Economic analysis of piecemeal work in unorganised sector in the selected areas of Mumbai metropolitan region

Abstract

Unorganised sector contributes significantly to Indian economy by employing 92% of labour force. The term unorganized is commonly employed in the Indian context to denote the vast numbers of women and men engaged in diverse forms of employment such as pickle making, rolling-papad and beedis, self-employment (e.g., selling vegetables), and many other forms of casual or temporary employment. Unorganised sector is highly fragmented and lack social and legal protection. newlineThe research is based on workers who work on per-piece basis also known as piecemeal worker or piece rate workers. It covers workers who are called as sub-contracted or home-based workers. The main objectives of the study are to understand the socio-economic conditions of workers, their working condition, the empowerment status, problem and challenges faced at work and government measures to improve the condition of these piecemeal workers. To undertake the research three areas of Mumbai Metropolitan Region namely Malad, Bhyandar and Nallasopara was selected and survey of 300 women respondent (100 from each area) was done using snowball sampling method. The secondary data was collected from journal, magazines, newspaper and websites Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software and tools such as Chi-square, Test of normality, SEM model was used to test the hypothesis. It was found from the study that women enjoy moderate socio-economic status, with congested working condition whether working from workplace or home, majority of them prefer to work from home as they can manage both house and work, their empowerment status is good, but they face problems such as very low wages, long working condition and no government security. newlineThe researcher suggests Government to bring these workers under ambit of law to improve their vulnerable condition and create awareness among unorganised workers with help of NGOs, SHGs and NSS and NCC students of colleges.