CHAPTER - V
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION OF FEMALE BIDI WORKERS
5.1. Introduction:Maximum female bidi workers are in Solapur City, according to 2001 census
there are 23 bidi industries and 250 sub-industries and nearly 65000 to 71307 female
workers. In that 98% female bidi workers are working in comparison to 2% male
workers working in that field. In bidi industries male workers are working on only
raw material and its pacing, and remaining all the works done by the female workers.
The female workers are rolling bidies in their own houses. This business is one
type of cottage industry .The industrialists provide the raw material like tendu leaves
and tobacco for rolling bidies to female workers. The female workers roll more than
1000 bidies per day, and return to the bidi industry on the second day. The present
research chapter exploring which facilities are available for female bidi workers, and
which facilities are by the industries like Hospital, Policies, Pension, etc, and by the
government like Gharkul, Education, Scholarship, infrastructural facility, Housing,
Social status, Health Hazards etc. This research chapter studying 400 female workers
in Solapur City and their problems has been analyzed as following. Bidi factory has
been started in 19th century in India. It has been in Solapur since 150 years. 50 to 60
% economic condition of Solapur is depended on bidi factories. The factories of bidi
are mostly depended on Female bidi workers. Actually, it is 80 lakh bidi workers in
all over the India. Bidi factory has been started in other states of India such as Andhra
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gov, Utter Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
and Gujarat. There are 3 lakh Female bidi workers in Maharashtra for making / rolling
Bidies Raw material has been provided from Noxalite arid of Maharashtra state.
5.2. Distribution of Female Workers of Caste:The table 5.2 shows reveal caste distribution of 400 female bidi workers of
caste. A majority of the female workers are Padmasali community. In other words,
one out of every two female bidi workers is found to be a Padmasali. In general, it
appears that the Padmasali bidi industry in Solapur City. The bidi industry is mainly
manned by the female bidi workers.
136
Sr. No
Table No.5.1
Number of Female Workers
Female Workers
Caste
Percentage
Share
1
Padmasali
200
50
2
Muslim
80
20
3
Vadar
38
9.5
4
Koli
32
8
5
Maratha
30
7.5
6
Lingayat
20
5
400
100
Total
Source: Processed Data on the Basis of Primary Data.
The table shows that the majority of female bidi workers i.e. 50% (200) are
Padmasali caste where 2% (80) female workers are Muslim caste. It also shows that
7.5% (30) female workers are Maratha caste, 9.5% (38) female workers are Vadar,
8% (32) female workers are Koli caste, and 5% (20) female workers are Lingayat
caste. It is observed during the survey that people are living very different caste at one
place that time automatically makes a female workers different category.
Graph No.5.1
Number of Female Workers
60
50
Female Workers
50
40
30
20
20
9.5
8
10
7.5
5
at
ay
Li
ng
ath
ar
Ko
a
li
r
da
Va
us
M
Caste
M
Pa
dm
as
ali
lim
0
Graph No.5.2: The graph shows number of female workers belongs to different
castes. In this graph 50% female bidi workers belong to the Padmasali caste, while
137
20% belong Muslim castes. And 8% female bidi workers belong to Koli caste, thus
70% female bidi workers are found be in the Padmasali and Muslim castes, 7.5%
female workers are in Maratha caste and 5% female bidi workers belong to Lingayat
caste.
5.3. Classification of Female Bidi Workers of Category:It has been observed during the survey that besides classification of female
bidi workers on category.
Sr. No
Category
Table No.5.2
Distribution of Category
Female Workers
1
OBC
200
Percentage
Share
50
2
Open
101
25.25
3
NT
38
9.5
4
ST
33
8.25
5
SC
28
7
400
100
Total
The table reveals category classification of 400 female bidi workers. As far as
the distribution of the percentage of female bidi workers by caste is concerned, it
reveals that, the majority of female bidi workers i.e. 50% (200) are from OBC
category, 25.25% (101) female workers are there who belong to open category. The
percentage is 8.25% (33) whereas the percentage of female workers belonging to ST
category, NT Category is 9.5% (38) and SC category is 7% (28). The total number of
OBC, SC, ST and NT to note that of female bidi workers. This composition point to
that middle of economically weaker section and backward communities.
138
Graph No.5.2
Distribution of Category
ST
8.25%
SC
7%
NT
9.5%
OBC
50%
Open
25.25%
Graph no.5.2: It depicts the distribution of religion mainly in Solapur City. In
the present study the majority female workers are from OBC category which is 50%
and 25.25% belong to open category. And 9.5% female workers belong to NT
category.
5.4. Age-Wise Classification Female Bidi Workers:Age is important characteristic of female workers’ life. It refers to physical
and psychological maturity of a person and also serves as an indication of her
experience, knowledge and worldly wisdom. A most of the bidi workers are found to
be neither very young, nor very old. There is a general tendency after 50. It is
experimental from the almost bidi workers are from active age group, and it affects
the physical and mental condition of bidi workers.
Table No. 5.3
Classification of Female Bidi Workers According to Age Group
Sr. No
Age Group
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Up to 20 year
13
3.25
2
21 to 30 year
108
27
3
31 to 40 year
4
5
41 to 50 year
51 to 60 year
147
96
36.75
24
28
7
6
61 and above
8
2
400
100
Total
139
The table 5.1 reveals the age group classification of female workers. The table
indicates that, the percentage of female bidi workers belonging to the age of 31to 40
years is maximum i.e.36.75% (147), whereas the percentage of female bidi workers
between 21 to 30 years is 27% (108). It means that the most of the female bidi
workers i.e. 63.75% (250) are belonging to the age group of 21 to 40 years. It is
experimental from the above that almost all female bidi workers are from active and
age group.
Graph No.5.3
Female Bidi Workers According to Age Group
40
36.75
35
Female Workers
30
27
24
25
20
15
10
5
7
3.25
2
0
Up to 20 year 21 to 30 year 31 to 40 year
41 to 50 year
51 to 60
61 and above
Age Group
Graph No.5.1: It shows 36.75% female bidi workers belong to age group
between 31 to 40 year, while 27% female workers are between 21 to 30 years. And
24% fall in the 41 to 50 year age group and 7% female workers are in 51 to 60 age
group, up to 20 years of age group 3.25% female workers. Thus 63.75% female
workers are found to be in the 21 to 40 years of age group. And only 2% female
workers are of the age 61 and above.
5.5. Marital Status:According to marital status, female are known as married, unmarried, widow,
female bidi workers. The table 5.4 shows marital status of the sample.
140
Table No. 5.4
Distribution by Marital Status
Sr. No
357
Percentage
Share
89.25
Unmarried
4
1
Widow
39
9.75
400
100
Marital Status
1
Married
2
3
Female Workers
Total
The table shows reveals the distribution of marital status of 400 female bidi
workers. The table highlights that; female from all types of marital status are female
bidi workers. Maximum i.e. 89.25% (357) female bidi workers married. It is seen that,
the 1% (4) female bidi workers and unmarried. The percentage of female bidi workers
belonging to the status of widow is 9.75% (39) respectively.
It is evident from the above table, female from category of all type of marital
status are found in the female bidi workers. But the percentage of married female is
highest, since female workers are settled at a social and family level. Female workers
are more interested in such type of activities.
Graph No.5.4
Distribution by Marital Status
Unmarried
1%
Widow
9.75%
Married
89.25%
141
Graph No. 5.4: The graph shows the marital status of the female workers. The
highest number i.e. 89.25 % female workers are married whereas 1% female workers
are unmarried, and 9.75% female workers are widows.
5.6. Type of Family:The female bidi workers in the urban areas were divided in two broad group of
family, viz firstly, Divided (husband, wife and unmarried children including adopted
and step children) and secondly, Combined ( husband, wife, married children, parents,
in-laws, married brother and sisters, widowed sister, widower brother etc). Though
Indian families have been classified into divided family and combined family,
because of urbanization and modernization, divided families in India are seen to be
disappearing fast. Combined family system is becoming a fashion and accepted
everywhere, in urban areas.
