factor.

(j) Sources of Idea

The entrepreneurs, who have started industrial units with their own
ideas, have had much involvement in their successful operation. Whereas
those who have started industrial units with ideas offered by others, might not
have had much of involvement in the business. Hence, the source of the idea
has been taken as a factor for the concentration of fireworks industries in
Sivakasi.

(k) Educational Qualification

Educational qualification of an entrepreneur may influence to extent the
growth of an industrial unit. Educationally well qualified persons can conduct
the business operations better than the uneducated persons. In the
manufacturing concerns, technical qualification of the entrepreneur does play a
vital role in their growth. Hence, the educational qualification of the
entrepreneur has been identified as one of the important factors influencing the
growth of fireworks industries.

(l) Pattern of Organization

There are four kinds of organizations namely soletradership, partnership,
Joint stock companies and co-operative societies. The industrial concern may
be owned by any one of the different types of organizations. But only one type
will be more suitable than others for a particular business enterprise because of
its distinguishing characteristics. But the choice will depend to a large extent,
on the special features of each type of organization such as the ease of raising
capital, extent of liability, decision making opportunities, freedom from
Government regulations, tax liability etc. Hence, the pattern of organization
has been studied as one of the factors influencing the growth of fireworks
industry in Sivakasi.

3.3 Women Labourers in Fireworks Industries

In today’s changing conditions it has become essential for women to
work alongside men. By being employed, women are able to supplement their
income and lead better lives. With this object in view many of the women of
Virudhunagar district are now going to work in fireworks industries. Women
work mostly in fireworks industries in this district because this district offers
facilities for the industry in terms of availability of resources for manufacturing
crackers.
3.4 Problems of Fireworks Industry
Any industry has its own problems. It is a case with fireworks industry
also. The fireworks industries face a number of problems. They are:

(a) Problems in getting licenses

To start a fireworks industry “No objection certificate” is to be obtained
from the Chief controller of explosives and re-approval after construction of
the buildings. Respondents put forth their problem in getting license is a
cumbersome procedure. Because of the difficult procedures there is a delay in
getting licenses. Another problem faced by all respondents is corruption. As
per the government rules, the prescribed fee for license is nominal, but the
fireworks owner spends more amount to bride the official.

(b) Problems in raising Capital

Many procedures are to be followed for getting loan from the bank. The
problem of redtops further aggravates the problem. It takes 3 to 4 months to
receive the loan from the bank. The banks demand securities like free hold
assets or jewels for loans. The small fireworks owners who cannot provide
many securities are unable to get loan from the bank. Non-availability of
timely finance has been root cause for the problems in production and
Marketing.

(c) Problems of purchasing raw materials

The study also noted the problems faced in purchasing raw materials by
the fireworks owners. The small fireworks owners disclosed that the rate of
raw materials is higher. The study analyzed the reasons for the higher price of
raw materials. They are

(i) Purchasing minimum Quantity

(ii) Purchasing through Dealers.
The big fireworks units purchase their raw materials direct in bulk quantity and
get concessional price, cash discount and rebate. The small fireworks owners
could not get these facilities as they buy minimum quantity and the limiting
factor is finance. So, they buy their need from the dealers, who often increase
the rate of raw materials.

(d) Problems in production

The survey brings to light the problems faced by the small
fireworks units in the production front. The problems are:
(i) Non-availability of skilled labour.
(ii) Increased cost of production.
Skilled labour is not available for small fireworks units. The survey revealed
the following reasons for labour shortage
(i) Preference to bigger units by labourers.
(ii) Seasonal shortage.
The small fireworks units find it difficult to maintain quality as they
have to work with unskilled labour and consequently production falls. The
employment of unskilled labourers results in low productivity and high
wastages. This leads to the increase in cost of production.

(e) Problems in Marketing

The investigation brought to sharp focus on the marketing problems
also. Though, the small fireworks units are now reaping the benefit of
concessional excise duty, they are unable to compete with the large units as
they have well established markets and enjoy the common label system.
Another problem in marketing is that the small fireworks units are not able to
sell directly to distributors, because of very small production and absence of
established Markets.

3.5 Process of Fireworks Industries

The raw materials used in fireworks industries are classified into
different stabilizers, substances which increases or decreases the speed of
combustion, boosters, substances which control the combustion etc. The
different chemicals are used in the manufacture of fireworks. They are
Aluminium powder, Magnesium, Potassium Nitrate, Barium Nitrate, Barium
Carbonate, Strontium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrate, Sulphur, Iron Chips, Red
Phosphorus, Lead oxide, Charcoal, Dextrin, Hexamine etc. These chemicals are
hazardous in nature.

