Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
has not only achieved self sufficiency in production of salt to meet its domestic
requirement but also in a position of exporting surplus salt to foreign countries.
As per the Government of TamilNadu, there are around 13581 Salt
workers and most of the salt workers in TamilNadu belong to Schedule Caste
community. Around 11000 acres are used for salt manufacture. This is a
scheduled employment under the minimum wages Act, 1948 and work is carried
out from the month February to September providing around 200 to 250 days
work. Arumuganeri occupies a very important place in the history of salt
industry in India because of its geographic location and other favourable factors.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The salt workers suffer enormously from the saline environment in which
they live and work in Arumuganeri. They get occupational illness and
disabilities such as sight impairment and blindness caused by the reflected glare
of the sun of the salt crystals. They develop skin ulcers which are very painful
and do not heal up quickly. They also suffer from stomach problems. Their life
expectancy is quite low and infant mortality is high. Their wages are low. The
salt open for only about eight months of the year. So, in the process of making
two ends meets the seasonal workers invariably fall into the hands of the local
money lenders who generally change interest at the rate of 10 per cent per
month. Salt workers work during the whole season and perform all kinds of
activities. In the beginning of the season, the workers get small amount as
2
wages and wages increase as the production of the salt increases with
temperature. The minimum daily wages reaches upto Rs. 156 at the end of the
season.
The salt workers face health hazards like blisters, burns, cuts, eye
burning, falling hair, headaches and lower legs and feet develop lesions like
ulcers and wart. Skin problems occur like scaling, atrophic scars and fissures.
This facilities enhanced adsorption of salt into body, which could be one of the
causes of high blood pressure. The incidence of vitamin A deficiency, night
blindness, tuberculosis, infant mortality and gynecological problems are
common. Salt workers are living in very poor household income due to seasonal
employment, inadequate access to state resource, no representation in decision
making groups poor literacy level girl child school drop outs in 5th to 6th
standard is very high among salt workers. No proper information execution of
law, no proper information about salt labourers in the state. There is no
organization working for the salt workers other welfare measures are also not
sufficient to their expectation. Therefore, the condition of the salt workers in
Arumuganeri area is poor. Hence, the researcher tries to analyze the economic
condition of salt workers in the study area.
1.4 METHODOLGY
4
were taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data. All the schedules have
been scrutinized so as to appraise the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the
data before each schedule was passed for tabulation.
1.10 Statistical tools
The statistical methods are a mechanical process especially designed
to facilitate the condensation and analysis of quantitative data. The aim of
statistical methods is to facilitate the comparative study of the relationship
between the two phenomena. There are different types of statistical tools and
techniques for analyzing the collected data. But the present study, the statistical
tools like chi-square test, diagrams and graphs, column chart, cone chart, line
chart were used for the analysis of data.
1.11 Scope of the study
In this study the working conditions of salt workers in Arumuganeri
and analyses with a view to identify the various aspects of their income,
expenditure, savings, borrowings, working days, wages, annual allowance,
yearly bonus and welfare measures.
1.12 Limitations
7
CHAPTER- II
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND CONCEPTS
A review of the studies of economic conditions of salt workers in the
unorganized sector. The major concentration of these studies is simply on the
8
trends of work participation of salt workers where as their family life, the
working conditions and condition of work have been excluded. But he present
study intends to explore a wide range of issues ranging from economic
conditions, family life, working relationship, labour legislations to looking
into the terms of employment and living conditions of the salt workers of
unorganized sector.