Table No. 5.5
Distribution of Type of Family
Sr.No
No. of Family
Female Workers
1
Combined
385
Percentage
Share
96.25
2
Nuclear
15
3.75
400
100
Total
The table 5.5 reveals distribution of 400 female bidi workers based on the type
of their family i.e. Nuclear or combined family. The table indicate that maximum i.e.
96.25% (385) female bidi workers are from combined family and 3.75% (15) female
bidi workers are from Nuclear family. But it is observed during personal interview
that female from combined family are not getting support from their family members
and opposition from family members seem to be diminishing.
142
Graph No.5.5
Distribution of Type of Family
Nuclear
3.75%
Combined
96.25%
Graph no.5.5: The graph shows the distribution of type of family. It depicts the
majority of combined family. The percentage of combined family is greater than d
Nuclear family. 96.25% female workers are living in combined family whereas 3.75%
female workers belong to Nuclear family.
5.7. Distribution of Female Workers Education Level:Education is the key social progress and development. Education enables
workers to acquire skill and aware of exploitation. Education is recognized as a great
motivation factor and an agency of social change.
The vast majority of the respondents in the present study are illiterate, while other
has also not encouraged them to pursue studies. They feel that involving children in
bidi work is an additional income to their family and have not felt the need to send
them to school. This is one of the causes for high percentage of illiterate in the bidi
industry. The data regarding the level of education of the responding and that of the
head of the family are given below.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.6
Education Level of Respondents
Level of Education
Female Workers Percentage Share
1
Illiterate
243
60.75
2
Primary
67
16.75
3
Secondary
83
20.75
4
Higher Secondary
7
1.75
400
100
Total
143
Education wise the table reveals that female bidi workers are illiterate
60.75% (243). 20.75% (83) female workers are having studied up to secondary.
However, maximum of them are able to read only. The remarkable thing is that
minimum female workers i.e. 1.75% (7) have studied higher secondary (11th to 15th
standard) and 16.75% (67) female workers have studied primary school.
Graph No.5.6
Education Level of Respondents
Secondary
20.75%
Higher Secondary
1.75%
Illiterate
60.75%
Primary
16.75%
Graph no.5.6: The graph shows the education level of respondents. It shows
the highest number of illiterate that is of 60.75% and less number of literate i.e.
39.25%.
5.8. Working in Other Industry:An effort has been made to see the many female workers are working with
other industries. 400 respondents classification as though are working with other
industries and those who are not working with other industry are shown below.
Table No. 5.7
Classification of Respondents According to Working with other Industry
Sr. No
Working With Other
Industry
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Yes
5
1.25
2
No
395
98.75
400
100
Total
144
The table no.5.7 shows that female bidi workers 98.75% (395) respondent do
not work with other bidi industries. Only 1.25% (5) female bidi workers with other
industries. The percentage of the female bidi workers are not working with other
industries it is high (98.75%). It seems that majority of the bidi workers are satisfied
with this industries.
5.9. Name of Brands in Bidi Industry:There are 23 brands working in female bidi industry in Solapur City. Sampling
survey was conducted out of 400 respondents to know the percentage of female bidi
workers working with each brand the percentage as shows below.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.8
Brand Name and No. of Female Workers
Name of Brand (Industry)
Female Workers
1
Desai Bidi
47
Percentage
Share
11.75
2
Sambhaji Bidi
36
9
3
Shivaji Bidi
34
8.5
4
Thakur Savadekar Bidi
29
7.25
5
Battin Bidi
26
6.5
6
Kiran Thakur Bidi
22
5.5
7
Appa Thakur Bidi
23
5.75
8
Charbai Bidi
20
5
9
Mohini Bidi
16
4
10
Gujarat Bidi
14
3.75
11
Shankarlal Bidi
14
3.5
12
Kombda Bidi
13
3.25
13
Joshi Bidi
13
3.25
14
Sabale Waghire Bidi
13
3.25
15
Bhikusa Bidi
12
3
16
Ragutam Bidi
11
2.75
145
17
Chandratara Bidi
10
2.5
18
Bombay Bidi
10
2.5
19
Jayram Bidi
9
2.25
20
Latif Bidi
8
2
21
Sinnar Bidi
7
1.75
22
Munsy Bidi
6
1.5
23
Sohel Bidi
6
1.5
400
100
Total
The table no.5.8 illustrates that out of 23 brands working in bidi industry in
Solapur city, 11.75% (47) female workers are working in Desai Bidi, 9% (36) of the
female workers are working in Sambhaji Bidi. 8.5% (34) female workers are working
in Shivaji Bidi. In much and Sohel Bidi 1.5% (6) female workers are working in
industry. Maximum female bidi workers are working in Desai Bidi. However,
minimum number of workers is working in Sohel Bidi and Munsi Bidi in Solapur
City.
Graph No.5.7
Brand Name and Number of Female Workers
50
45
40
30
25
20
15
10
5
146
lB
id
i
i
he
So
ar
Bi
d
Bi
di
Si
nn
m
ra
Ja
y
an
dr
a ta
ra
Bi
di
i
sa
Name of Brand
Ch
iku
Bh
Jo
s
hi
al
Bi
d
Bi
di
di
Bi
idi
ka
rl
in
oh
M
an
Sh
rB
ku
Th
a
pa
Ap
iB
idi
Bi
di
tt i
n
Ba
ji
iva
Sh
sa
iB
id
i
Bi
di
0
De
Female Workers
35
Graph no.5.7: There are 23 brands in Solapur City. It will be proper way to
depict the popular brands and lowest one. The Desai bidi industry which occupies
11.75% of the bidi business and the lowest are Sinnar bidi and Sohel bidi which
indicators only 1.5% each.
5.10. Monthly Income of Family:Monthly income is one of the most important criteria revealing economic
status of a female bidi workers or a family.
1
Table No. 5.9
Monthly Income of Female Workers from Bidi Industry
Income(Rs.)
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Up to 800
86
21.5
2
801 to1000
170
42.5
3
1001 to 1200
91
22.75
4
1201 to 1400
34
8.5
5
1401 and Above
19
4.75
400
100
Sr. No
Total
The table 5.10 reveals the distribution of 400 female bidi workers according to
the monthly income of their family. The table reveals that, the monthly income of
21.5% (86) female workers is below up to Rs.800. the female workers with 42.5%
(170) are having monthly income between Rs.801 to Rs.1000 per months. The above
table point out that there are 64% (256) female workers whose monthly income is up
to Rs.1000. 22.75% (91) female workers are earning Rs.1001 to Rs.1600 monthly. It
is found that 8.5% (34) female workers are there having monthly income above
Rs.1201 to Rs.1400. female bidi workers whose monthly income is above Rs.1401 are
from the of some big female bidi workers in Solapur City.
147
Graph No.5.8
Monthly Income of Female Workers from Bidi Industry(Rs.)
1201 to 1400
8.5%
1401 and Above
4.75%
Up to 800
21.5%
1001 to 1200
22.75%
801 to1000
42.5%
Graph no.5.8: It shows the monthly income of female workers. In graph 42.5%
female workers each Rs.801 to 1000 per month, and 22.75% female workers each
Rs.1001 to 1200 per month. While 4.75% female workers having monthly income
more than 1401 and above.
5.11. Monthly Family Expenditure:An effort was made to know amount by female workers to fulfill their monthly
family expenditure. The information collected as a answer to related questions has
been shown below.
Table No.5.10
Monthly Expenditure of Female Bidi Workers and Family
Sr. No
Monthly Expenditure (Rs.) Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Up to 1000
98
24.5
2
1001 to 1500
147
36.25
3
1501 to 2000
47
11.75
4
2001 to 2500
43
10.75
5
2501 and above
65
16.25
400
100
Total
148
The table 5.10 reveals the classification of 400 female bidi workers according
to their monthly expenditure. It seems from the table monthly family expenditure of
24.5% (98) female bidi workers is less than Rs.1000. Maximum workers of female
bidi workers are having their monthly expenditure between Rs.1001 to Rs.1500, and
their percentage is 36.75% (147). The monthly family expenditure of 11.75% (47)
workers is between Rs.1501 to Rs.2000. Minimum number of female bidi workers is
having their percentage is 10.75% (43). Nevertheless, only 16.25% (65) female bidi
workers are there whose monthly family expenditure is above Rs.2501.
