1 · Web viewInformal (privet) sector is easy to enter and earning within it is determined by supply and demand. Earnings within informal sectors are determined by supply and demand

Status of Rickshaw Puller in Nepal- Santosh Raj Sharma

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study: Nepal, having great diversity, is a mountainous country. The country is dominately a rural country with 86% population of the total. At the beginning of 21st century around 81% population is highly dependent on agricultural activities. The livelihood condition of rural people is very low and miserable. The life of people and the agricultural activities of the country have not been improving as expected.

Besides this, some urban areas are also developing in different part of the country. But only around 14% populations live on these urban areas. In comparison with rural areas, the urban areas are more developed and many physical activities and service are available. There are the possibilities of job and other vocational centres in urban areas. This results a comparative high living standard and opportunities for employment in the urban areas.

On the other hand, due to poor condition the agrarian people have been struggling for maintaining their daily life in most of rural area of the country. The rural population, who are unemployed and struggling with great deep-rooted poverty, come to urban area in search of employment and relief. A vast majority of urban workers come from village, continue to have their roots there. The poorest among them come from the most helpless strata of rural population. This suggests a high rate of migration towards the urban centers. Such gathering of unskilled and diverse background creates problems in urban areas and exhorts “urban poverty”

Poverty is a familiar concept and has existed in every society at all times. It is primarily a rural or agricultural or a social phenomenon. It is wide spread all over the world. A major characteristic of the poor is that they lack assets. They either have a verry small amount of unproductive land or no land at all. It is deeply rooted in developing economy. Such a society is generally characterized by mass poverty. They cannot even satisfy their minimum required level of food, clothing, shelter and fuel. Two third populations of developing countries are living below the poverty line. One third of the world populations are living in poverty ridden backward condition in underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately Nepal belongs to the group of such countries. (Shrestha, D.L.- 2001)

Poverty is a situation of hunger, starvation, malnutrition, inadequate housing without safe drinking water supply and sanitary facility in turn resulting in poor living condition, disease, distress and finally death (Ram & Ramaswamy 1985, PP. 7-8). In general illiteracy, malnutrition, poor health, inadequate housing, unsafe drinking water, high rate of infant mortality, unlimited growth of population etc, characterize poverty.

Nepal’s landlockedness, poor physical infrastructure, inadequate, natural, financial and human resources are the main constraints for national development and poverty alleviation. It essence, despite tremendous progress made by some countries in the region are reducing poverty. It will remain a major challenge in the region into the 21st century. All developing countries in the region will have to along way to eradicate poverty.

Poverty is not a new phenomenon in Nepalese rural society. However, its rapid expansion over the years has been a matter of growing concern to the domestic planners and donor communities. For last four

decades, the country has implemented a range of policies related to some wages or another to alleviate poverty.

Different thinkers have defined poverty in their own way. There are two broad concept of poverty. They are known as ‘Relative poverty’ and ‘Absolute Poverty’. The income, which is required to meet just minimum subsistence norm, is absolute poverty line income. People having income below this line are absolute poor. The above poverty line poor with income above the absolute poverty level, but below the income level required to meet the national average consumption expenditure should be treated as relative poor (or relative poor are known as above absolute poor and below the wolf point.)

The absolute poverty considers a family or an individual to be poor if its income is not sufficient to meet the specified minimum requirement of food and non-food items. The people who fall below the poverty line are considered as poor. Thus, the calculation of poor people increases or decreases according to measurement of the poverty line income. The absolute poverty can be measured with the help of income or consumption data. The popular measure to find poverty line income is on the basis of minimum calorie need per person per day based on the constant market price. Absolute standards of poverty are absolute in the sense of denoting as specific standard of living. They are no absolute in the sense of being fixed in time or more specifically in denoting a set of needs which has some short of inherent. (J.L. Roach & J.K. Roach, Opcit P.24)

Rickshaw is a prevalent means of local transportation in most of the urban centers of Terain and in the central hills i.e. Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most people use Rickshaw in Terain area. With 2/4 days training a person can get a permanent employment in this occupation. Today the number of Rickshaw is increasing rapidly. Rickshaw pullers pay a fixed pre-determined amount to the Rickshaw owner from their daily earning. The exact date of entering of rickshaw into Nepal is not known.