Gadgil (1965) states that Basically unorganized labours whether in the
rural or urban area is conterminous with poverty because whether if the
marginal farms or land less labourers or migrant urban slum worker, they are
such involved in a set of survival activities on the margin of poverty. 1
Income is perhaps the only important and the most basic yardstick for
measuring the economic performance and welfare of the people. 3
Manonmoney examined the Problems and prospects of women in
India she said that many females workers bear the Double Burden of
running a household and pursing a career or holding in employment. 4
income has also change the life style of the worker which evaluation his status
in society. 5
Bairagya Indrajit Conducted study on Measuring the informal
economy in developing countries The goal of this study was to measure the
economic importance of the informal sector in India economy by its share,
growth and composition from the year 1970 to 2006. Another objective was
the measurement of efficiency performance of the unorganized sector. 6
11
12
tonnes in 1977. The average incremental production of salt was 5.23 lakh
tonnes. The rising trend in the production was mainly due to the fact that the
total area of salt production has been increased. The uncultivated area was
under cultivation increased year by year. 12
11. S.Nagarajan Salt Quality Aspect to the For Survey on Indian Industry.
The Hindu, 1995, Page no:243
12. M.Kamalraj Salt Industry in Tamilnadu, Trends and Prospects Paper
Presented in 84th Annual Conference of India Economic Association, held at
Vellore From 28-12-2001 to 30-12-2001
15
work, in work and non-work relations. Some of the most persistent issues in
industry have been security of employment, living, wages, regulation of hours
of work, basic facilities, and allowances and discriminatory treatment. 16
Singh (2005) has found that women in the brick industry in Haryana were
mostly migrant labourers. Labourers from areas with in as well as outside the
state. They are no better off than other poor women in the unorganized sector,
with ignorance and illiteracy compounding their social and economic
suffering. The study has observed that the lives of women working in brick
kilns are exhausting and tough. 17
Tour sophorn, veasna noun (2009) conducted study on Living and
working conditions of domestic workers in Cambodia: in phnom phenh, the
study on working conditions of domestic workers levered four districts and a
total of 30 communes. Information was collected from members of 9 trade
unions. Main findings of the research were employing some one to undertake
domestic households chores is a long time practice in Cambodia associated
16
with gentry stereo types on the traditional role of women in the households as
caretakers and caregivers. 18
17. Singh, (2005), Women workers in the Brick kiln Industry in haryana, India,
Indian Journal of gender studies, Vol,12, Issue 1,January-April.
18. Sophorn tour, Noun Veasna (2009) study on living and working conditions of
domestic workers in Cambodia report of ILO.
19. John weeks, Employment polices in the informal urban sector of developing
economics International Labour Review, Jan 1975 Page no.13.
20. Amiya Rao, Brick kiln labour living in poverty and Bondage, Economic and
Political Weekly, VOL XVI, June 1981, Page no.131
2.1 Concepts
A brief discussion of the concepts used in the study is given below.
2.1.1 Labour
Labour consists of all human efforts of body or mind are undertaken in
the expectation of reward. Thus any work done in return for a monetary reward
is labour. Thus the term Labour consists of the work of an ordinary wage to
the work of expert professionals undertaken for some monetary rewards.
2.1.2. Working conditions
It is the situation in which the salt workers are working in the salt. It
includes nature of work, working days per week, working hours (per day), lunch
bread status of work and security for job.
2.1.3 Living conditions
18
The living condition include the age distribution assets holding the
burden of debt and the expenditure on various items like food, clothing etc.,
including the expenditure on housing.
2.1.4 Wages
Wages are paid for the services of production and include only the
performance wage. Wages may be paid daily, weekly or monthly. In this study
the term, wages is used refer to weekly wages, irrespective of the mode or
time of payment of wages.
2.1.5 House hold
A group of persons normally living together and taking food from the
same kitchen constitute a household. Normally, such resident members exclude
guests but include temporary absentees.
2.1.6 Health
19
20
21
2.1.16 Cost
Total cost is simply the sum of all the costs a firm includes when it
produces a particular level of output. The total cost of producing any particular
output is total fixed cost plus the total variable cost of producing that output.
2.1.17 Revenue
Total revenue is simply a firms total earnings from sale. When a firm
sells only a single produce at a uniform price, total revenue obtained by
multiplying price and quantity sold.
2.1.18 Profit
22
2.1.20 Bonus
The additional amount to be paid in wages for increased output on the
part of the workers.
2.1.21 Economic study
The size of family, caste, income and expenditure pattern, assets and
wages are important indications caused in evaluating the economic study of salt
workers.
23
CHAPTER III
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF SALT WORKES
3.1 Introduction
Salt is an important physiological necessity of life with an enormous and
growing population, the demand for salt is of vital importance. Actually there
was a salt famine in certain parts of Indian during the second world war.
Salt is used for several purposes. It is used for cooking as table salt and
as a preservative in the preparation of condiments, pickles and food stuffs. It is
also used to a limited extend in agriculture as an insecticide, wood killer and for
24
stock feeding. It finds use in curing fish, meat packing, dairying and other
industries to prevent deterioration. It is used in several industries such as glass,
leather, soap, oil purification, dyestuffs, tertiles, ceramics refrigeration etc. Its
largest use in the manufacture of sodium components viz. Soda ash, caustic
soda sodium sulfate etc.
In united states, out of the total production of 90.3 million tonnes, the
demand for the manufacture of soda ash, caustic soda and sodium sulfate
amounted to 5.32 million tonnes. In India since the out break of the second
world war, the industrial uses of salt have been growing up steadily.
Out of the total production, about 60 per cent comes from the private
sector and the rest from the public sector. Small scale sector, co-operative and
unlicensed sector account for 30 per of the production.
