Socio-economic Conditions of Women Workers in Plantation Industry    2008‐09

Socio-economic Conditions of Women Workers in Plantation Industry 2008‐09 Government of India Ministry of Labour & Employment Labour Bureau Chandigarh Reji P R E F A C E Since ancient times, women in India are making financial contribution for the betterment of their families. Their participation in economic activities of the country has grown enormously after rapid industrialization in post independence era. Increased participation of women in economic activities on one hand has helped them to narrow down the gap between their needs and resources, while on the other hand it has given rise to a number of complex problems having a direct bearing on their Socio-economic Conditions. To solve the problems faced by the women workers engaged in various industries, a sound planning based on accurate and reliable data bank is needed. Accordingly, the present scheme titled “Socio-economic Conditions of Women Workers in Industry” was taken up by the Bureau, during the year 1975 – “The International Women’s Year”. Initially, the scheme was confined to the organised sector only. However, keeping in view the utility of the data so generated, it was considered to extend the scope of scheme to the Un-organised Sector as well. A beginning was made by covering Building and Construction industry followed by Handloom, Khadi, Beedi, Readymade Garments, Agarbathi, Lime Manufacturing, Cashewnut Processing and Food processing Industry (including Sea Food and Marine Products). The present report relates to the Plantation Sector. I am thankful to the various departments of the Central Government, and the States, especially the States Labour Departments, for their whole hearted Co-operation in the conduct of the study. I also extend my thanks to all the employers and workers of the sampled units who willingly furnished detailed information for the study. I would like to place on record my appreciation for the dedicated efforts put in by the team of officers and staff members of the SESDSL section of Labour Bureau for conducting the survey and bringing out this report. Views, if any, expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Suggestions for the improvement of such surveys are welcome. (K.S.R.V.S. Chalam) Director General Chandigarh Dated: 20/07/2009 Contents Executive Summary i-v I Introduction 1-7 II Sampling Design 8-13 III General Characteristics of Plantation Industry 14-22 IV Working Conditions 23-39 V Wages and Earnings 40-45 VI Social Security Benefits 46-56 VII Living Conditions 57-67 Case Study I 68-71 Case Study II 72-75 Case Study III 76-78 ANNEXURE I - TABLES ANNEXURE II – Questionnaires Executive Summary  To assess the socio economic condition of women labour in Plantation Industry the survey is conducted in six states where plantations are grown. Field work was undertaken during the period September – October, 2008.  The survey is conducted in 4 plantations viz. tea, coffee, rubber and cardamom.  A total of 132 unit level and 827 worker level schedules are canvassed during the survey.  More than 50 per cent of the total workers employed in the plantations are women workers.  In non-manual jobs majority of the workers are male.  Majority of the workers are un-skilled and employed as plantation labourers.  Most of the units surveyed are found paying annual bonus to their workers.  Majority of the units are allowing weekly off without wages to the workers.  A few cases of sexual harassment 3.0 per cent are reported during the last two years.  About 60 per cent of units have put in place the mechanism to redress the grievances of workers.  Around 63 per cent of the units surveyed are member of Employers’ Association. i ... - tailieumienphi.vn