Different chemicals like fuels, oxidizers, boosters are used to

manufacture the crackers. These chemicals are mixed in required proportion
manually. No machines are used in manufacturing of firework. Depending on
the types of fireworks, the mixed chemicals are filled into the paper tubes. The
chemical mixture is handled manually in the factory. So there is a chance for
impact, friction and static electricity charges and they will lead to the accidents
in the fireworks industries. Charcoal, other chemicals and water are made into
paste and is applied on cotton wicks. After drying the wicks are cut to required
size and fitted on the crackers. Then fuses are inserted and allowed to dry.
Usually drying should be done in the platform located in the industry. This
drying is done in the open place. So there is a possibility of dust accumulations
and overheating which may lead to accidents. During the seasonal times the
production of the crackers will be more. So there is a possibility of drying the
crackers in the open floor itself.

Fireworks after drying are packed manually. These packed materials are
stored inside the factory place called the “magazine”. The goods are shifted
from the magazine to warehouses by means of trucks. Suitable precautions
should be taken to avoid accidents during the loading process. Careless
handling, impacts on over loading and dragging of materials may lead to
accidents.

3.6 Various Probable of Causes of Accidents

The Factories Act 1948 gives guidelines for safety in the firework
industries. It does not allow the usage of electricity inside the factory. The act
gives the guidelines to good housekeeping, protective clothes, employment of
women and the precaution to be taken in connection with the manufacture of
fuses used in crackers. Some of the human errors which lead to accidents in
fireworks are:
· Rough handling of chemicals
· Worker carrying huge quantity of chemicals at a time
· Overloading of chemicals during the filling process
· Unsafe disposal of unused chemicals
· Spilled chemicals are not cleaned at once
· Usage of iron knifes for fuse cutting
· Drying of crackers in the ground
· Labourers are allowed to work other than the shed
· Usage of banned chemicals such as potassium chlorate
· Manufacture of unauthorized crackers
· Usage of plastic sheets
· Obstructions for free movement of labourers and transportation
of chemicals.
The various safety climates to prevent the accidents are listed below:
· Separate places for different types of chemical mixture for the
process of mixing and filling
· Name boards for each process to be displayed.
· Utensils used for one type of mixture should not be used for
other
type of mixture
· Wear rubber shoes while at work
· Do not carry matches
· Doors are made of woods fitted with non ferrous hinges
· Doors shall be opened outwards
· Least quantity of chemical composition in working places
(not more than the prescribes limit)
 · Rooms should be well ventilated to reduce the probability of dust
explosion
· Fireworks products are never to be dragged roughly
· Fire buckets never being used for other purpose
· Fire buckets should be filled with dry sand
· Display safety posture ( for uneducated labourers)
· All rooms should have minimum of two fire exits
· The door of any two manufacturing shed should not face each
other
to prevent the spread of fire in case of explosion
· Floor should be covered with electrically conducted rubber mat
· Space between the building should be minimum 10 yards
· Space between the drying platforms and other rooms should be
18 meters
· Distance between mixing and filling should be 18 meters
· Suitable mount / screen should be provided around mixing or
filling
rooms.
· The mound should be RRC, 22.5cm thick, or brickwork with
34 cms, thick and 1.5 to 2 meters from the shed
· Dipped fuse thread should not be overlap each other
· Wooden knob and brass cylinder should only be used for making
stars (colour balls)
· Wooden hammer should be used for ramming chemicals into the
tube of rockets

There are nearly 450 fireworks factories giving direct employment, to

about 40,000 labourers directly and about 1 lakhs indirectly such as paper tube
making, wire cutting, box making sale distribution in the country side. The
market for fire works is likely to grow at the rate of 10% per annum. The
annual output is over 50,000 tones, and turn over (at factory cost) around Rs.
350 cores according to industrial sources. State Government collects about 40
million rupees by way of sale tax from fireworks alone. Sivakasi Railway
Station gets revenue of Rs. 15 million per year; nearly 29% of labourers are
employed in fireworks. Out of 29% of them, nearly 20% are women.

3.7 Concept and Definitions

(a) Industry
An industry is a group of people engaged in a commercial enterprise.
Industry could also refer to the organized action of making goods and services
for commercial purposes e.g. the local industry is making progress. The world
industry also means diligence and the ability to persevere when performing a
task.

(b) Fireworks
A device containing gun powder and other combustible chemicals which
causes spectacular effects and explosions when ignited is used for display or in
celebrations.