Weather plays an important role in this industry. A major portion of the
production is concentrated on the west coast in Gujarat and Maharastra and
Rajasthan contributing 55-60 per cent.
The seasonal rains threaten the salt Industry in the East coast s a result of
which salt become clearer to the consuming centers. As the industry handles
bulk commodities, the pricing and profits depend on the end uses.
3.2 History of culture of salt
25
The History of salt production can be tracked back to the done of human
civilization. In ancient time when sea water evaporated in pits, white layer was
formed and it was found tasty and people stated to consuming it. The white
layer was nothing but salt. As the time advanced, uses of salt increased and the
method of producing salt also become a very important process. In modern
times, salt has about 14,000 known uses from to industry de-icing. Presently,
about 120 nations are actively engaged in salt production.
Salt has been equally important in trade and politics. Many countries
controlled salt as a state monopoly. The salt tax, among other things provoked
the French revolution. A similar salt tax was principal issue in Gandhis civil
disobedience movement against the British that eventually led to Indias
independence. Salt is an essential item subject under the seventh schedule of
the constitution and all aspects of the salt industries are controlled by the central
government through the salt commission organization.
3.3 Salt Industry organization in India
Salt is a central subject in the constitution of India and appears as item
No.58 of the Union list of the 7th schedule, which reads.
a) Manufacture, supply and distribution of salt by union agencies and
b) Regulation and control of manufacture, supply and distribution of salt by
other agencies.
26
27
tonnes on an average during the year 2011 2012, a record export of 38 lakh
tonnes was achieved primarily due to surge of demand from China other major
countries importing salt form India are Japan, Bangaladesh, Indonesia, South
Korea, North Korea, Malaysia, U.S.E. Vietnam Qwatar etc.
3.8 Salt Industry in Tamil Nadu
With its extensive coast line along the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal,
India is one of the important countries in Asia and the far east, producing salt by
solar evaporation process. The salt industry in Tamil Nadu is lone established
one. Salt industry has been one of the oldest industries on coastal tracts on
Tamil Nadu.
In Tamil Nadu, particularly salt has been manufactured in the Chinglepet
district especially at cove long and Chanampet in the south Arcot District at
Marakkanam and cuddalore in the Tanjore district at Nagapatinam,
Vedaraniyam and Adirapatnam in the Tuticorin District at Kayal, Arumuganeri,
Kernaur, Kulesekearapatnam and Mullakadu, Vattanam in Ramnad and in the
neigh bout bood of Madras city and the cape.
In Tamil Nadu, Tuticorin is the major salt producing center. It
contributed more than 20 percent of the total production. The second rank goes
to Nagapatnam Ramanathapuram occupied the third place Cuddalore gets the
last place in manufacturing salt. Salt produced in Tamil Nadu is sold
throughout the country and it is exported to foreign countries also. By road and
29
railways salt is being carried over the entire country shipping services are used
to export salt.
As per the government of Tamil Nadu there are around 13581 salt
workers and most of the salt workers in Tamil Nadu belong to scheduled caste
community. Around 11000 acres are used for salt manufacture. this is schedule
employment under the minimum wages act, 1948 and work is carried out from
the month February to September providing around 200 to 250 days work.
There is a sales tax on the product. No separate welfare fund has been
contributed for the salt workers. However, these workers contribute their
premium to the Tamil Nadu labour welfare board which is common for all
industries.
3.9 Salt production in Thoothukudi
Thoothukudi occupies a very important place in the history of salt
industry India because of its geographic location and other favourable factors.
The coastal belt of the gulf of manner is in the Rain shadow region of the south
west monsoon and therefore, spread of summer rain that prevails over the rest of
the country . The north east monsoon is comparatively week and the average
rain fall in Thoothukudi gets an interupted manufacturing of 8 to 9 moths in a
year.
30
get occupational illness and disabilities such as sight impairment and blindness
caused by reflected glare of the sun of the salt crystals.
They develop skin ulcers which are very painful and do not heal up
quickly. They also suffer from stomach problems, their life expectancy is quite
low and infant mortality is high. Their wages are low. The salt open for only
about eight months of the year. So, in the process of making two ends meets the
seasonal workers invariably fall into the hands of the local money lenders who
generally charge interest at the rat of 10 percent per month.
Seasonal workers work during the whole season and perform all kinds of
activates on pan. In the beginning of the season the workers get small amount
as wages and wages increase as the production of the salt increases with
temperature. The maximum daily wages reached upto Rs.156 at the end of the
season. The salt owners of 10 to 100 acres hire workers through labour unions.
they supply daily wages as well as seasonal workers for different activates.