1.2 Statement of the problem: Poverty is the basic problem of Nepalese people. More than 81% people in the country are engaged in agricultural activities while more than 50% people are below the line of poverty. Up to 1983 A.D. 43% of the total population were below the line of basic necessities while in 1991 A.D. reached 49% but according to 9th plan 42% people are under the poverty line. On an average, a person needs 2256 calories intake per day and Minimum 11 meters cloth is necessary through out a year bout both necessities are not available for more than 50% Nepalese people even today. Where the urban poor constitute 23%, the corresponding proportion in rural areas is 44%.

It is therefore, the poverty in the rural areas that compels the people to search alternative ways of life in urban areas. These are more job opportunities in urban areas than in the villages but these opportunities are limited because the limited number of urban areas in Nepal. But, the rate of migration towards urban centers in search of employment is gradually increasing, that results the scarcity of jobs and compels to take inferior and low paying jobs to the people. In this way, poor from village continue to be poor in urban centers too.

Most of the migrated peoples seem to be illiterate though they are physically capable. So, they are involved in different types of labour work and other daily wage activities most of which includes physical work and rather than knowledge and skills. Among them, Rickshaw pulling is one important occupation. Rickshaw pulling is specially carried out using the foot power.

Most of the rickshaw pullers spend their whole day on this work. Despite such hard work even some of them would not be able to provide the basic necessities and requirements in their daily life. Their desire for progress has been ceased by shortage and penury. Only few of them have managed good economic

status and have been able to provide one or two extra rickshaws to other persons on rent by their earnings.

In such a condition, the problems faced by Rickshaw pullers and their socio-economic status (poverty) are seemed to be appropriate for research and investigation. As a result, the following research questions are posed in order to guide this study. Why do they adopt this? Occupation? Basic necessities have been fulfilled or not? If not, why they do not possess other occupation? Are they able to save from their earnings? If not, why?

1.3 Rationale of Study: Nepal is a very poor country and poverty is wide spread all over, More than 50% people are living below the absolute poor or very poor condition. Most of the researches related to the socio-economic condition and poverty have been done in the rural sector. But, poverty and poor living standard is only a rural phenomenon but it exists in both rural as well as in urban areas. Thus, an attempt has been made to study the living standard of urban people especially of those who depend on i.e. Rickshaw pulling. It is hoped that the attention of the related and responsible sector can be drawn to the urban poor as they prevail in urban area. Among various urban occupations Rickshaw pulling is an important one. People involved in this profession are forced by the poverty in the urban area. So, this study mainly aims to identify the socio-economic status of Rickshaw pullers and their working condition, relationship between income and expenditure. This information is considered notable to examine the condition of urban poor in general and help to make appropriate policies to raise the living standard of Rickshaw pullers. This study also expected to be useful reference for the researchers in this field on coming days to pursue their course of action.

1.4 Objective of the study : The basic objective of this study are as followings:

To analyze the social status of the Rickshaw pullers of Dhangadhi Municipality To find the economic condition of the Rickshaw pullers of these. To point out the problems related to socio-economic status to the policy makers.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW For the preparation of this research different books and literature have been reviewed.

1.5 Review on poverty: (socio economic studies) A survey on “Employment, Income Distribution and consumption pattern

in Nepal” conducted by the National Planning Commission during 1976/77 in 10 Town Panchayat (now renamed as municipality) and 128 villages Panchayat (now renamed as village development committee) of 37 districts of the country was the first and biggest survey attempt to define and quantify the level of poverty in Nepal. The minimum subsistence level of income and expenditure were used for derivation of the poverty line in the survey. In order to establish the incidence of poverty in the country NPC devised a consumption norm of 2256 calories as average per capita per day required lead to healthy life. An income level of rupee 2 per capita per day at 1976/77 prices was taken to meet the consumption requirements as the minimum subsistence level. The criteria at that time gave a poverty estimate if 40.3 percent of household and 36.2 percent of population below the poverty line by the income measure as compared with 33.6 percent of households and 31.5 percent of the population according to the consumption measure.

R.P. Rishal, a research worker in his research paper “An economic Analysis of Income Distribution, Consumption Pattern and poverty in Urban Nepal” has analysed the distribution of income and poverty in urban Nepal” has analysed the distribution of income and poverty in urban Nepal. The writer has used various tools to calculate the inequality such as Gini Co-efficient, Lorenz Curve, Theil’s Index, and normal Log variance. He has used the Keynesian linear consumption function to derive brake-even point. Most of the analysis is done on the basis of secondary data (Risal, 1977). Nepal Rastra Bank (central bank of Nepal) (1994) specifies that the urban poor is highly visible because they are hungry, if not starving. They are most often malnourished and frequently diseased. They are usually illiterate or insufficiently educated. They are badly clothed and live in ramshackle housing under unsanitary condition.

