(Research) A Study on Socio- Economic Conditions of Women Working in The Unorganized Sector (A Case Study of Ranipur of Jhansi)
A Study on Socio- Economic Conditions of Women Working in The Unorganized Sector
(A Case Study of Ranipur of Jhansi)
Authors: Dr. Kanishk Verma, Amrita Ratnani
Abstract
The terms unorganized and informal sectors are widely applied interchangeably. Cottage industry is unorganized in nature. Cottage industry is a concentrated form of micro-small-medium industry where production is done by the members of the family in their homes. That is why cottage industry is also called domestic industry. In the manufacture and production of goods, the traditional artisan craftsmen get the work from their ancestors in the form of art. This art is passed down generation after generation. The majority of women work in the household sector. The aim of this research article is to explore the participation and empowerment of women in the household/ cottage industry.
Keywords- Unorganised Sector, Informal Sector, Cottage Industry, Small and Medium Enterprise, Women Empowerment, Handloom Industry, Bidi Industry
Introduction
Cottage industry is a form of unorganized industry, mainly engaged in artisanal work like rural handicraft, pottery, weaving, handloom, etc. In rural areas it has been found that cottage industries have given economic freedom to women. Women in rural areas are dependent on cottage industries for many of their needs and it created employment opportunities for them and saved their society from decline. The development of cottage industry is an important step towards the emancipation of women. A large number of rural women are engaged in making handmade products. Any spurt in the demand for products of cottage industries will certainly empower women.1
Informal employment is generally a bigger source of employment for women than men. The unorganised sector in India employs about 90% of the country's workforce. Many of them are the main breadwinners of their families. Their earnings are essential to their survival. Work in the unorganized sector is characterized by low wages which are often characterized by poor nutrition, long working hours and hazardous working conditions, lack of basic services such as primary services, drinking water and multifaceted concept that not only lack adequate income rather, there are numerous other facts such as lack of choice, vulnerability and lack of possessions, insecurity and social exclusion.2
Women's empowerment is defined as the growing economic, social, political and educational power of one or more entities. Most of the women across India
depend on the cottage industry sector for income. If women were given the right to more power, the potential for social and economic development would become evident. The Government of India and the State Government along with the Cottage Industry Sector have promoted women empowerment. Several steps have been taken to promote a large number of home- based production organizations are run by a significant number of women artisans. Majority of women are involved in this unorganized sector due to economic backwardness. Cottage industry work has now become a means for poor women workers to maintain a fairly mediocre level of livelihood. But some cottage industries work. Which provide some goals to achieve women empowerment among the distressed rural and semi- urban households. Working women to increase their livelihood by associated with self -help group.3
In 2011, the labour force participation rate at all levels in India is 25.51 per cent for womenand 53.26 percent for men. While there is no rural-urban difference for men, there is a considerable rural-urban gap for women. At all India level, farmers, agricultural labourers, domestic industry and other workers constitute 24.64%, 29.96%, 3.81% and 41.60% of the total workers respectively.4
India's female labour force participation rate is calculated as the share of women who are employed or want to work as a proportion of the working age female population. According to the World Bank, female labour force participation is alarmingly low at 23.4%. The participation rate is Bhutan 58.3% and Nepal 23%, China 60%, Bangladesh 36%, Myanmar 47% and Sri
Lanka 34%. While there are slightly more women working in Pakistan than in India. The India's female labour force participation declined from 33% in 2011-
2012 to 25% in 2017-2018. Comparing female labour market participation rates with the BRICS countries is not encouraging either.5
One possible explanation for the lack of employment opportunities available to women is that men benefit disproportionately from the increasing demand for highly skilled labour. This is likely to happen in India because men tend to be more skilled and more educated than women. In addition, occupational and regional segregation by gender may limit women to seek market work in particular fields and occupations that conform to prevailing social norms. While sectors and occupations where women are more likely to work have not recorded high employment growth. This may limit employment opportunities for women. Their participation may be hindered. Empowerment of women is basically concerned with the process of upliftment of the economic, social and political status of women, which is habitually neglected in the society. It is the process by which they are protected from all forms of abusive or violent action. Women empowerment involves the creation of a society, a political environment where women can breathe without the fear of domination, exploitation, inhibitions, discrimination and the general feeling of oppression. Women make up half of the world's populationwhile India has shown a lower unsafe sex ratio than men. As far as social status is concerned, women are not treated equally as compared to men
everywhere. Even today, problems like gender discrimination have to be faced. Empowerment can be considered as a means to create a social environment where an individual can make decisions and choices as an individual for social change. It is the process that enables us to take control of our destiny and the circumstances of our lives. There are various elements in the society who are deprived of their basic rights in all the societies, but these elements lack awareness of their rights. If we remove these elements from society, women will be at the forefront. Women's empowerment is defined as the process whereby their spiritual, political, social and economic status is elevated.6
Review of Literature
1. M.I. Siddique (2004) Studied that Women empowerment is not possible unless the society accepts the legal rights given to them. To bring women at par with men, it is necessary to increase employment and income. At present the position of women as self- employment, wage and employer is not satisfactory. They work at par with men but get less wages than them. Women can be classified into three parts on the basis of their employment status. The cottage industry flourishes mainly on women. Because a large number of women work in cottage industries. Women are mainly self- workers or labour workers in this sector. Cottage industry produces items that are commonly used in households such as papads, candles, pickles, spices, etc. which come under household chores. Traditional handicrafts are also women friendly, do this work in their spare time and help in family income.