Big private companies employ workers on salary basis for fetching water
with a pump or bore well, circulation of water in ponds and as supervisors. The
remaining labour is hired in larger number from the surrounding villages as
daily wages.
There is vast disparity in salt prices and wages. The salt owners sell at
Rs.450 to Rs.500 per metric tonnes while workers get as low as Rs.15 per
32
metric tonnes. It is also believed that small plots owners and cooperative
societies get lower price of salt as compared to the big owners. The middlemen
play a significant role in this price variation.
The salt workers face health hazards like blisters, burns cuts, eye burning,
falling hair, headaches and lower legs and feet develop lesions like ulcers and
wart.
Skin problems occur like scaling, atrophic scars Keratodermia, callosities,
and fissures. This facilitates enhanced absorption of salt into body, which could
be one of the causes of high blood pressure. the incidence of vitamin A
deficiency, night blindness, tuberculosis, infant mortality and gynecological
problems are common.
Salt workers are living in very poor household income due to seasonal
employment, inadequate skills, inadequate access to state resource, no
representation in decision making groups. Poor literacy level girl child school
drop outs in 5th to 6th standard is very high among salt worker. No proper
information execution of law, no proper information about salt labourers in the
state. No priority to the salt workers in the policies and programs etc.
33
CHAPTER- IV
PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA
4.1 Introduction:Arumuganeri Town Panchayat is Located at 12kms. Away From
Tiruchendur Town. Total area of this village is 30square kilometers. According
to 2011 Census the total population of Village is 25,846. Among them 14,418
are Males and 11,428 are Females. It has an Average literacy rate of 78 per cent
higher then the national average of 59.5 per cent. 11 per cent of the population
is under 6years of age.
34
4.7 Transport Facilities:Transport facility in this area is good because it is a main route of
Thoothukudi. There are frequent buses to go to Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and
Tiruchendur and them sum other local places to mini buses.
4.8 Recreational Facilities:There is one cinema theatre in Arumuganeri. Regarding recreation there is
a park situated near bus stand. Arumuganeri town has 12 nutritious centres for
children belong to the age group of 3-5years. This village has 10 fair price shops
36
and one Post office and one Library. The panchayat union is having a Reading
room, and Playground etc
4.9 Area Under Salt Production:In the Arumuganeri area, totally 2810 acres of land is used for salt
production out of this 2000 acres of land is tilled by private manufactures, 110
acres are in the salt producers co-operatives society and 700 acres are owned
by Dharangadhara Chemical Works. The season for salt production in middle
January to September. Arumuganeri salt is not only sold in the neighbour states
like Andhrapradesh, Karnataga, Kerala, Maharastra, Orissa and Pondichery.
4.10 Working Days:The working days for salt workers in the Arumuganeri are the entire
week. Suppose any worker absence for the duty, he/she will lose the wage of
that day. In other words no casual leave and no medical leave are given to the
salt workers. So workers usually work in six to seven days per week.
4.11 Working HoursIt varies to male and female workers. The fixed working hours is 6 to 8
hours. The working hours for female workers is 6 hours,
37
i.e early morning 5 O clock to 11 am and for male workers the minimum
working hours is 7 hours, and maximum is 8 hours. After working in the salt the
male workers are engaged in loading the salt and other works.
4.12 Lunch time:Lunch break is given only for male salt workers. Female workers leave
the salt after 11 O clock. Therefore for them there is need of lunch time. But
male workers are continuously working after 11 O clock. In the study area hour
is given for lunch break.
4.13 Wages:Wages is the price paid for labour services. It is defined as a sum of money
paid under contract by an employer to a worker for services rendered. The wage
is two types workers are paid time wage and workers are paid price wage.
The wage is fixed of the sex and criteria.
4.14 Job Security:-
38
Job Security motivates the workers to work in the salt in efficient manner.
But unfortunately, salt industry is an unorganized sector. As such there is no job
security for the salt workers. All the salt workers are temporary labourers.
CHAPTER V
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
The researcher shows interpretation through the primary data from the
respondents. The researcher analysis the table and figure based on primary data
and find the main findings from this chapter.
Table 5.1
AGE-WISE CLASSIFICATION
S.No
1
Age
30-35
No. of Respondents
2
Percentage
6.67
35-40
20
40-45
10
33.3
45-50
Total
Source: Primary Data
12
30
40
100
The table 5.1 shows that 6.67 per cent of the respondents are under the age
group of 30-35 and 20 per cent of the respondents belong to the age group of 35-40
and 33.3 per cent of respondents belong to the age group of 40-45 and 40 per cent of
the respondents belong to the age group of 45-50. Majority of the salt workers belong
to the age group of 45-50.i.e 40 per cent.
