Brick Kiln Licence, Consent and Labour Compliance in Asansol

Brick kilns in the Asansol belt operate under district licensing, West Bengal Pollution Control Board consent and labour law compliance. Kilns are also scrutinised for child labour and bonded labour, and for air pollution from coal firing. Running a kiln without consent or with underpaid workers leads to closure and prosecution.

Key facts at a glance

Step-by-step procedure

1. Step 1: Select a site that complies with distance rules from habitation, roads and water bodies.
2. Step 2: Apply for consent to establish from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board regional office.
3. Step 3: Obtain district and local body permission for the kiln and for soil extraction.
4. Step 4: Install the prescribed chimney and pollution control equipment and apply for consent to operate.
5. Step 5: Maintain labour registers, pay minimum wages and ensure no child or bonded labour.
6. Step 6: Renew consents and licences before expiry and respond to inspection reports promptly.

Documents you need

• Land documents and proof of right to operate the kiln
• Site plan and kiln capacity details
• Consent to establish and consent to operate from the Pollution Control Board
• Chimney height and emission compliance certificates
• Labour licence and wage registers
• Proof of no child labour and no bonded labour
• Trade licence and local panchayat or municipality permission
• Water use and soil removal permissions

Common mistakes to avoid

• Operating with a chimney below the prescribed height, which is the most common closure ground.
• Keeping wage registers incomplete or paying below minimum wage, attracting labour prosecution.
• Employing children or retaining advances against wages, which is treated as bonded labour.
• Extracting soil without permission, inviting separate mining penalties.

Where to go in Asansol

Brick kilns cluster around Asansol, Kulti, Barabani, Jamuria and Raniganj. The Durgapur regional office of the Pollution Control Board issues consents, while the district labour office enforces wage and child labour rules.

Frequently asked questions

What permissions does a brick kiln near Asansol need?

A brick kiln needs district licensing, local body or panchayat permission, consent to establish and consent to operate from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, and labour licences with wage registers.

What is the penalty for running a brick kiln without pollution consent in Asansol?

Operation without consent under the Air Act 1981 attracts closure directions, sealing of the kiln, and prosecution with imprisonment and fine, besides disconnection of power and water.

Are brick kiln workers near Asansol entitled to minimum wages?

Yes. Kiln workers are covered by the minimum wages notification for the industry and by the Equal Remuneration Act. Piece-rate payment must still equal at least the minimum wage for the hours worked.

How do I complain about child labour in a brick kiln near Asansol?

Report to the local police station, the District Child Protection Unit, the labour department or on the Child Helpline 1098. Inspectors can rescue the children and prosecute the kiln owner.