2. SuparnaSom, Susmita Bharti, Arun k Chatterjee (2007)8 Find out that apart from household chores, women also work for 6-7 hours a day in pre-weaving activities. The female members of the family have a significant share in the total income which is derived from the work of weaving. Which contributes to the family's total income and supports the existence of this industry.
3. M. Lakshmi Narasaiah (2007)9 Studied women's development schemes. Women and children represent
67 percent of the country's population. Women in India are poor in general, especially rural women, relatively powerless with no control over resources, and relatively less decision-making power. Today development is human development, in the process increasing the choices of every individual in the society. Development in which women do not participate is unfair and unjust.
4. Shahla Yasmin, BasriAfroz, BushraHyat & Doris D’Souza (2010)10 Studied the health problems of 197 female beedi rollers in Patna, Bihar, India, to ascertain the effects of beedi rolling on health. The study found that over 70 bidi rollers suffered eye, gastrointestinal and neurological problems, while over 50 respondents suffered from respiratory problems, mostly throat irritation and cough.
5.SatyaRanjanNayak,SudhakarPatra,MadhusmitaSa mal (2012)11 Finds out that for the development and advancement of handicrafts and cottage industries, provision for better wages and salary structure, job security, bonus for excellent performance, periodic training is important factor.
6. George Sonia (2013)12 Said that, the process of globalization has brought about huge changes in the field of employment. In the handloom sector, male workers are leaving the work while women are working continuously.
7. FathimaAdeelaBeeviTKS (2014)13 Finds out that the unorganized women workers are living below the lowest acceptable standards.
8. Geeta Bari (2016)14 Finds out that most of the women have the problem of muscular pain.
9. Jitendra Kumar Tiwari, KanishkVerma (2018)15Finds out that the workers of the unorganized sector do not have social security (provided fund, pension and job security) and the wages are also less than the organized sector. Workers work in unhealthy environment. In such an environment the workers become victims of mental stress as well as other diseases.
10. KanishkVerma, Dr. Jitendra Kumar Tiwari (2019)16 Finds out that lack of capital and credit, cheap technology has to be purchased. Due to lack of quality and certification in the cottage industry, the products are unable to compete with the products of the larger industry. Cottage industry product should be branded and certified. Co-operative marketing is the best solution for the cottage industry and along with it, attention should be given to e-commerce.
Objectives
1. To know the Socio- Economic condition of women workers.
2. To know the empowerment and social status of women workers.
Research Methodology
The present study is based on Ranipur Nagar Panchayat of Mauranipur Tehsil of Jhansi district of Bundelkhand. The present study is based on the workers of cottage industries. Whose number is abundant in Ranipur. The present study is a descriptive study.
In Ranipur, more than 2000 families are employed in cottage industries, out of which 120 families were selected in a convenient manner. According to the 2011 census, 1805 workers are employed in domestic industries. In which 1175 are males and 630 are females. Interview schedule has been used to collect the data of the study.