Table 5.2
SEX-WISE CLASSIFICATION
40
S.No
Sex
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Male
12
40
Female
18
60
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.2 Shows that 40 per cent of the respondents belong to the
Male and 60 per cent of the respondents belong to the Female. From the table
5.2 it is concluded that majority of the respondents belong to female i.e 60 per
cent.
Table 5.3
RELIGION-WISE CLASSIFICATION
S.No
Religion
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Hindu
26
86.7
41
Christian
Total
Source: Primary Data
13.3
30
100
The above table 5.3 shows that 86.7 per cent of the respondents are
Hindus, 13.3. per cent of the respondents are Christians
It is concluded that majority of the respondents belong to Hindus i.e 86.7
per cent.
Table 5.4
COMMUNITY-WISE CLASSIFICATION
S.No
Community
No. of Respondents
Percentage
BC
19
63.3
42
MBC
16.7
SC/ST
20
Total
30
100
Table 5.5
MARITIAL STATUS
S.No
Marital Status
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Married
27
90
43
Unmarried
3.3
Widow
6.7
Total
30
100
Table 5.6
TYPE OF FAMILY
S.No
Type of family
No. of Respondents
44
Percentage
Joint family
86.7
Nuclear family
23
13.3
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.6 shows that 23.3 per cent of the respondents are living in the
joint family and the remaining 76.7 per cent of the respondents are living in the
nuclear family system.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents are living in the nuclear
family i.e 76.7 per cent.
Table 5.7
EDUCATIONAL STATUS
S.No
Educational status
No. of Respondents
45
Percentage
Literate
20
66.7
Illiterate
10
33.3
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.7 shows that 66.7 per cent of the respondents are
having literate, 33.3 per cent of the respondents are having illiterate.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents are having literate i.e 66.7
per cent.
Table 5.8
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
S.No
Educational
Qualification
No. of Respondents
46
Percentage
Primary
15
50
Secondary
16.7
Uneducated
10
33.3
Total
30
100
Table 5.9
FAMILY SIZE
S.No
Family size
No. of Respondents
Percentage
2-4
14
46.7
47
4-6
14
46.7
6-8
6.6
Total
30
100
Table 5.10
NATURE OF HOUSE
S.No
Nature of house
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Tiled
11
36.7
Thatched
10.0
48
Concrete
Total
Source: Primary Data
16
53.3
30
100
The table 5.10 shows that the housing conditions of the respondents in the
study area 36.7. per cent of the respondents are living in tiled houses and 10 per
cent of the respondents are living in thatched housing and 53.3 per cent of the
respondents are living in concrete house.
Even though salt workers are getting low salary, most of them live in
concrete houses. Because they have been benefited from government housing
scheme.
Table 5.11
TYPE OF HOUSE
S.No
Type of house
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Own house
23.3
Rented
20
66.7
Lease
10.0
49
Total
Source: Primary Data
30
100
The table 5.11 shows that 23.3 per cent of the respondents are living in
own house and 66.7 per cent of the respondents are living in rented house and
10 per cent of the respondents are living in lease houses.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents are living in Rented house
i.e 66.7 per cent.
Table 5.12
WATER CONNECTION
S.No
Water connection
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
26.7
No
22
73.3
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
50
The table 5.12 shows that 26.7 per cent of the respondents are living in
water connection in their house and 73.3 per cent of the respondents do not have
water connection in their house. They are use street tap as a source of water.
Table 5.13
POSSESSION OF DURABLE GOODS
S.No
Having facilities
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Television
11
36.7
Mobile
30
Cycle
23.3
51
Motor cycle
Total
Source: Primary Data
10
30
100
The table 5.13 shows that 36.7 per cent of the respondents are living in
television and 30 per cent of the respondents are living in mobile and 23.3 per
cent of the respondents are living in cycle and 10 per cent of the respondents are
living in motor cycle.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents are having television i.e
36.7 per cent.
Figure 5.1
POSSESSION OF DURABLE GOODS
52
No.of Respondents
18%
50%
15%
12%
5%
Table 5.14
EXPERIENCES IN SALT WORKERS
S.No
Work Experience
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Below 5 years
27.7
5 10 years
15
50
10 15 years
16.7
Above 15 years
6.6
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.14 shows that 26.7 per cent of salt workers have 5 years
experience, 50 per cent of the respondents have been working for 5 10 years,
16.7 per cent of the respondents have been working for 10 15 years, 6.6 per
cent of the respondents have been working for 15 20 years.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents have been working for 5
10 years i.e 50 per cent.