(c) Labour
Labour is an ability to work. Labour is a broad concept because it
includes both physical and mental labour is a primary or human factor of
production. It indicates human resources.

(d) Skilled labours

Skill is a measure of the amount of worker’s expertise, specialisation,
wages and supervisory capacity, skilled labourers are generally more trained,
higher paid, and have more responsibilities than unskilled labourers.

(e) Investment
In finance, investment is putting money into an asset with the
expectation of capital appreciation, dividends, and/or interest earnings. This
may or may not be blocked by research and analysis. Most or all forms of
investment involve some form of risk, such as investment in equities, property,
and even fixed interest securities which are subject, among other things, to
inflation risk. It is indispensable for project investors to identify and manage
the risks related to the investment.

(f) Employment
It is a relationship between two parties, usually based on a contract, one
being the employer and the other being the employees.

(g) Employee
An employee generally includes any individual who performs services if
the relationship between the individual and person for whom the services are
performed is the legal relationship of employer and employee. This includes an
individual who receives a supplemental unemployment pay benefit that is
treated as wage. No distinction is made between classes of employees.
Superintendents, managers, and other supervisory personal are employees.
Generally, an officer of a corporation is an employee, but a director acting in
this capacity is not. An officer who does not perform any services, or only
minor services, and neither receives nor is entitled to receive any pay is not
considered as an employee.

(h)Employer
An employer is a person or institution that hires employees or labourers.
Employers offer wages or a salary to the labourers in exchange for the worker’s
work or labour.
One speaks of wages if the employee is paid by the hour and of salary if
he is paid a set rate per pay period. Wages are paid for all hours worked,
including overtime, but a salary is typically not paid more for more hours
worked than the minimum.

(i) Income
In this consumption and savings opportunity gained by an entity within
a specified timeframe, which is generally expressed in monetary terms
however, for households and individuals, “income is the sum of all the wages,
salaries, profits, interests” payments, rents and other forms of earnings received
in a given period of time.

(j) Earnings
The earnings of a business are the same as its income. Earnings are
usually calculated as all revenues (sales) minus cost of sales, operating
expenses, and taxes, over a given period of time (usually a quarter or a year.
Earnings are an important measure for public companies, because investors
base investment decisions on earnings, and stock price is based on earnings.

(k) Wage
Money that is paid or received for work or services, as by the hour, or
day, or week.

(l) Literacy
Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, communicate,
compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying
contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to
achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate
fully in their community and wider society. Literacy in India is key for socio –
economic progress.

(m) Contract Labour

In Contract labour act of 1970, a workman can be deemed to be a
“contract labour” when he is in connection with the work of an establishment.
He can also be deemed as a “contract labour” when he is hired in or in
connection with or without the knowledge of the principle employer.

(n) Fire Works Industry

The discipline of fireworks is technically called “Pyrotechnics”. It is
derived from the Greek Word “Pyro” that means fire and technically it means
an art. The first fireworks industry was started in 1923. There are four type of
fireworks, Noise (crackers), Light (sparkers), Motion (Rockets), Mixture of
noise, light, motion (Fancy and display).

(o) Illegal Fireworks

The Tamilnadu Fireworks and Amerces Manufacturers Association
(TANFAMA) sources claimed that as many as 15 villages, including
Vijayakarisalkulam, Thayilpatti, Meenakshipuram, Ramalingapuram,
Salvarpatti, and Vembakottai, have unlicensed units. These units manufacture
as much as half the quantum of fireworks produced by the over 630 licensed
factories in Virudhunagar District, which has an annual turnover of
Rs.350crore. Nearly one lakh people depend on the unlicensed sector whereas
the licensed factories employ around 1.3 lakh persons. Many licensed units are
unable to run to their full capacity because of the shortage of manpower.
Several labourers have quit their jobs after learning to make fireworks and
turned to illegal manufacturing.

(p) Working Condition

The firework unit has many cubicles scattered in a vast area. Each
cubicle is a brick-walled room with RCC roof or Tin-roof, and has eight doors
two on each side of the wall for easy exit. Usually four labourers sit on the
floor on a gunny sack, nearby the door. But during the peak months it is
believed that more than four labourers are accommodated in one cubicle.
Lavatory and water facilities are available within the campus of the unit.

(q) Acts & Regulating agencies

Being a hazardous industry, the units are regulated by a host of law such
as the explosive act 1984, explosives rules 1983, the arms act 1959 and arms
rules 1962. The regulating agencies include the Department of Explosives of
Government of Indian and various Department of state Government.