The data collected by the interview schedule in the context of 120 women workers have been presented in the form of a table corresponding to the questions by categorizing them for statistical analysis. After that the discussion of different aspects of the problem, the interrelation of one fact with another fact, the help of computer was taken to evaluate the average standard values.
Interpretation of Data and Discussion-
Table – 1 Employment
|
Employment |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Bidi Industry |
67 |
55.83 |
|
Handloom |
36 |
30.00 |
|
Others |
17 |
14.17 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
According to the above table majority of the respondents 55.83% work in bidi industry. 30.00% work in handloom industry and 14.17% work in other industries.
Table – 2 Caste
|
Caste |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
SC |
93 |
77.50 |
|
OBC |
18 |
15.00 |
|
General |
9 |
7.50 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
According to the above table majority of the respondents belongs to SC category that is out of 120 respondents, 93 (77.50%) are from SC. The lowest 09 (07.50%) respondents are from general category and 18 (15.00%) are from OBC category.
Table – 3 Age
|
Age |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
21 - 30 |
21 |
17.50 |
|
31 - 40 |
40 |
33.33 |
|
41 – 50 |
33 |
27.50 |
|
More than 51 |
26 |
21.67 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Looking at the above table it is clear that 33.33 percent of the maximum respondents are in the age group of 31-40 years and 27.50 percent are in the age group of 41-50 years. 21.67 percent is in the age group of more than 51 years and the lowest 17.50 percent is in the 21-
30 age group.
Table – 4 Education
|
It is clear from the above table that maximum 39.17% of the respondents are illiterate. 30.00% have completed primary education only and 14.16% of the respondents have taken high school education and
10.00% of the respondents have obtained Intermediateeducation and lowest 6.67% of the respondents are illiterate.
Table – 5 Marital Status
|
Marital Status |
Frequency |
ercentage |
|
Married |
63 |
52.50 |
|
Unmarried |
15 |
12.50 |
|
Widow |
42 |
35.00 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Table–6FamilySize
|
Family Size |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
1 - 5 (Small) |
37 |
30.83 |
|
6 - 10 (Medium) |
59 |
49.17 |
|
More than 11(Large) |
24 |
20.00 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
From the facts of the above table it is known that maximum number of family members of 49.17% of the respondents is between 6-10 (medium size) and 30.83% of the family members are between 1-5 (small size),
20.00% of the number of family members of the respondents is between 11 and more (large size)
Table–7AverageMonthlyIncome
|
Average Income |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Less than 3000 |
36 |
30.00 |
|
3001 – 6000 |
42 |
35.00 |
|
6001 – 9000 |
29 |
24.17 |
|
More than 9000 |
13 |
10.83 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
It is clear from the observation of the above table that the maximum 35.00% of respondent’s monthly income is between 3001 to 6000 and 30.00% respondent’s income is less than 3000. The income of 24.17% respondents is between 6001 to 9000 and only 10.83% respondent’s income is more than 9000rs. Per month.
Table–8ReasonforWorking
|
Reason for Working |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
For Extra Income |
31 |
25.83 |
|
To Help Family |
47 |
39.17 |
|
Education of Children |
28 |
23.33 |
|
Other |
14 |
11.67 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
According to the above table majority of the respondents i.e., 47 out of 120 (39.17%) are working to help family financially and 31 (25.83%) respondents are working to earn extra income. 28 (23.33%) respondents are working for the education of their children and the
lowest number 14(11.67%) respondents are working for other reasons.
Table–9 FinancialDecisioninFamily
|
Financial Decision |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
By female Members Only |
19 |
15.83 |
|
By Male Members Only |
66 |
55.00 |
|
By Male and Female Both |
35 |
29.17 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
From the study of above table, it is known that the financial decisions in the family are taken by maximum number of respondents 66 (55.00%) only by male members. According to data 35 (29.17%) respondents are both male and female members who take financial decision in the family and lowest 19 (15.83%) respondents are female members in the family who take financial decision.
Table–10Non-FinancialDecisioninFamily
|
Financial Decision |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
By female Members Only |
33 |
27.50 |
|
By Male Members Only |
49 |
40.83 |
|
By Male and Female Both |
38 |
31.67 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
From the study of above table, it is known that the non- financial decisions in the family are taken by maximum number of respondents 49 (40.83%) only by male members. According to data 38 (31.67%) respondents are both male and female members who take non- financial decision and lowest 33 (27.50%) respondents are female members in the family who take non- financial decision.