Figure 5.2
EXPERIENCES IN SALT WORKERS
54
100%
100%
200%
500%
300%
90%
400%
80%
70%
60%
27.7
50
100
16.7
50%
6.6
40%
30%
20%
10%
15
30
0%
No.of Respondents
Percentage
55
Table 5.15
WORKING HOURS
S.No
Working hours
No. of Respondents
Percentage
(per day)
1
6 hours
16
53.3
8 hours
14
46.7
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
With a view to collect factual information on the daily hours of work the
workers are interviewed and the working hours are presented in Table 5.15
shows that 53.3 per cent of the respondents are 6 hours and 46.7
per cent of
It is concluded that majority of the respondents are 6 hours i.e 53.3 per
cent.
Figure 5.3
WORKING HOURS
56
WORKING HOURS
No.of Respondents
Percentage
100
1
2
53.3
16
46.7
30
14
Table 5.16
ADVANCE FROM THE OWNER
S.No
Advance Received
No. of Respondents
Percentage
5000 7000
18
60
7000 9000
23.3
9000 11000
16.7
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
Among the 30 respondents and some workers received bonus from the
employer. The table 5.16 shows that 60 per cent of the respondents are living
in 5000 7000, 23.3 per cent of the respondents are living in 7000 9000 and
16.7 per cent of the respondents are living in 9000 11000.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents are living in 5000 7000
ie 60 per cent.
58
Table 5.17
WAGE DISTRIBUTION OF WORKERS
S.No
No. of Respondents
Percentage
150 200
18
60
Above 200
12
40
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.17 shows that 60 per cent of the respondents are living in 150
200, 40 per cent of the respondents are living in above 200. The wage is fixed
on the basis of the sex and criteria.
METHOD OF PAYMENTS
In our study 100 per cent of the respondents were paid wages on
the weekly basis.
Figure 5.4
WAGE DISTRIBUTION OF WORKERS
59
No.of Respondents
30%
50%
20%
Table 5.18
WELFARE PROVIDED BY EMPLOYER
S.No
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Drinking water
12
40
Transport
10
33.3
26.7
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.18 explains that welfare measure provided by the employer to
the respondents. Out of 30 respondents, 40 per cent of the respondents said that
they were satisfied with water facility and 33. 3 Per cent of the respondents with
transport facility and 26.7 per cent of the respondents with accident rescue
measures facility.
Figure 5.5
WELFARE PROVIDED BY EMPLOYER
61
WELFARE PROVIDED
No.of Respondents
Percentage
100
1
2
3
40
33.3
26.7
30
12
10
62
Table 5.19
WORKERS SATISFACTION
S.No
Satisfaction with
No. of Respondents
Percentage
present work
1
Yes
15
50
No
15
50
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
A worker over all satisfaction with his job is the result of combination
factors such as financial compensation, managements role, working
environment and welfare facilities provided by the employer etc.
The table 5.19 indicates that 50 per cent of the respondents are satisfied
with their work and the remaining 50 per cent of the workers do not have
satisfaction with this work. Due to health problem and low wage, they didnt get
satisfaction.
Figure 5.6
WORKERS SATISFACTION
63
100
100
90
80
70
50
50
60
50
40
1
30
20
30
15
15
10
0
No.of Respondents
Percentage
Table 5.20
DIWALI BONUS
S.No
1
Diwali bonus
Below 1000
No. of Respondents
5
Percentage
16.7
1000 2000
26.7
2000 3000
23.3
Above 3000
Total
Source: Primary Data
10
30
33.3
100
The table 5.20 shows that 16.7 per cent of the salt workers gets diwali
bonus range between below 1000 and 26.7 per cent of the salt worker gets
diwali bonus rage between 1000 2000 and 23.3 per cent of the salt worker gets
diwali bonus rage between 2000 3000 and 33.3 per cent of the salt worker gets
diwali bonus rage between above 3000.
Bonus in the salt industry of Arumuganeri is given on the basis of
experience of the workers.
65
Table 5.21
MONTHLY INCOME
S.No
Income level
(in Rs.)
1
Below 5000
2
5000 6000
3
6000 7000
4
7000 8000
5
8000 9000
6
9000 10000
7
Above 10000
Total
Source: Primary Data
No. of Respondents
Percentage
3
6
5
4
8
2
2
30
10
20
16.7
13.3
26.7
6.67
6.67
100
The table 5.21 shows that 10 per cent of the respondents have income Rs.
5000 and 20 per cent of the respondents have income Rs. 5000 6000 and 16.7
per cent of the respondents have income Rs. 6000 7000 and 13.3 per cent of
the respondents income Rs 7000 8000 and 26.7 per cent of the respondents
income Rs 8000 9000 and 6.67 per cent of the respondents have income 9000
10000 and 6.67 per cent of the respondents have income Rs. Above 10000.