(r) Future prosperity

 If the Government provides technical facilities for testing and research&
Development and incentives, there is scope for export to US, Europe and other
Asian countries which are fascinated by Indian Fire Works. They can earn
precious Foreign Exchange.

3.8 Growth of Fireworks Industries in Virudhunagar District

The growth of fireworks industry, number of fireworks industry and
number of registration fireworks unit injured persons in Virudhunagar District
during 1927 to 2013.
 TABLE 3.1

GROWTH OF FIREWORKS INDUSTRY IN VIRUDHUNAGAR

DISTRICT

Number of
Year Registration
Fireworks
Fireworks Unit
Unit
1927 1 1
1930 2 1
1942 3 1
1980 189 186
1986 260 74
1993 324 64
1996 400 76
1999 460 60
2005 536 76
2006 539 25
2007 564 43
2008 607 43
2009 670 63
2010 675 6
2011 680 4
2012 689 9
2013 691 2
CAGR 8.2% p.a. -1.3% p.a.

Source: Primary data

 Table 3.1 clearly explain that the growth of fireworks industry happened
and number of fireworks unit and number of registration fireworks unit during
the year 1927 – 2013 are the number of fireworks unit continuously increased
from 1927 to 2013. During 1980 the total number of fireworks unit happened
in Virudhunagar District are189 and it has increased to 691 in the year 2013.
The CAGR value for the period from 1927 to 2013 is 8.2 per cent per annum.

The number of registration fireworks unit continuously decreased from

1927 to 2013. During 1980 the total number of registration fireworks unit
happened in Virudhunagar District are186 and it has decreased to 2 in the year
2013. The CAGR value for the period from 1927 to 2013 is -1.3 per cent per
annum.
 FIGURE 3.1

NUMBER OF FIREWORKS UNIT IN VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT

900
y = 48.326x + 61103
800 R² = 0.9186
NUMBER OF FIREWORKS UNIT

689 691
700 670 675
680
600 607
536 564
539
500
460
400 400

324
300
260
200
189

100

1 2 3
0
1927
1930
1942
1980
1986
1993
1996
1999
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010

2012
2013
2011

YEAR
 The linear model fitted to the observed trend in number of fireworks
industries is given by the equation y= 48.326x + 61103 with R2 = 0.9186. Here,
y denotes number of fireworks unit and x the year. The trend line results that,
one year increases the number of fireworks unit increased by 61per cent. The
R2 value shows that about 92% of the variation in number of fireworks unit is
explained by time factor (year) through this linear model.

R2 value for this trend line denotes the reliability of the fireworks unit.
R2 value will be ranged between 0 and 1. In this figure 3.1 the R2 value is
0.9186. It shows that every year fireworks unit is adding 48.326to the previous
year. So, going by trend it can be understood that in the year 2014 also the
number of fireworks industries might increase.
 FIGURE 3.2

REGISTRATION OF FIREWORKS UNIT IN VIRUDHUNAGAR

DISTRICT

200
186
180

160 y = -2.5147x + 65.809

REGISTRATION FIREWORKS UNIT

R² = 0.0715
140

120

100

74 76 76
80
63
60 64
60
43
40 43

20 25 6
9
1 1 1
0 4 2

YEAR
 The linear model fitted to the observed trend in registered fireworks
industries is given by the equation y= -2.5147x + 65.809 with R2 = 0.0715.
Here, y denotes number of registration fireworks unit and x the year. The trend
line results that, one year increases the number of registration fireworks unit
increased by 0.61 per cent. The R2 value shows that about 0.07% of the
variation in number of registration fireworks unit is explained by time factor
(year) through this linear model.

R2 value for this trend line denotes the reliability of the registration
fireworks unit. R2 value will be ranged between 0 and 1. In this figure 3.2 the
R2 value is 0.0715. It shows that every year registration fireworks unit is less
than 2.5147to the previous year. So, going by trend it can be understood that in
the year 2014 itself, it shows decreasing trend.

3.9 Total Number of Fire Accidents in Virudhunagar District

Fire accidents in Virudhunagar District are an alarming one. It goes on
increasing and takes the lives of many people. The total number of fire
accidents happened, number of person death and number of wounds in
Virudhunagar District during 2000 to 2013 is presented in Table 3.2.
 TABLE 3.2

FIRE ACCIDENTS IN VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT

Number of Number of Number of

Year
Accidents Death Wounds

2000 10 25 10
2001 2 4 -
2002 5 8 -
2003 8 7 5
2004 8 12 10
2005 26 25 40
2006 24 36 13
2007 20 31 24
2008 10 2 3
2009 23 35 26
2010 21 16 4
2011 21 41 26
2012 15 58 66
2013 4 12 8
CAGR 2.6% p.a 5.4% p.a. 4.8% p.a.