Graph No.5.9
Monthly Expenditure of Female Bidi Workers and Family(Rs.)
2501 and above
16.25%
Up to 1000
24.5%
2001 to 2500
10.75%
1501 to 2000
11.75%
1001 to 1500
36.75%
Graph no.5.9: In this graph, 36.75% female workers expenditure between Rs.1001
to 1500 and 10.75% female workers expenditure in between Rs.2001 to 2500 per
months.
5.12. Distribution of Monthly Income:Capacity to roll the bidi maximum number of bidi in a day depends upon various
factors. Sample was collected to know the average daily bidi rolling by the
respondents. The majority of the female bidi workers roll the bidies form 700 to 1200
per day. As there is no provision in the existing labour laws regarding the minimum
and the maximum work to be given to the bidi workers? The owners take the benefit
of the loophole, and they fix-up the work as per their will. Sometimes they give more
work-load to their so called loyal workers, and sometime to the relatively younger
female worker purposely. The average daily bidi rolling by respondent.
149
Table No. 5.11
Average Daily Bidi Rolling by Respondent
Sr. No
No. of Rolling Bidi
Female Workers
1
Up to 700
21
Percentage
Share
5.25
2
701 to 800
113
28.25
3
801 to 900
15
3.75
4
901 to 1000
235
58.75
5
1001 and Above
16
4
400
100
Total
The table no.5.11 shows that 58.75% (235) female workers roll 90 to 1000
bidi per day, 28.25% (113) female workers rolling up to 700 per day is 5.25% (21).
Minimum number of workers 3.75% (15) roll 800 to 900 bidies per day, 4% (16) roll
1000 and above roll bidi per day.
Graph No.5.10
Average Daily Bidi Rolling by Respondent
1001 and Above
4%
Up to 700
5.25%
701 to 800
28.25%
801 to 900
3.75%
901 to 1000
58.75%
Graph no.5.10: The average daily bidi rolling by female workers. The data
reveals bidies rolling per day that is 58.75% female workers roll 901 to 100 bidies per
day; 28.25% roll 701 to 800 bidies per day; 5.25% rolled bidies up to 700 bidies per
day and for 4% rolled more than 1001 and above bidies per day.
150
5.13. Number of Hours in Bidi Rolling:The table shows the percentage of daily average hours spend by female bidi
workers to roll the industry.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.12
Daily Average House Spend for Bidi Rolling
No. of Hours
Female Workers
1
8 to 9
33
Percentage
Share
8.25
2
10 to 11
130
32.5
3
12 to 13
237
59.25
400
100
Total
The table no.5.12 shows that 59.25% (237) female workers work average to 12
to 13 hours per day. The percentage of the female workers working average 10 to 11
hours daily is 32.5% (130), 8.25% (33) respondent workers average 8 to 9 hours daily.
Graph No.5.11
Daily Average Hours Spend for Bidi Rolling
8 to 9
8.25%
10 to 11
32.5%
12 to 13
59.25%
Graph no.5.11: The daily average hours spend for bidi rolling. 59.25% female
worker work for 12 to 13 hours per day; 32.5% female workers work spend more than
10 to 11 hours per day and 8.25% female workers spend less 8 to 9 hours per day.
151
5.14. Rolling Extra Bidi of Industry:Response was taken to question if bidi workers roll extra bidi if industry
provides them extra material. The response was as below.
1
Table No. 5.13
Rolling Bidi if Industry Provide Extra Material
Rolling Extra Bidi
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
256
64
2
No
Sr. No
Total
144
36
400
100
As the table makes it clear that 64% (256) respondents agreed to roll extra
bidies if the industries provide them extra material. 36% (144) respondents said ‘NO’
to this questions. This means majority of the female workers are ready to roll extra
bidies, if industries provide them extra material.
5.15. Family member Sharing in Bidi Rolling:An effort was made to know the percentage of female bidi workers whose
family member share in bidi rolling. The following table no.5.14.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.14
Family Members Sharing in Bidi Rolling
Family Member Sharing
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Yes
361
90.25
2
No
39
9.75
400
100
Total
The table reveals that an overwhelming majority of 90.25% (361) female
workers are helped by family members. Family member of 9.75% (39) female
workers do not share bidi rolling.
5.16. Problem of Cutting Bidies:The questionnaires reveal that female bidi workers have to face the problem of
cutting bidies. An effort was male to know the percentage of female workers facing
the problem of cutting bidies. The following table shows this percentage.
152
Table No. 5.15
Facing the Problem of Cutting Bidies
Problem of Cutting Bidies
Female Workers
Sr. No
1
Yes
344
Percentage
Share
85.75
2
No
57
15.25
400
100
Total
It is seen from the table that 85.75% (344) female workers face the problem of
cutting bidies. However, 15.25% (57) female workers do not face the problem of
cutting bidies.
5.17. Monthly Cutting Bidies of Industry:The table no.5.16 illustrates numbers of bidies cut monthly by industry. The
range of cutting bidies varies from 100 to 700 bidies monthly. But in the branded
system bidi industries the cutting bidies are drawn from 100 to 700 monthly. Most of
the bidi workers cutting bidies are drawn between up to 100 per day.
Table No.5.16
Number of Monthly Cutting Bidi by Industry
Sr. No
Monthly Cutting Bidi (No.)
1
Up to 100
39
Percentage
Share
9.8
2
101 to 200
104
26.0
3
201 to 300
81
20.0
4
301 to 400
52
13.0
5
401 to 500
17
4.3
6
501 to 600
16
4.0
7
601 to 700
7
1.8
8
701 to 800
26
6.5
9
801 and Above
1
0.3
10
Not applicable/No response
57
14.3
400
100
Total
153
Female Workers
The table no.6.16 monthly cutting bidi 101 to 200 has more female workers
26% (104). Then monthly cutting bidi between 201 to 300 comes second in Number
of female workers that is 20% (81). The number of lowest female workers is between
801 and above that is 0.3% (1). However, 14.3% (57) female workers did not respond
to question.
Graph No.5.12
Number of Monthly Cutting Bidi by Industry
30
26
Female Workers
25
20
20
15
13
9.8
10
6.5
4.3
5
4
0.3
1.8
ve
0
bo
80
dA
to
1
an
1
80
Monthly Cutting Bidi (No.)
70
60
1t
o7
00
0
50
1
to
60
0
50
40
30
1
to
1t
o4
00
0
30
to
1
1t
o2
00
20
U
10
p
to
10
0
0
Graph no.5.12: It shows that the number of monthly cutting by bidi industry.
The monthly cutting of bidies by industry between 101 to 200 which belong to 26%
female workers. And 801 and above is of 0.3% female workers whereas there is no
response for 14.3% female workers.
5.18. Knowledge Regarding of Cutting Bidi:The process after cutting of bidies was known to 75% (300) female workers;
whereas 25% (100) was unknown about the process. Table no.17 describes the same.
Table No.5.17
Knowledge About After the Process of Cutting Bidies
Sr. No Knowledge Regarding
Female Workers
Percentage
Cutting Bidi
Share
1
Yes
300
75
2
No
100
25
400
100
Total
154
5.19. Pleasure in Female Bidi workers:The table no.5.18 shows that many of the female workers are satisfied with
their work of rolling. Also there are few female workers who are not satisfied with
work. A little more than half of the bidi workers do not enjoy any pleasure in rolling
the bidies at all. It may be because of bore some nature of job and lower income. But
surprisingly a little less than half of the bidi workers do enjoy a pleasure in rolling the
bidies. It may be due to a fear of drawing the cutting bidies more, and a pleasure of
doing a part-time job at which supports their family in all respects.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.18
Work Satisfaction in Bidi Rolling Activities
Acquired From
Female Working
Percentage
Share
1
Yes
316
79
2
No
84
21
400
100
Total
The table describes that around 79% (316) female workers are satisfied with
their work of bidi rolling, 21% (84) female workers are not satisfied.