It is concluded that majority of the respondents have income i.e 26.7 per
cent.
Figure 5.7
MONTHLY INCOME
66
100
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
26.7
30
20
20
10
16.7
10
1
3
13.3
4
2
5
30
5
8
6
6.67
2
7
6.67
0
No.of Respondents
Percentage
Table 5.22
MONTHLY EXPENDITURE
S.No
Monthly Expenditure
(in Rs)
No. of Respondents
Percentage
5000 6000
16.7
6000 7000
23.3
7000 8000
20
8000 9000
12
40
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.22 explains that monthly expenditure of the respondents. 16.7
per cent of the respondents spent the amount 5000 6000 per month, and 23.3
per cent of the respondents spent the amount 6000 7000 per month, and 20 per
cent of the respondents spent the amount 7000 8000 per month, and 40 per
cent of the respondents spent the amount 8000 9000 per month.
Figure 5.8
MONTHLY EXPENDITURE
68
MONTHLY EXPENDITURE
No.of Respondents
Percentage
100
40
23.3
16.7
30
20
12
6
5.23 DEBT
The following table shows that the member in debt of the respondents.
69
Table 5.23
DEBT ( in Rs)
S.No
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Below 5000
10
5000 10000
10
33.3
10000 20000
10
20000 30000
30
Above 30000
16.7
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.23 shows that out of the total respondents 10 per cent of the
respondents have debt below Rs.5000 and 33.3 per cent of the respondents have
debt Rs. 5000 10000, 10 per cent of the respondents are between Rs 10000
20000, 30 per cent of the respondents are between Rs. 20000 30000, 16.7 per
cent respondents have debt above 30000.
Figure 5.9
DEBT ( in Rs)
70
71
The workers earn low level of income, It is not enough to fulfill their
family expenditure like health, education, recreational expenditure etc. So they
are indebted to Banks, Money lender, Salt owner, Friends, Relatives and SHGs.
Table 5.24
SOURCES OF BORROWINGS
S.No
1
Sources of borrowing
Salt owner
No. of Respondents
10
Percentage
33.3
Money lender
10
Bank
13.3
Friends
10
Relatives
6.7
8
30
26.7
100
SHGs
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.24 shows that 33.3 per cent of the respondents are borrowed
money from the salt owner and 10 per cent from the money lenders and 13.3 per
cent of the bank and 10 per cent of the respondents are their friends, 6.7 per cent
from their relatives and 26.7 per cent from SHGs.
Figure 5.10
SOURCES OF BORROWINGS
72
10
3
30
4
3
2
8
5.25 SAVINGS
73
Table 5.25
SAVINGS
S.No
Amount of savings
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Below 5000
13.3
5000 10000
11
36.7
10000 20000
23.3
20000 30000
16.7
Above 30000
10
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The above table 5.25 shows that the savings pattern of the salt workers
about 13.3 per cent of the respondents have savings below 5000 rupees 36.7 per
cent of the respondents have savings between Rs. 5000 10000 and 23.3 per
cent of the respondents are having the amount of saving between Rs 10000
20000 and 16.7 per cent of the respondents are having the amount of saving
between Rs. 20000 30000 and 10 per cent of the respondents are having the
amount of saving the amount 30000 and above.
Figure 5.11
74
SAVINGS
SAVINGS
No.of Respondents
Percentage
100
36.7
3
23.3
1
13.3
4
11
4
16.7
10
3
30
The following table shows that the sources of savings of the respondents.
Table 5.26
SOURCES OF SAVINGS
S.No
Sources of savings
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Post Office
18
40
Bank Deposit
12
16.7
SHGs
13
43.3
Total
Source: Primary Data
30
100
The above table 5.26 respondents that 40 per cent of the respondents save
their money in Post office, 16.7 per cent in Bank, 43.4 per cent of the
respondents of the Savings through SHGs.
According to Keynesian economics, saving in the amount left over when
the cost of persons consumer expenditure is subtracted from the amount of
disposable income that he earns in a given period of time.
76
Table 5.27
TYPES OF HEALTH PROBLEMS
S.No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Disease
Rish of blindness
Blood Pressure
Swine lessions
Knee injury
Back pain
Stomachache
Others
Total
Source: Primary Data
No. of Respondents
2
1
2
10
5
8
2
30
Percentage
6.7
3.3
6.7
33.3
16.7
26.7
6.6
100
Figure 5.12
77
HEALTH PROBLEMS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
No.of Respondents
Percentage
100
4
6
33.3
1
6.7
2
2
3.3
1
3
6.7
2
26.7
16.7
10
5.28 TREATMENT
78
7
8
6.6
2
30
Table 5.28
TREATMENT
S.No
Treatment
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Government Hospital
18
60
Private Hospital
12
40
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
Private hospitals being much expensive and costly than the public
hospitals. Public hospitals is considered to be preferable option for the poor
people.