Source: Secondary data

 Table 3.2 clearly presents the total number of fire accidents happened
and the number of persons killed and wounds during the year 2000 - 2013. The
total number of fire accident cases registered in Virudhunagar fireworks
stations were 10 during 2000 and it has increased to 26 in 2005. In 2013 the
total number of fire accidents decreased to four.

The CAGR value for the period from 2000 to 2013 is 2.6 percent per
annum. It is understood from this table that there is ups and downs in the
number of fire accidents but the death rate due to continuously increased in
Virudhunagar District. During 2000, the total number of fire accident death
cases reported in Virudhunagar fireworks stations are 25 and it has increased to
36 in the year 2006 and it has reduced to 16 in 2010. Again there is an increase
in the total number of deaths in 2012. In 2012 the total number of deaths
reported is 58 and it has decreased to 12 in 2013. The CAGR value during 2000
to 2013 is 5.4 per cent per annum.

During 2000, the total number of wounds cases reported in

Virudhunagar fireworks stations are 10 and it has increased to 40 in the year
2005 and it has decreased to 4 in 2010. Again there is an increase in the total
number of wounds in 2012. In 2012, the total number of wounds cases
reported is 66and it has decreased to 8 in 2013. The CAGR value during 2000
to 2013 is 4.8 per cent per annum.
 FIGURE 3.3

NUMBER OF FIRE ACCIDENTS IN VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT

30

y = 0.7099x + 87473
26 R² = 0.129
25 24
23
21
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS

20 20 21

15 15

10
10 10

8
8
5 4
5

2
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
YEAR
 The linear model fitted to the observed trend in fire accident is given by
the equation y= 0.7099x + 87473 with R2 = 0.129. Here, y denotes number of
fire accidents and x the year. The trend line result that, one year increases the
number of fire accidents increased by 0.87 per cent. The R2 value shows that
about 13% of the variation in fire accidents is explained by time factor (year)
through this linear model.

R2 value for this trend line denotes the reliability of the fire accidents
rate. R2 value will be ranged between 0 and 1. In this figure 3.3 the R2 value is
0.129. It shows that every year fire accidents rate is adding 0.7099 fire
accidents to the previous year. So, going by trend it can be understood that in
the year 2014 itself, it shows increasing trend.
 FIGURE 3.4

NUMBER OF DEATH INVOLVED IN FIRE ACCIDENT

70

y = 1.8154x + 86703
R² = 0.2142
60 58

50
NUMBER OF DEATH

40 36 41
35

31
30
25
25

20

16 12
10 8 12

7
4 2
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
YEAR
 The linear model fitted to the observed trend in number of death in fire
accidents is given by the equation y= 1.8154x + 86703 with R2 = 0.2142. Here,
y denotes death of persons and x the year. The trend line results that, one year
increases the number of death increased by 0.86 per cent. The R2 value shows
that about 21% of the variation in death of persons is explained by time factor
(year) through this linear model.

R2 value for this trend line denotes the reliability of the death rate. R2
value will be ranged between 0 and 1. In this figure 3.4 the R2 value is 0.2142.
It shows that every year death rate is adding 1.8154 death persons to the
previous year. So, going by trend it can be understood that in the year 2014
itself, it shows increasing trend.
 FIGURE 3.5

NUMBER OF WOUNDS INVOLVED IN FIRE ACCIDENT

y = 1.9934x + 18352
70 R² = 0.2044
66

60

50
NUMBER OF WOUNDS

40
40

30 26
24 26

20

10 13
10 10
8
5
3 4
0
0 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
2000 2001 2002
YEAR
 The linear model fitted to the observed trend in number person wounded
in fire accident is given by the equation y= 1.9934x + 18352 with R2 = 0.2044.
Here, y denotes number of wounds and x the year. The trend line results that,
one year increases the number of wounds increased by 0.18 per cent. The R2
value shows that about 20% of the variation in number of wounds is explained
by time factor (year) through this linear model.

R2 value for this trend line denotes the reliability of the wounds rate. R 2
value will be ranged between 0 and 1. In this figure 3.5 the R2 value is 0.2044.
It shows that every year wounds rate is adding 1.9934 numbers of wounds to
the previous year. So, going by trend it can be understood that in the year 2014
itself, it shows increasing trend.

Conclusion
This chapter summarizes that, growth of fireworks industries are
increased much in each and every year. It is also noted that fire accidents in
that industries are more in earlier time periods and it is started to decrease in
the following years.