“Poverty to prosperity in Nepal” written by S.C. Jian focuses on the various poverty problems in Nepal and recommends some long term policies to reduce it. His study is based on the sample survey done by National Planning Commission. He categories poor people into two groups. Poorest of the poor and poor above the poverty line. In the former case, he takes the people who have income less than NRs. 2 per day in 1977 prices and he calculated the 36.2 percent of the total population full in this group. Thus 55.6 percent of the total population is poor in Nepal. According to him, 97 percent of the total poor live in rural areas of Nepal. He recommended some policies for additional income generation in order to raise the living standard of the poor people of Nepal (Jain: 1981) Taylor (1968) has explained the condition of urban poor and their characteristics According to him “ urban poor who live in slum are characteristically economically poor; dane skinned or otherwise minority types, inadequately educated; and occupationally depressed. The slums may generate them in cycles of poverty or they may be recent arrivals…. Most of the evident to the outside are the deteriorated houses crowded together, then open sewers, uncontrolled garbage, poor sanitation, files, standing water and poor lighting… Inside the tiny dwellings live after six, ten, twelve and more family and kin members… All face the constant treat of eviction and prostitution are virtually the only option…. Older children, some no more than 10 years old take care of their younger siblings while adults are away…. Children remain undernourished and underweight… Many succumbs during their first year of life. Those who survive to school age may attend for a year or two only to dropout because their parents cannot afford even the modest sum of money needed to keep a child in school or because their services are needed at home… Money is always scarce.”

Ramaswamy and Ram (1985) have described that always poverty is looked upon in terms of income. But, the poverty does not occur due to low income always. To support these points they have sighted a comparative example of an auto rickshaw driver in the city and a bank clerk. A bank clerk, for the function of making entries in different book, would be earning Rs. 1000 to Rs.1500 per month. The auto rickshaw driver too would be earning the same amount per month by the way of quick extraction of fares by professing to run for short distance only, and also charging double the rate at odd hours, and working according to his whims and fancies which he thrusts on the commuter. A rainy day is boon day for him. He would refuse to go where the commuter wants to go, unless double the payment is made customer can be treated harshly both by himself as well as the bank clerk.

But we can see the bank clerk, enjoying his weekends, seeing the choice movies with his family and spending leisure time in middle class pre-occupations. The auto rickshaw driver, often suffers from his occupational hazards, disease of piles, eats in cheap restaurants and probably drinks the country liquor, if not the illicit one. Yet both make the same income chance are that the auto driver may be beating his wife, and is more likely to get involved in a brawl.

This quality of life in comparison is definitely an indicator to show that poverty is not a function of income. It is more questions of life, habits, culture and may even be of environment.

Seddon (1987) in his book, “Nepal: A state of Poverty” examined the causes of poverty in Nepal. According to him increasing population, agricultural mismanagement and

the wide gap between rich and poor are the main reason for poverty. The study is based on field survey between 1974 and 1982. In his analysis due consideration in given to the struggle for basic needs of life, by people of Nepal. Seddon recommended that policies of the government should give high emphasis on the role of government. A research paper has presented a comparative study of poverty between hills and Terain Villages of Nepal. Hasanpur lies in Hill and Belwa lies in Terain. This work is based on primary data. Some statistical tools like chi-square and comparison table are used to fulfill the purpose of the study.

His study showed that nearly 65.6 percent of populations in hill village are engaged in agriculture where as nearly 84.4 percent of Terain people are engaged in other occupation. He emphasized the poverty in these areas are due to the degradation socio-economic condition which is represented by lack of food, shelter, clothing, basic education, health care, employment and other opportunity. Most of poor household either do not possess land or possess a very small size of land. Poverty is aggravated of unskilled labour, poor health, lack of opportunities in production, natural disaster, lack of employment in other sectors than farming etc. He concluded that farming and wage labour are the main source of earning of rural poor.

Dhital (1991) pointed out that poverty inequality and unemployment are closely connected with each other. Their interconnection has puzzled social scientist especially the students of development, who question whether there are three separate problems. For example, eliminating unemployment doesn’t automatically eradicate poverty. Thus, they are not synonymous but there are some close inter connections.