The table 5.28 shows that 60 per cent of the respondents have got
treatment from Government hospital and remaining 40 per cent of the
respondents have got treatment from private hospital.
Figure 5.13
TREATMENT
79
No.of Respondents
30%
50%
20%
80
Table 5.29
MEMBER IN SHGs
S.No
Member in SHGs
No. of Respondents
Percentage
Yes
17
56.7
No
13
43.3
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The table 5.29 shows that 56.7 per cent of the respondents are the
member of SHGs and 43.3 per cent of the respondents are not the members of
SHGs.
Figure 5.14
MEMBER IN SHGs
81
MEMBER IN SHGs
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
Percentage
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
82
The following table shows that the member in social security scheme of
the respondents.
Table 5.30
MEMBERS IN SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME
S.No
No. of Respondents
Percentage
scheme
ss1
Yes
16
53.3
No
14
46.7
30
100
Total
Source: Primary Data
The above table 5.30 shows that 53.3 per cent of the respondents are the
members of Tamil Nadu manual workers of social security welfare scheme. The
remaining respondents are note the members of this scheme.
CHAPTER- VI
83
84
As per the data, 66.7 per cent of the respondents are living in their Rented
houses.
Our study shows that 73.3 per cent of the respondents do not have water
connection in their house
Our study shows that 100 per cent of the respondents living in their
Electricity connection.
Our study shows that 36.7 per cent of the respondents are living in
television.
Only 50 per cent of the respondents have the experience 5-10 year.
Salt workers engaged in their work for 6 hours per day.
Among the 30 respondents, all the workers have got advance amount.
Male workers have been paid Rs. 200-250- as wage and Female workers
85
33.3 per cent of the respondents are suffered from knee injury due to
heavy work.
Our study reveals that majority of the respondents went to government
hospitals for getting treatment.
It is known from our study that 56.7 per cent of the respondents are the
member of Self Help Groups.
From this study, it is understood that 53.3 per cent of the respondents are
the members of the Tamil Nadu workers of social security welfare
scheme.
Due to low wages and health hazards all the respondents strongly said
that they will not sent their children to continue the work in salt.
6.3 Suggestions
The researcher provides the following suggestions
1. The salt workers must be provided with the necessary equipments to
work inside the salt like foot war etc.
2. The owner must take interest and should organized periodical medical
campaign for their workers which ensure a good relationship between
the employer and employee.
3. Government should provide some subsidies or alternative work for the
salt workers in the off-season period.
4. Holidays must be provided to the workers without the loss of pay in
case of sickness and any important personal work.
5. The welfare measure such as good drinking water, first aid box and
rest rooms must be provided to the workers.
86
6.4 Conclusion
Salt industry is labour intensive sector in Arumuganeri. It provides
employment for the coastal rural area people. However, the working conditions
of the salt worker in this are not by far. This is caused by the wage is not equal
to the working hours. The job security is paramount important motivational
measure but in this area there is no job security to the salt workers. It should be
taken into account by the labour welfare department. Other welfare measures
are also not sufficient to the workers expectation. Therefore the conditions of
the salt worker in the Arumuganeri are poor. It is high time for the government
to address the grievances to the salt workers in the Arumuganeri which will in
turn help them to elevate themselves from the present dismal state of affairs.
87
BILIOGRAPHY
BOOKS
1. Balram, (1984) Marketing Aspects of Salt Hindustan Salts Limited
2. Agarwal, S.C(1976) Salt Industry in India the controller of publication,
New Delhi.
3. Desai S.S.M.Slavery in Rural areas of India. Rural Banking in India,
April 1983. Page no:14.
4. Sujata Gothoskar, (1992) Struggles of women at work, vikas publishing
house, pvt,ltd.
JOURNALS
1. Gadgil D.R. Women In the Working Force In India, Asia Publishing
House. Bombay 1965, Page No:30.
2. V.M.S.Perumal, Working Conditions of Salt Workers in Tamilnadu:
A Study Southern Economist vol 42, No:21, March 2004, p.p. 17-18
3. D. Solomonraj Marketing of salt in Agasteeswaram Taluk of
kanyakumari district. Thesis submitted to the Madurai Kamaraj
university, June-1986
88
89