Table–11SatisfactionfromWork
|
Satisfaction from Work |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Satisfied |
33 |
27.50 |
|
Dissatisfied |
87 |
72.50 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
Based on the above table, it is reflected that 72.50% respondents are not satisfied with their present work. Whereas 27.50% respondents are satisfied with their present work.
Table–12ReasonforDissatisfaction
|
Reason for Dissatisfaction |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Low Profit |
49 |
56.32 |
|
Late Payment |
24 |
27.58 |
|
Family Reason |
14 |
16.10 |
|
Total |
87 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
Studying the above table, it is revealed that 56.32%
respondents are dissatisfied due to low profits, 27.58%
respondents are dissatisfied due to delay and shortfall in payment and 16.10% respondents are dissatisfied due to family reasons.
Table–13ChangeinSocialStatus
|
Change in Social Status |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Yes |
57 |
47.50 |
|
o |
63 |
52.50 |
|
Total |
120 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
It is known from the study of the above table that52.50% respondent’s social status is not changed whereas 47.50% respondent’s social status has changed due to their work.
Table–14TypeofChangeinSocialStatus
|
Type of Change |
Frequency |
Percentage |
|
Increase in Family Honour |
26 |
45.62 |
|
Increase in Self- Dependency |
19 |
33.33 |
|
Increase in Decision Making |
12 |
21.05 |
|
Total |
57 |
100.00 |
Source: Primary Data
Observing the above table, it is known that due to professional engagement, 45.62% of respondents have increased their family honour, 33.33% has increased in self-dependency and empowerment. Decision making
ability has been developed in 21.05% of the respondents.
Findings –
1. Majority of respondents (55.83%) are working in bidi industry. Older women do the work of bidi rolling and younger women do household chores. Majority of women do double shift, household chores and work.
2. Majority of respondents (77.50%) are from Schedule Caste. Most of them are from Kori Caste.
3. Lowest 17.50% respondents are in the age group of 21-30. Which shows that the participation of young generation is low in these industries. Mostly middle-aged women are engaged in these industries.
4. Majority of respondents (39.17) are illiterate.
Only 30.00% have completed primary education. It shows the literacy rate among women is very low.
5. 12.50% respondents are unmarried while
52.50% respondents are married. Which shows the high participation of married women in industry.
6. Majority of Respondent’s (49.17%) family size is between 6-10 and 20% respondents’ family size is more than 11 members. Which shows that most respondents live in joint family.
7. Majority of respondents (35.00%) monthly income is between 3001-6000 and 30.00% respondents’ income is less than 3000. Which shows the average monthly income of respondents is very low. Most respondents (women) (39.17%) work to help their family and children.
8. Financial decision of family Mostly (55.00%) taken by male members of family. Non-financial decision of family mostly (40.83) taken by male members of family. Women role in decision making is very low and limited.
9. Majority of respondents (72.50%) are not satisfied with their work. In which 56.32% respondent dissatisfied because of low profit.
10. Majority of respondents (52.50%) social status not changed but 47.50% respondent’s status has changed due to their work. Majority of respondents (45.62%) family honour increased and 33.33% respondent’s self-dependency increased while
21.05% respondent’s decision making increased. Which shows that empowerment in women increasing due to engagement in work but the process is very slow.
Suggestion-
1. The government should arrange finance on easy terms and conditions.
2. The government should help in marketing of the products.
3. Workers should be given training in entrepreneurship development programme so that they can understand the nuances of business.
4. Technical support should be provided to the weavers.
5. Proper arrangements should be made for the means of transport so that the product can be easily reached in the cities.
6. The wages of workers in the bidi industry should be increased, so that their economic condition can improve.
Acknowledgement -
The completion of this undertaking could not have been possible without the participation and assistance of so many people whose names may not all be enumerated. Their contribution are sincerely appreciated and gratefully acknowledged however the group would like to express their deep appreciation and indebtedness particularly to the following:
Dr. Jitendra Kumar Tiwari (Associate Professor, Bundelkhand Degree College) for their endless support kind and understanding spirit during our case presentation.
To all relatives, friends and others who in one way or another shared their support either morally financially and physically. Thank you.
Above all to great almighty the author of knowledge and wisdom for his countless love.
We thank you.
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