5.20. Acquired from Skilled of Female Bidi Rolling:Table no.20 shows the ways through which the skill of bidi rolling is acquired
by the female workers.
Table No. 5.19
Classification of Respondents Regarding Skill Acquired of Bidi Rolling
Sr. No Acquired the Skill From
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Industry
23
5.75
1
2
Neighbor
119
29.75
3
Mother
240
60
4
Mother-in-Law
18
4.5
400
100
Total
155
It can be seen in the table that 60% (240) female workers acquired the skill
from mother, 29.75% (119) female workers acquired the skill from neighbour, and
5.75% (23) female workers acquired the skill from industry. 4.5% (18) female bidi
workers acquired the skill from mother-in-law.
Graph No.5.13
Respondent Regarding Skills Acquired for Bidi Rolling
Industry
5.75%
Mother in Law
4.5%
Neighbour
29.75%
Mother
60%
Graph no.5.13: The 60% female workers learned skills for bidi rolling from their
mother and some of the female workers i.e. 29.75% learned from their neighbor and
only 4.5% female workers learned from their mother-in-laws.
5.21. Working Place for Bidi Rolling:Some female bidi workers demand work at factory itself while other feel that
they should be give work at their home. The following table shows the percentage.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.20
Work Place for Bidi Rolling in Industry
Work in Company
Female Workers
1
Yes
34
Percentage
share
8.5
2
No
366
91.5
400
100
Total
The table shows that 8.5% (34) female workers feel that the work should be
made available in the factory itself, while 91.5% (366) female workers are of the
opinion that the work should be provided at their home.
156
5.22. Change in Profession of Female Workers:Most of the female workers are unwilling to change their profession.
Following table shows the fact.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.21
Change of Profession
Change in Profession
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Yes
9
5.25
2
No
391
97.75
400
100
Total
The table no.5.21 shows that 97.75% (391) female workers are not ready to
change their profession, while 5.25% (9) female workers think to change their
profession.
5.23. Member of Workers of Union:The table deals with the percentage of the female workers who are the member
of union. Almost all the bidi workers are not the members of the trade union. The
state union member is extremely insignificant both in terms of absolute number as
well as in terms of percentage. It seems that the bidi owners of the bidi industries have
developed hostile attitude towards the union, and the labour leaders also have failed to
convince the bidi workers about the importance of the trade union.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.22
Member of Female Workers Union
Member of Worker Union
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Yes
98
24.5
2
No
302
75.5
400
100
Total
The table no.5.22 reveals that most of the female workers are not member of
any workers union 75.5% (302) female workers are not the member of any workers
union, 24.5% (98) female workers are the member of workers union.
157
5.24. Training of Bidi Rolling:The following table is about the percentage of female workers who have taken
training of bidi rolling through industry.
Sr. No
Table No.5.23
Training Completed for Bidi Rolling
Training of Bidi Rolling
Female Workers
1
Yes
193
Percentage
Share
48.25
2
No
207
51.75
400
100
Total
The table no.5.23 shows that almost half of the female bidi respondents have
taken training of bidi rolling of bidi rolling through industry. 51.75% (207)
respondents have a taken training of bidi rolling, 48.25 % (193) respondents have not
taken any kind of training.
5.25. Fulfillment of Family Needs from Income:The table shows the fulfillment of family needs of the female workers through
their income.
Sr. No
Table No.5.24
Fulfillment of Family Needs from the Income
Fulfillment of Need
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
All
29
7.25
2
Most
244
61
3
Few
127
31.75
400
100
Total
The table no.5.24 shows that 31.75% (127) female workers are of the opinion
that few of their family needs get fulfilled through their income. 61% (244) female
workers fill that most of the family needs can be fulfilled through their income. 7.25%
(29) female workers feel that their income from bidi rolling is sufficient to fulfill all
their family needs.
158
Graph No.5.14
Fulfillment of Family Needs from the Income
All
7.25%
Few
31.75%
Most of Need
61%
Graph no.5.14: Most of the needs of the family fulfilled by bidi rolling that
are up to 61% female workers and fewer female workers up to 31.75% and all the
needs only by 7.25% female workers.
5.26. Bidi Rolling is Traditional Job of Female Workers:The percentage of the female workers bidi rolling is their traditional work. It
shows in the table no.5.25.
1
Table No. 5.25
Bidi Rolling is Traditional Work of Female Workers
Traditional Activities
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
378
94.5
2
No
Sr. No
Total
22
5.5
400
100
It seems from the table that bidi rolling is 94.5% (378) female workers
traditional work. Bidi rolling is not the traditional work for 5.5% (22) female workers.
5.27. Identity Card from Bidi Industry:The following table shows the percentage of female workers who have
received identity card from the industry.
159
1
Table No. 5.26
Identity Card from the Bidi Industry
Identity Card from
Female Workers
Industry
Yes
390
2
No
10
2.5
Total
400
100
Sr. No
Percentage
Share
97.5
The table shows that 97.5% (390) female workers have received identity card.
However, 2.5% (10) female workers do not have identity card.
5.28. Reason the Bidi Rolling of Industry:The table below the reason behind accepting the work of bidi rolling in
industry.
1
Table No. 5.27
Reason behind the Accepting Bidi Rolling Industry
Reason the Bidi Rolling
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Economical Needs
88
22
2
Traditional job
3
4
Sr. No
299
74.75
The means of livelihood
9
2.25
Interesting Job
4
1
400
100
Total
The table no.5.27 shows that bidi rolling is traditional work /job 74.75%
(299) of female workers. 22% (88) female workers roll bidi to fulfill those Economic
needs. While as bidi rolling the means of livelihood for 2.25% (9) female workers.
1% (4) female workers roll bidi as an interest.
160
Graph No.5.15
Reason Behind the Accepting Bidi Rolling Industry
The means of
Livelihood
2.25%
Interesting Job
1%
Economical Needs
22%
Traditional Job
74.75%
Graph no.5.15: The 74.25% female workers feel that it is a traditional job; 22%
female workers feel that it is economical need. And only 1% female workers need that
it is interesting job whereas 2.25% female workers feel it is need for livelihood.
5.29. Provided Facility of Bidi Industry and Government:The table shows the facilities provided by bidi industry and government to the
female workers.
Sr. No
1
2
Table No.5.28
Facilities Provided by the Industry to Workers
Provided Facilities
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Hospital, Education,
229
57.25
Training, Home Loan
No Facility
171
42.75
Total
400
100
It is clear from the table no.5.28 that 57.25% (229) female workers have got
Hospital, Education, Training, Home Loan facilities. 42.75% (171) female workers
have not got any kind of facility.
5.30. Provided Pension to Female Workers:The table shows how many female bidi workers receive pension from the
government.
161
Sr. No
Table No.5.29
Pension Scheme to Retired Bidi Workers
Provided Pension to Workers Female Workers
Percentage
Share
1
Yes
306
76.5
2
No
94
23.5
400
100
Total
It is clear from the table no.5.29 that 76.5% (306) female workers get the
benefit of pension scheme. 23.5% (94) female workers are not included in pension
scheme.
5.31. Profession of Husband of Female Workers:The table is about the profession of the husbands of female bidi workers.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.30
Profession of Husbands of Female Workers
Profession of Husband
Female Workers
1
Workers
142
Percentage
Share
35.5
2
Power loom
81
20.25
3
Tailor
62
15.5
4
Watchman
3
0.25
5
Unemployed
97
24.25
6
Not applicable/No Response
15
3.75
400
100
Total
The table no.5.30 shows that 20.25% (81) female workers husband work in
power loom industry. 35.5% (142) husbands of female workers work misceleous
work. While 15.5% (62), 0.25% (3), husbands of female workers work as tailor,
watchman respectively. 94.25% (97) husbands of female workers are unemployed.
However, 3.75% (15) husband did not respond to the question.
