A Study on the Socio-Economic Conditions of Female Beedi Workers at Khajamalai, in Trichirapalli, Tamil Nadu

Beedi workers are vulnerable segments of the country's labour force which has increased involvement of women and child labour in Beedi rolling activities. The condition of Beedi workers at present as well as in the past have not been conducive. The Beedi industry is present all over the country. The researcher in this study aimed at gaining insight into the "Socio-economic condition of female Beedi workers at Khajamalai near Trichy. The main objective of the study was to understand the Socio-economic condition of the female Beedi workers at Khajamalai Trichy. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Majority 98 percent of the Beedi workers were from the marginalized sections of the society and therefore they were socially and economically backward. Poverty was the main reason that induced the respondents to take up Beedi work as an occupation. Majority 72 percent of the respondents were working for contractors which showed that they were subjected to exploitation. Sixty four per cent of the respondents earned less than Rs. 2000 per month which is not adequate to maintain their family. Majority 70 percent of the respondents stated that their health problems were due to their occupation. Women's organization working for the unorganized sector like AIDWA, need to conduct awareness programs among the female Beedi workers at Khajamalai and enable them to fight against all forms of exploitation. The findings of the study will be helpful to NGOs and the Social Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu to launch necessary schemes for the welfare of female Beedi workers.