Most of urban settlements in Nepal are small towns and cities characterized by limited build-up areas. Low-income groups are found in all residential areas with minor exceptions as in the case of larger cities like Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Birganj. In these areas, social clusters of poor people are developing fast. Towns in Nepal suffer from serious deficits in Most of the basic infrastructure services. Recent assessment of infrastructure in 36 municipalities clearly indicates this situation.

‘Statistical Year Book-1997’ indicates that about 95 percent of the poor are in rural areas and about 82 percent of them are either in self employed agriculture or agricultural laborers. The estimated per capita annual income of the rural poor is less than 45 percent of that of the rural non-poor. Similarly of the urban poor it is less than 40 percent. Anand highlights the poverty and income inequality in the context of Malaysia. He has applied in absolute and relative approaches to define poverty lines. His analysis of poverty is based on an examination of the lower and of the Malaysian income distribution. To examination of the context of poverty, Sen’s poverty index is applied with secondary sources of data. By analyzing the data, he founds that 40.2 percent people of Malaysia are below the poverty line and the estimated average poverty gap in MS 9.05 per month. According to him, the disparities of income is the main cause of poverty (S. Ananda, 1989) The challenge of poverty in the SAARC countries is quite serious. The region consists about one-fifth of total population of the world, of which about 40% is below the poverty line. The SAARC Independent commission on poverty Alleviation in its report “Meeting the challenge (1990)” found the size of poverty incidence in the region is (about 440 million in 1991). Staggering, which is likely to grow substantially if the present population growth tends continue. The report summarizes that social deprivation goods and services, especially in remote areas, further aggravate the problem of poverty. The report recommends capital formation organization of poor and ensuring their direct participation in making decision, which affect their lives through grassroots level.

Shrestha (1985) identifies the migration situation of Rickshaw pullers in some rural areas and migration from India. The study indicates that the appearance of Rickshaw in Bhadrapur (Study areas) increased the immigration trend of Indian people on this occupation. For a long time, this occupation remained dominated by Indian pullers but later Nepalese citizen also started. The high prevalence of immigrants in Rickshaw pulling is affected both aspects i.e. the size of population and the development process in Bhadrapur.

Wagle (1928) examines the contraceptive prevalence rate among the rickshaw pullers. This study finds that female sterilization and condom are the dominant method of contraceptive use among the Rickshaw pullers. The use of contraceptive among the Rickshaw pullers seems to be of national average but it only belongs to mail respondents. The poor acceptance of level of contraceptive among the young aged (below 25 years) indicates that most of couples want to fulfill their desired family size and they seek permanent sterilization. So, it is seen that as the age at marriage increases, the rate of contraceptive use also increases among the Rickshaw pullers.

Guindel (1988)” identifies that the most of the Rickshaw pullers are from the socially and economically poor family of the rural area. Most of them have lack of education, Knowledge and skill. People are compelled to migrate from the rural to urban due to severe condition of low economic status because the agriculture condition of the country is not able to sustain the way of life of people. The study indicates that more than half of the Rickshaw pullers of the study area are from India. At last he suggests that economic planning policies and programs should be made to alleviate the poverty of rural sector, from where people migrate to urban area in search of employment for livelihood.

“In the light of high demand for regular and systematic transport facility on account of the growing population and increased economic and social activities within the valley, “Sahidgate-Patan Dhoka Bus” service (4.5 km) was started with four buses by Nepal Transport Company in 1960. This was the first bus service started within the valley in the history of urban transport. In recent years the mass transport system in the valley have increased. The private sector has captured a substantial proportion of transport system with new models of transport, among them Rickshaw played an important role for transporting good & people.

1.6 Studies on Labour Aspects: Labour is defined in different ways. It is one of the most important factors in all the aspects of development. By definition labour means only those who are employed in any sector according to their skill and ability, especially those who are not academically trained and who primarily perform unskilled works. Of the various forms of labour, the present study, however, deals with Rickshaw workers (labours). These Rickshaw pullers play an important role in providing transport service in the urban and sub-urban areas.

Dipak Mazundar, an expert on labour Markets and the author of “Micro Economic Issues of Labour Markets in Developing countries”, has divided the urban labour market into formal and informal sub-sectors. He also has discussed private sector and self-employed labours and the factors affecting the determination of wages. He states “wages in formal sector (public) are relatively high in a sense protected from being bid down by lower-income labour in the urban informal sector. The protection enjoyed in the formal sector is sometimes ascribed entirely to such institutional factors as the existence of trade unions and labour laws, it may also be related to economic factors. Informal (privet) sector is easy to enter and earning within it is determined by supply and demand. Earnings within informal sectors are determined by supply and demand. These earnings approximate the level of alternative earnings (the supply price). The earnings in the rural sector in turn, determine the supply price, since rural migrants feed urban labour markets.