162
Graph No.5.16
Profession of Husbands of Female Workers
Unemployed
24.25%
Workers
35.5%
Watchman
0.75%
Tailor
15.5%
Power loom
20.25%
Graph no.5.16: It shows 35.5% female workers’ husbands are workers; 24.25%
female workers’ husbands are unemployment; 20.25% female workers’ husbands are
working in power loom industry while 15.5% are tailors. And only 0.75% female
workers’ husbands are watchman, and there is no response from 3.75% female
workers.
5.32. Income from Husband of the Female Workers:In this table we have classified income from husband occupation. The income
of husbands occupations classified into various categories, as like, workers, milk
occupation, fired wood milk, stationary shop, wholesale and retail glossary shops, tea
stall, tailoring business etc. the female workers husband do some kind of business for
her economical and social development. It is an indicator of success of female
workers in urban area in Solapur City.
Sr. No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Table No. 5.31
Income of Husband of the Female Respondent
Income (Rs.)
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Up to 1000
1001 to 2000
2001 to 3000
3001 to 4000
4001 to 5000
5001 and above
Not applicable/No Response
Total
163
22
203
47
4
2
12
112
400
5.5
50.5
11.7
1.0
.5
3.0
27.9
100
Table of no.5.31 analyzed that, the income from various types of husband
occupations. Out of 400 female workers 71.1% respondents her husband’s have
occupation and remaining 27.9% (112) do not have any occupation. 5.5% (22) are
female workers husband earn up to Rs.1000 from small business, about 50.5% (203)
occupational have got maximum Rs.1001 to Rs.2000 per month. The higher amount
of Rs.2000 per month earning indicates increase the efficiency of occupational female
husbands. 11.7% (47) female workers have got Rs.2001 to Rs.3000 husband per
month. It means income from her occupation. 0.5% (2) got Rs.4001 to Rs.5000
income per month. It is an indicator of socio-economic development of female
workers respondents as well as her families.
Graph No.5.17
Income of Husband of the Female Respondent
4001 to 5000, 3, 1%
5001 and above, 12,
4%
Up to 1000, 23, 8%
3001 to 4000, 7, 2%
2001 to 3000, 42,
15%
1001 to 2000, 201,
70%
Graph no.5.17: In these graph 50.75% female workers husbands’ monthly
income is between Rs.1001 to 2000 whereas 0.75% female workers monthly
income is between Rs.4001 to 5000. And there is no response from 28% of female
workers husband.
5.33. Saving Activity of Female Bidi Workers:The basic principle of female workers is that even the very poor may save
small amounts, and that the additional incentives of getting bank loan at lower rates of
interest, particularly among those who are otherwise ineligible of getting bank loans,
would inculcate and strengthen the habit of saving. The female bidi workers save a
fixed amount periodically, depending upon the convenience of the female workers
164
and the saving of all the workers is kept together in the saving group, Bhishi of the
SHGs and forms the fund.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.32
Monthly Saving of Family
Saving (Rs.)
Female Workers
1
Up to 500
52
Percentage
Share
12.93
2
501 to 1000
66
16.41
3
1001 to 1500
31
7.71
4
1501 and above
3
0.74
5
Not applicable/No Response
250
62.18
400
100
Total
Above table no.5.32 reveals information regarding the periodicity of saving
activities and the amount of savings by female bidi workers. The classification of 400
female workers is given on the grounds of amount. Which they save monthly. 12.93%
(52) female workers collect the saving amount up to Rs.500 per month. It is seen from
the table that, the saving amount of majority of groups i.e. 16.41% (66) is between
Rs.501 to Rs.1000 i.e. 7.71% (31) female workers are there who’s saving amount is
the female workers. Female workers have realized that they are able to save money
and they will definitely save the money. Money saving is the principal activity of all
member involved in the female workers movement. The amount of saving however
differs from group to group.
165
Graph No.5.18
Monthly Saving of Family(Rs.)
1001 to 1500
7.5%
1501 and above
0.75%
Up to 500
35%
501 to 1000
16.25%
Graph no.5.18: In chart, 16.25% female workers save Rs.501 to 1000 per month;
whereas only 0.75% female workers save Rs.1501 and above. And there is no
response from 62.5% female workers.
5.34. Way of Saving Group of Female Workers:The table shows that classification of the mode of saving female bidi workers.
Naturally the principle of higher the education, higher the saving does not apply to the
bidi workers. A Bhishi is relatively a more popular form of saving amount the bidi
workers in comparison to a bank. There is no relationship between the level of
literacy and the form of saving.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.33
Classification of Mode of Saving
Way of Saving
Female Workers
1
SHG
123
Percentage
Share
30.75
2
Bhishi
27
6.75
3
Not applicable/No Response
250
62.5
400
100
Total
166
The table no.5.33 shows that 30.75% (123) female workers save in SHGs.
65% (250) female workers save in Bhishi. 62.75% (250) female workers do not save
money out of their income.
5.35. Female Workers and Loan from Banks:Female bidi workers played an important in provision of loan. Female workers
were taking loans from money leaders and land lords. However, their interest rate was
very high, due to this they have to spend most of the part of their income for
repayment of the loans. A majority of the bidi workers do enjoy a loan facility. A little
less than half of the bidi workers do not enjoy it. It may be due to the small size of the
bidi industries. Normally in small units such facilities are not made available to their
workers.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.34
Classification of Loan Period
Loan Take
Female Workers
1
Once
19
Percentage
Share
4.75
2
Twice
22
5.5
3
Thrice
10
2.5
4
Not applicable/No Response
349
87.25
400
100
Total
Table no.5.34 describes the loan provided bank, with respect to the saving of
the female workers. About 4.75% (19) female workers have taken loan only once
from banks. It shows that, from established of female workers maximum respondents
of female workers have taken loans only once from the bank. There are 5.5% (22)
female workers, who have loan two times; also there are 2.5% (10) female workers
who have taken loan three times. It is also seen that there are 87.25% (349) female
workers which are affected to the bank but they have not taken loan. This means that
saving of the female workers is sufficient for them to satisfy their needs.
167
Graph No.5.19
Classification of Loan Period
Thrice
2.5%
Once
4.75%
Twice
5.5%
Graph no.5.19: In this graph, 5.5% female workers took loan twice; 4.75% female
workers took loan ones and 2.5% female bidi workers took loan thrice to duration
period.
5.36. Utilization of Money Taken as Loan:The following table that utilization of money taken as loan in female Bidi
workers.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.35
Utilization of Money Taken as Loan
Loan Take For
Female Workers
1
Expenditure
25
Percentage
Share
6.25
2
Festival
1
0.25
3
Education
1
0.25
4
Marriage
9
2.25
5
Job
8
2
6
Return of loan
7
1.75
7
Not applicable
349
87.25
400
100
Total
Table 5.35 gives the reason for taking loans. It is seen from this table that out
of the 400 sampled female bidi workers had taken loan for Expenditure 6.25% (25),
for Festival 0.25% (1), for education 0.25% (1), for Marriage 2.25% (9), for Business
168
2% (8), Return of loan 1.75% (7), not applicable 87.25% (349). Most of the female
bidi workers had not taken any kind loan at all.
Graph No.5.20
Utilization of Loan
Return of loan, 1.75
Expenditure
6.25%
Job
2%
Marriage
2.25%
Festival
0.25%
Education
0.25%
Graph no.5.20: This graph shows utilization of loan. The mainly loan taken for
expenditure i.e. up to 6.25% female workers and 0.25% female workers festival,
education and 2.25% marriage female workers.
5.37. Provided Loan of Female Workers:The table no.5.36 is about the band and branch from which female workers
have taken loan. It is the basic principles of female bidi workers is that even the very
poor may save small amounts, and that the additional incentives of getting bank loan
at lower rates of interest, particularly among those who are otherwise ineligible of
getting bank loans, would inculcate and strengthen the habit of saving. The female
bidi workers who save some money from their wages are extremely insignificant both
in terms of absolute number and also in terms of percentages.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.36
Name of Bank Provided Loan to Respondent
Bank Name
Female Workers
1
Bank of India
14
Percentage
Share
3.5
2
Bank of Maharashtra
14
3.5
3
HDFC
5
1.25
4
Not Applicable
367
91.75
400
100
Total
169
The table makes it clear that 3.5% (14) female workers have taken loan from
bank of India and bank of Maharashtra. HDFC bank has given loan to 1.25% (5)
female workers 91.75% (367) female workers have not taken loan from any bank.
