The proposed ban on import of sandstone by the US has upset mine owners as well as exporters in Kota and Jaipur and they are seeking intervention by the Central Government. According to official sources, the US Commerce Ministry had sent a letter to the Indian Embassy in Washington a few days ago, saying that since mines in Rajasthan are violating the standard of Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI), by engaging child and bonded labourers, the Obama administration was considering a ban on imports from these specific areas in India. The US administration has sought clarification from the Government of India on this issue before formally banning the imports, according to sources. Mine owners and traders now fear heavy loss of business. Kota and other areas in Hadauti region of Rajasthan have large deposits of sandstone, mainly used in buildings. About two lakh people are earning their bread and butter from the mining and trading of this stone. Other than the US, Australia, the UK, Ireland and some African countries are major importers. Some 1 lakh containers of sandstone are exported to these countries annually from this region. Each container carries about 3,500 cubic feet of sandstone, according to traders. It has been learnt that the Sandstone Association of Rajasthan approached the State Government on hearing of the US