Livelihood Challenges of Brakchakkhan Community of District Shigar Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

The research was conducted to study the livelihood challenges faced by Brak chakkhan (stone crushers) community in district Shigar. The study aimed to inquire the challenges face by this community. The nature of the study was descriptive. The methods used in the research were in –depth interview, case study and observation. The research was conducted from an Anthropological perspective. The paper highlights the challenges faced by this community for sustainable livelihood. Purposive sampling was used to gather data from 65 respondents. The findings of the study reflect that the miners lack education; both formal and informal. Lack of safety measures, lag in technological advancement in mineral excavation and tedious manual labor in 21st century is yet an eye opener for the policy makers of the country.