Graph No.5.21
Name of Bank Provided Loan of Respondent
HDFC
1.25%
Bank of India
3.5%
Bank of
Maharashtra
3.5%
Graph no.5.21: The bank of Maharashtra and bank of India mainly provided
loan for female workers which are categorized 3.5% each. Whereas 1.25% loan
provided by HDFC.
5.38. Family under Poverty Line of Female Workers:An attempt is made in the table to know the percentage of below poverty line
female workers.
1
Table No. 5.37
Classification of Family According to Poverty Line
Below Poverty Line
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
305
76.25
2
No
Sr. No
Total
95
23.75
400
100
The table no.5.37 shows that 76.25% (305) female workers are below poverty
line. 23.75% (95) female workers are not in below poverty line.
5.39. Get Enough Food Material:The table shows many female workers get rations.
170
Table No. 5.38
Getting Sufficient Adequate Food Items by the Respondent
Sr. No Get Enough Food Material
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
312
78
1
2
No
Total
88
22
400
100
The table no.5.38 shows that 78% (312) female workers get rations. However,
22% (88) female workers do not get rations.
5.40. Types of Home:Table below shows the status of housing condition of female workers. As
regards the housing conditions of female bidi workers a majority of them have got
their own houses, and 46 per cent of the bidi workers stay in the rental houses that are
made to pay very heavily towards the houses rent. Almost all the female bidi workers
stay in the rough houses. It clearly indicates the low level of standard of living of the
bidi worker in Solapur City.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.39
Status of Housing Condition of Respondent
Types of Home
Female Workers
1
Rough
241
Percentage
Share
60.25
2
Incomplete
106
26.5
3
RCC Building
53
13.25
400
100
Total
The table no.5.39 shows that 60.25% (241) female workers reside in rough
houses. 26.5% (106) female workers have incomplete houses. 13.25% (53) female
workers live in RCC Building.
171
Graph No.5.22
Status of Housing Condition of Respondent
RCC Building
13.25%
Incomplete
26.5%
Rough
60.25%
Graph no.5.22: In this, 60.25% female workers are living in rough home cottages.
Whereas 13.25% female workers living in RCC Building, and 26.5% female workers
home are incomplete.
5.41. Instrument of Kitchen in Workers Family:The table is about the instrument used for cooking food in kitchen.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.40
Instrument Use for Cooking Food in Kitchen
Instrument of Kitchen
Female Workers
9
Percentage
Share
2.25
Gas
256
64
Stove
135
33.75
400
100
1
Chula
2
3
Total
The table no.5.40 shows that most of the female workers use Gas. The
percentage of Gas users is 64% (256). 33.75% (135) female workers family use Stave
to cook food. 2.25% (9) female workers family use Chula to cook food.
172
Graph No.5.23
Instrument Use for Cooking Food in Kitchen
Chula
2.25%
Stove
33.75%
Gas
64%
Graph no.5.23: In this chart, 64% female workers family are using gas for cooking
food; 33.75% female workers are using stove for cooking food and only 2.25%
female workers using Chula for family.
5.42. Available Water from Use of Female Workers:The table shows water availability of for daily use in female workers family.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.41
Available Water for Daily Use
Available Water from Use
Female Workers
1
Our own taps
188
Percentage
Share
47
2
Public taps
199
49.75
3
Neighborer’s taps
13
3.25
Total
400
100
It seems that 49.75% (199) female workers family use public taps for workers.
47% (188) female workers family has their own taps. 3.25% (13) female workers use
Neighborer’s taps for water.
173
Graph No.5.24
Available Water for Daily Use
Neighbour taps
3.25%
Our own taps
47%
Public taps
49.75%
Graph no.5.24: The graph shows the water available for use. 49.75% female
workers public taps for water; 47% female workers family use their own taps for
water and only 3.25% female workers family use neighborer’s taps.
5.43. Diseased from Polluted Water of Female Workers:The table no.5.41 shows percentage of victims of diseases because of polluted
water.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.42
Diseased from Polluted Water
Water Pollution
Female Workers
1
Yes
41
Percentage
Share
10.25
2
No
359
89.75
400
100
Total
The table shows that 89.75% (359) female workers family gets polluted water.
10.25% (41) female workers family gets pure water.
5.44. Drainage Facilities Available to Female Workers:The table no.5.45 shows the drainage facility made available to the female
workers family.
174
1
Table No. 5.43
Drainage Facilities Available to Female Workers
Drainage
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Underground gutters
202
50.5
2
Open gutters
94
23.5
3
No systems
104
26
400
100
Sr. No
Total
The table shows that 50.5% (202) female workers family has underground
gutters facility. 20% (104) female workers family do not have any facility, 23.5% (94)
female workers family have open gutters.
Graph No.5.25
Drainage Facilities Available to Female Workers
No Systems
26%
Underground
Gutters
50.5
Open Gutters
23.5%
Graph no.5.25: Is shows drainage facilities available for female workers.
50.5% female workers family is having under gutters; 23.5% female workers family
is having open gutters and there no gutters systems for 26% female workers family.
5.45. Taken Care of Garbage of Female Workers:The table shows how the female workers are disposing garbage and which
facility is available for it.
175
Sr. No
Table No. 5.44
Classification of the Management of Garbage
Garbage
Female Workers
1
Waste bin
2
In front of House
3
Vehicle of Municipality
Total
241
Percentage
Share
60.25
4
1
155
38.75
400
100
The table no.5.44 giving the information about garbage distribution. It is
clearly seen that 60.25% (241) families of female workers using waste bin for
garbage. 38.75% (155) are using vehicle of municipality and 1% (4) through garbage
in front of their house. Thus, most of the families are using waste bin for their
garbage.
Graph No.5.26
Taken Care of Garbage
Vehicle of
Municipality
38.75%
Waste bin
60.25
In front of House
1%
Graph no.5.26: The facility available for disposing garbage. 60.25% female
workers families are using dustbins and 38.75% female workers facilities are vehicle
of municipality and 1% female workers facilities are throwing garbage in front of the
house.
176
5.46. Number of Literate Family Members of Workers:The table shows how many people are literate in their female workers family’s
houses.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.45
Number of Literate Family Member
No. of Literate
Female Workers
1
One
88
Percentage
Share
22
2
Two
137
34.25
3
Three
60
15
4
Four
27
6.75
5
Five
7
1.75
6
Six
1
0.25
7
Not applicable
80
20
400
100
Total
The table no.5.45 gives information that in 22% (88) female workers’ family,
one persons is literate and 34.25% (137) has to two literate persons further in six
family 0.25% (1) persons is literate but 20% (20) female workers’ family has not any
literate person.
Graph No.5.27
Number of Literate Family Member
Fore
6.75%
Five
1.75%
Three
19%
Two
34.25%
177
Six
0.25%
One
28%
Graph no.5.27: There is depiction of literate family member in this. Graph only
two literate members in 34.25% female workers’ family. Whereas six literate member
in 0.25% female workers family and there is no response from 20% female workers’
family.
5.47. Respondents’ School Going Children:This table no.5.46 about female workers which type of education for their
children and which for their children.
Sr. No
Table No.5.46
Classification of Children School
Type of School
Female Workers
1
Private
54
Percentage
Share
13.5
2
Government
226
56.5
3
Not applicable
120
30
400
100
Total
We can say about table 56.5% (226) female workers family children are going
in government school and 13.5% (54) families children are going in public school. So
remaining 30% (120) family’s children are not going to school.
Graph No.5.28
Classification of Children School
Private
13.5%
Government
56.5%
178
Graph no.5.28: Most of the children of female workers i.e. 56.5% learning in
Government School whereas 13.5% learning in private school and there is no
response from 30% female workers.
