The objective of the workshop was to understand the mica working structure, the problems and prepare strategy for creating new policy for mica workers. The purpose was  to showcase the various locations of the existing mica mining in Tisri region and to know the condition of mica workers so as to prepare strategy for need based support as well as for creating awareness on livelihood issues in identified areas.

The task assigned before the workshop was to get the mapping of areas done by AID team and to prepare the format for collecting information on the existing mica pockets in the region. List of the mica villages were prepared with the village profiles and collection of databank of local leaders, community members, buyers and sellers was prepared.

Mica workers and child labourers as one the important participant shared their work experience and problems in the workshop. Mica traders joined the discussion with the past situation and explaining the present status of mica workers. The workshop also highlighted the dependency of mica workers on mica and the latter the only source of their livelihood. These speakers also narrated on the exploitation at the hand of local administration to sustain their livelihood. The workshop threw light on how the local traders and middlemen take undue advantage of the mica mining, locally known as dhibra picking, because of mining being considered illegal in the region. The stakeholders as speakers, stressed on the unfair trading of the mica and its transportation to other region of the country. They urged the government to recognise mica labour and provide compensation in case of any mis-happening. The suggestion to lease land for mica mining was also put up during the workshop. The guest speaker, Mr. Devender Rai agreed to the points and concerns raised by the stakeholders and stressed on the need to work on a common platform to raise the issue at the higher level of the government.

Government is aware of mica problems but pays least interest in this subject. The issue revolves around the line departments like mining, forest and the local administration. So far no coordination efforts have taken place in the region in this concern. No any sincere effort by the local administration has taken place with stakeholders. The local people organised and have made a plan to submit the memorandum to the DC and other government departments to minimise their problems.

60 participants attended the workshop that included the forester Mr. Devendra Rai, vanpal- Mr. Rameshwar Sharma, mica traders, local journalists, mica child labourers, mica workers (male and female) and AID team. The BDO, Mr. Baijnath Ram was conspicuous by his absence.