5.48. Medium of Children’s Education:The table depicts that the medium of Education of the female workers children.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.47
Medium of Education of Children
Medium of Education
Female Workers
1
Marathi
262
Percentage
Share
65.5
2
English
12
3
3
Kannad
2
0.5
4
Urdu
4
1
5
Not applicable
120
30
400
100
Total
The table no.5.47 designates 65.5% (262) female workers children are learning
in Marathi medium; 3% (12) female workers children are learning in English medium;
0.5% (2) female workers children are learning in Kannad; 1% (4) female workers
children are learning in Urdu medium. And there is no response from 30% (120)
female workers.
Graph No.5.29
Medium of Education of Children
Kannad
Urdu
0.5%
English
1%
4%
Marathi
65.5%
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Graph no.5.29: Most of the female workers’ children are learning in Marathi
medium i.e. 65.5% and 0.5% in Kannad medium. There is no response from 30%
female workers.
5.49. Help of Children for Female Workers of Study:The table no.5.48 shows that the parents helping their children for study.
Sr. No
Table No.5.48
Parents Help to Children in the Study
Help to Children
Female Workers
1
Yes
276
Percentage
Share
69
2
No
124
31
400
100
Total
The table shows that 69% (276) female workers help for children study and
31% (124) female workers cannot help in children study.
5.50. Food Items of Daily Use for Respondent:The table no.5.49 shows the classification of daily food use in female workers.
Sr. No
Table No. 5.49
Classification of Daily Food Items
Food Items
Female Workers
1
Roti(Bhakari)
161
Percentage
Share
40.25
2
Chapatti
199
49.75
3
Rice
40
10
400
100
Total
The table shows that 40.25% (161) female workers families prefer Roti; 49.75%
(199) female workers families prefer chapatti; and 10% (40) female workers family
prefer rich in their daily food.
5.51. Types of Addict for Family Member:The table no.5.50 shows that addiction of female workers family members.
180
Sr. No
Table No. 5.50
Classification of Addiction of Family Member
Types of Addict
Female Workers
1
Chewing of Tobacco
82
Percentage
Share
20.5
2
Smoking of Bidi
40
10
3
Drink of Alcohol
48
12
4
Chewing of Gutkha
30
7.5
5
Other addicted
200
50
400
100
Total
The table shows that addiction of family member; 20.5% (82) female workers
family member chewing of Gutkha; 10% (40) female workers family smoking of bidi;
12% (48) female workers family drinking of alcohol; 7.5% (30) female workers
family are chewing of Gutkha. And 50% female workers family member having other
addictions.
Graph No.5.30
Classification of Addiction of Family Member
Chewing of
Tobacco
20.5%
Smoking of Bidi
10%
Other Addicted
50%
Drink of Alcohol
12%
Chewing of Gutkha
7.5%
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Graph no.5.30: Addiction of family members; 7.5% members chewing of
Gutkha, 10% smoking of bidi, 12% drinking of Alcohol, 20.5% chewing of tobacco
and 50% member having other addictions.
5.52. Participation in Morcha by Bidi Workers:The following table no.5.51 shows the participation of female workers in
Morcha.
1
Table No. 5.51
Participation in Strike Morcha by the Respondent
Morcha for Bidi Industry
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
222
55.5
2
No
Sr. No
Total
178
44.5
400
100
The table shows that 55.5% (222) female workers participate in Morcha and
44.5% (178) female workers could not participate in Morcha.
5.53. Insurance Facility for Female Workers:The table no.5.52 shows the insurance facilities provide by the state
Government.
1
Table No. 5.52
Insurance Facilities Provided by the State Government
Insurance Facilities
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
345
86.25
2
No
Sr. No
Total
55
13.75
400
100
The table shows that 86.25% (345) female workers have been getting insurance
facilities and 13.75% female workers have not been getting insurance facilities.
5.54. Health Insurance of Female Workers:The table no.5.53 shows the health insurance facilities are provide by the state
Government for female workers.
182
1
Table No. 5.53
Classification According to Heath Insurance
Health Insurance
Female Workers
Percentage
Share
Yes
348
89.5
2
No
Sr. No
Total
42
10.5
400
100
The table shows that 89.5% (348) female workers have been getting health
insurance facilities and 10.5% (42) female workers have not been getting health
insurance facilities.
5.55. Problems of Female Bidi Workers:It is to be studied the, “A Study of Female Bidi Workers in Solapur City”. It
includes economical and social problems of Female bidi workers. It is to be
researched on present issue for knowing the availability of education, health and other
commodities to the Bidi workers inducing child labour. The Bidi industry has stopped
the problems of employments which have been created automatically in the Bidi
industry. Owners give fewer wages to Female bidi workers. The Bidi workers don’t
get facilities of education and health properly. The Bidi industry owners have to spend
much amount on the transportation for bringing to raw material. The industry lacks
infrastructure facilities.
The problems have been solved in terms of, “A Study of Female Bidi Workers in
Solapur City”. Above problems will take into account that which are the problems of
Bidi workers have been studied. What are the effects on Bidi workers according to
government policies? And what is the condition of Bidi industry now a day?
Therefore, the proposed study entitled, “A Study of Female Bidi Workers in Solapur
city”.
They are given inadequate ate amount of raw material for meeting the task.
The occupational health risks and medical problems are many and medical facilities
are very inadequate. Unlike in other areas of diseases, especially occupational health
hazards, there is no research done on diseases caused by exposure to tobacco. Eighty
percent of the women are illiterate and don’t do anything apart from bidi making.
There are no facilities of education to children. As a result, most of the children of
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these workers are also uneducated. The quantity of raw material – especially tendu
leaves – supplied is inadequate. So, in order to meet their target these women go to
the forests themselves to pluck these leaves which is a very difficult task, or borrow
bidies from professional bidi lenders at high rates. Women work during advanced
stage of pregnancy also which affects the unborn child and birth of unhealthy child.
There is hardly any facility of maternity leave though law does provide for it. The
living conditions are pathetic; they live in rented small rooms and find it difficult to
pay even the rent; in 80% houses there is no electricity, no water and women have to
stand in queue to fetch water.
Bidi production has declined since last few years because of government’s
anti-tobacco policies, but the number of workers has increased. This has adversely
affected their income. They tolerate all sorts of atrocities in the hands of owners,
because if they argue, they may lose their work. There is no awareness of education
on family planning. As a result of which, they have large families and consequently,
heavy burden of bringing them up. The burden of the entire family rests on the
women since men, who are generally daily laborers, need not get work every day.
Besides, even handicapped women make bidies to sustain their families but have no
additional facilities. Female Bidi workers are getting less payment. Even though their
basic needs can’t be fulfilled from this payment. When inflation has reached peck. A
payment of 700 to 1200 per month is not sufficient to meet even the two ends. Most
of the workers are illiterate. Consequently, they have to face problems such as,
keeping account of their daily work. They may be cheated in weight of tobacco and
leaves by giving less quantity. Female Bidi workers have to fetch raw material from
the industry itself. As they do not have transport facility, they have to spend lot of
time in transport. Proper seating arrangement, pure water, etc, is not available in the
bidi industry.
Raw material given to a Female bidi workers is sufficient to make 1000 bidies
only even it a skilled workers is willing to role more than 1000 bidies he is not
allowed. Most of the Female bidi workers are of the opinion that available at industry
itself as children and older in the family have to suffer from these workers. Percentage
of faulty bidi role is more in Female bidi workers. Proper training is not given to the
workers. Therefore, it enhances percentage of faulty bidi. Per 1000 ready bidies 50150 bidi roles are required as faulty. Faulty bidi roles are not given back to the Female
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bidi workers. Majority of the Female bidi workers are willing to change this work as it
gives fewer wage and badly affects on the children in their family.
Most of the Female bidi workers experienced that workers union march are
fruitless. In such march leader discusses irrelevant problems keeping aloof real
problems of female bidi workers. This is a traditional job of these workers. Though
are skilled in this job, if industry gets closed, thus would not do another job. Bidi
rolling is a unique business in Solapur City for Female Workers. No other suitable
business is available for Female Workers in the city so far as their skill is concerned.
Apart from hospital, house, insurance facility other facilities are not given to the
Female Workers in the industry. Even though Female Workers have got house by
government still there is a problem of sanitation, electricity, water drainage etc.
As many industries are closed in Solapur city, husbands of female bidi
workers are jobless and addicted. Bidi workers do not get loan from banks as their
income is less self-help groups and Bhishi are only ways of saving. Almost all female
bidi workers are below poverty line. Whatever ration is given to them is inadequate.
Water provided to the female bidi workers’ family members is polluted. Most of the
family members become victims of different diseases. Female bidi workers do not
have garbage disposed system. This creates problems of sanitation. Female bidi
workers get less leaves and tobacco which can role 700-800 bidi roles. Female
workers have to buy extra leaves and tobacco from outside by their own money to
role 1000 bidies. Important problem of female bidi workers is that they do not get
wages on time to fulfill necessaries of life.
Employer says that pension scheme is available to female bidi workers. But
the data shows that not a single female bidi employee has been benefited from it.
Wages given to female bidi workers are insufficient. They have to take private loans
to fulfill the necessities of life. A slight delay in reaching to industry to collect raw
material can spend their day is work. As they are not given raw material for being
exploited. Even though there are number of government schemes, such as fund,
pension, etc, the welfare of female bide workers, and these schemes are not
implemented properly. Poor workers’ condition and loan working hours as a result of
which they suffer from various health problems. The rates of minimum wages in
Solapur city are highest. As a result of which the employers shift the industry to other
states where the rates are low. The workers are not paid the wages according to
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prescribed rates. There is no implementation of the provident fund rules. Log books
and identity cards are not issued by the employers due to the existence of sale and
purchase system. No social welfare facilities are inadequate and unsatisfactory.
The housing conditions are pitiable and workers stay in rough houses thus
exposed to natural and man-made calamities. Even though there is a provision for
scholarship for bidi workers’ children; these are innumerable difficulties in getting the
benefits. Majority of the female bidi workers who were present before the
commission for public enquiry on 20/07/2004 has expressed that have no problem
with their employers. Only two female bidi workers expressed that are not getting the
minimum wages. In general majority of the female workers are facing are financial
problem due to high cost living and other reasons. Two female bidi workers
complained about non-payment of minimum wages. While one of the female bidi
workers complained of non-payment of minimum wages, the other one complained
and insisted for payment of wages as per the entries made in the wages register. The
labour department officers have been directed to make suitable enquiry and if need be,
suitable action is taken against employer. Few female workers have complained that
their employer has not issued log book. Some of the female bidi workers also brought
to the notice of the commission that the log books were withdrawn by the bidi
employers once in a year and fresh log books were being reissued. The labour
department officers have been instructed to make suitable enquiry and if need be
suitable action is taken against such employers. The rate of rejection is high, viz. 50 to
200 bidies per 1000, and is they don’t pay to for workers for the rejected bidies but
money for the raw material is deducted too. And secondly, if there is even one bidies
less or defective in a pack of 25 the entire pack is rejected. Due to nationalization of
tendu leaves, which was done by the M.P. Govt. in 1989, the leaves are sold by the
government to the industrialists. While the cost of the raw material has gone up, its
quality has come down. With poorer quality of leaves, there is more rejection of rolled
bidies and thus the workers suffer.
5.56. Summary:Almost all the bidi workers appear to distribution among the age groups ranging
from 21 to 40. Further, an overwhelming majority of the bidi workers appear to
belong to the age group between 21 to 40. A majority of the bidi workers are found to
be neither very young, nor very old. There is a general tendency among the bidi
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workers to give up the bidi workers business after 50. May be because the bidi
workers’ business is very strenuous, and it affects the physical and mental condition
of the workers.
Almost all bidi workers are female. Male workers are extremely insignificant
both in terms of absolute numbers as well as in terms of percentage. In general it
appears that almost bidi workers are female. Since, it is concentrated in the bidi
workers is a female workers. Bidi workers, who are married, are predominantly larger
in number and most of them are in the age-group of 21 to 40 years. The bidi workers,
who are unmarried, are relatively younger in age-group. It means that they will get
married in course of time. After marriage, they continue in the same line until they
reach their fifties. Most of the bidi workers are illiterate. In other wards one out of
four bidi workers are found to be totally illiterate. A majority of the bidi workers
come from the divided families because it is popular in the labour community.
However, the number of bidi workers coming from the combined families is also
relatively larger among the bidi workers. It is because of the nature of bidi rolling
work. Where almost all the respondents of the family are involved in rolling the bidies
which is looked upon as a supplementary source of income.
Almost all the bidi workers do have at least some dependents in their
families which make them work in the bidi industry. The number of bidi workers is
not having any dependents. The type of family and the number of dependents do not
show any relationship at all. A majority of the bidi workers are Padmasali and
Muslim. In general it appears that the Padmasali and the Muslim dominate the labour
force in the bidi industry in Solapur City.
An overwhelming majority of the bidi workers roll the bidies from 700 to
1200 per day. As there is no provision in the exiting labour laws regarding the
minimum and the maximum rolling bidi to the given to the bidi workers, the owners
take the benefit of the loophole, and they fix-up the rolling bidi as per their will.
Sometime they are giving the work-load to their so-called loyal workers, and
sometime to the relatively younger female workers purposely. In this way, they make
discrimination in give the work-load to the bidi workers.
Regarding the drawing of the cutting or rejected bidies, almost all the
employers of the bidi industry, i.e. branded cutting bidies of their employees. As per
the existing labour laws in India, the employers can draw cutting bidies maximum to
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the tune of low percent from the rolled bidies that to on certain groups. For instance if
the bidies are rolled in bad leaves, or if they are not rolled as per the standard size, and
if the tobacco in not filled properly. Them, in that case, they can draw the cutting
bidies. These norms, however, really remain there on paper. The weapon of cutting
bidies is constantly used as a sort of harassment to the workers. The range of cutting
bidies varies from 50 to 200 bidies per week.
As regards the use of cutting bidies a majority of the bidi industry ask the
bidi workers to break the cutting bidies into pieces, and return the tobacco. But bidi
industry takes those cutting bidies in their possession without breaking them for their
own profit. They take those cutting bidies, and mix them up in the regular bidies and
sell them out at usual rates, and earn profit in two ways. However, such a practice is
not going on in many firms. Almost all the bidi industry in Solapur City does not pay
wages to their employees in lieu of those cutting bidies or for their labour. A little
more than half of the bidi workers do not enjoy any pleasures in rolling the bidies at
all. It may be because of boredom nature of job and lower income. But surprisingly a
little less than half of the bidi rollers do enjoy a pleasure in rolling the bidies. It may
be due to a fear of drawing the cutting bidies more, and a pleasure of doing a parttime job at home which supports their family in all respects. More than half of the bidi
workers live in their own in the rented houses. Almost all the bidi workers stay in the
rough houses. It clearly indicates the low level of standard of living of the bidi
workers in Solapur City.
The bidi workers, both literate as well as illiterate have grievances about the
leave wages, work-load, cutting bidies, and the quality of the tendu leaves. However,
most of the bidi workers have grievances about the work-load and the wages. The bidi
workers, who have no grievances, are insignificant. It seems that on account of the
absence of the trade union in the bidi industry the employers are not careful about the
service conditions of the bidi workers. They have grievances against their owners.
Almost all the bidi workers are not the member of the trade union. The trade union
member is extremely insignificant both in terms of absolute number as well as in
terms of percentages. It may be due to fear of termination of the services, reduction in
the workers, and drawing of cutting more. However, a majority of the bidi workers do
not want to join the union, and most of the bidi workers have no time to join the
union. It seems that the owners of the bidi industries have developed hostile attitude
188
towards the union, and the labour leaders also have failed to convince the bidi
workers about the importance of the trade union.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
189