The bottom of the informal sectors is casual labour such as portage, transportation and construction. The wages of these workers, competitively determined by supply and demand, are particularly flexible. Next come wageworkers in small enterprises. A third segment of the informal sector is composed of the self-employed. The self-employed are a very heterogeneous group, many of whom posses only their labour power which they sell for low remuneration as shoeshine boys, peddlers and the like.

Mazunder further differentiates self-employed and wage earners and writes that some of the self-employed, however, might be using capital (equipment or finance) belonging to a large businessman. These self-employed are actually wage earners employed on a piece rate system by large entrepreneurs.

If we look at the Rickshaw pullers in this framework, we can place those who have their own Rickshaw under the category of self-employed. They are both owners and workers

and sell their labour power for remuneration. Rickshaw puller who does not have their own Rickshaw can not placed fully under the category of self-employed as their employment depends upon renting out Rickshaw from owners. If would, therefore, be appropriate to place them either under the category of semi-self employed or wage earners.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was set up in 1919 to improve the condition of labours for the sake of social justice. ILO conference 1984 adopted a declaration, which states “ the right of all human beings to presume both their material well beings and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity of economic security and equal opportunity.

The member nations of ILO have been following these principles. Nepal, being a member of ILO, has brought a great of improvement and reforms in working classes over the past few years. But, no attention has been paid yet to improve the condition of transport labours especially Rickshaw and thela-pushers.

1.7 Existing Labour and Labour Related Acts in Nepal: In developing countries like Nepal, where there is mass unemployment, the supply of labourers exceeds the demand. Because of this situation the bargaining power of laborers decreases and they have to accept all terms and condition of their employers. In this light the government intervention is necessary. For this reason many labour related acts have appeared in Nepal for the betterment of laborers.

Nepal factory and factory workers Act-2016 B.S (1959 A.D.) has made some provision to improve the conditions of Industrial labourers to a certain extent. This act specified minimum facilities to be provided to the labourers. The major previsions of the act are followings:

No workers can be compelled to work more than 8 hours a day and 48 hours in a week. Working hours cannot exceed eight hour a day and the work should not be continued for more than 5 hours at a stretch without providing for a rest of at least 30 minutes in between. If a worker is employed more than eight hours a day or more than 48 hours a week, he/she is entitled to overtime payment at the rate of 150 percent of usual wage. But the overtime should not exceed 15 and 10 hour for adult and minor workers respectively.

No workers can be compelled to work in the time before six am in the morning and after 6 pm in evening. Note: But this rule will not be applicable to some factories where working is essential other than this time

Moreover, the act has made provision for other welfare facilities such as a provident fund, insurance, compulsory retirement and leave for factory workers.

The government still lags behind, however, in terms of improving the working conditions and social security of self-employed off-farm labours such as Rickshaw pullers and cart-pushers.

For the smooth operation of transport service the National Transportation Management act was promulgated in the year 2026 B.S. However, rickshaw and other non-mechanized vehicles were excluded from the act. The act has defined ‘transport service’ as follows: “Transport service means to carry some goods, people or animals from one place to another by any means of mechanized vehicles which is sum in land, water or rope-way by taking fare.”

The Act has made many provisions for welfare facilities such as insurance and working conditions for the upliftment of transport labourers. Unfortunately the rickshaw pullers are not entitled to these facilities because the act does not consider rickshaw as mechanized vehicles.

Contrary to this the Sawari Ain-2020 B.S. (1963 A.D.) (Transport Act) has considered Rickshaw as a means of transport. Being a means of transport it is to be registered before use in public services.

The act has defined the means of transport as follows:

Elephant, horse or other animals used for transport purpose. Ox-cart, horse cart or other cart that are pulled by animals. Motor, car, bus, truck, lorry, tractor, motorcycle, rickshaw, thela, boats and others, which

are pulled by human force.These acts are silent about labourers engaged in these transport activities.In summery, poor people sell their physical labour from morning to

evening in the urban centers in order to meet their daily need. The poverty situation of urban people (labour) is deteriorating. Most studies and research works are related to poverty where the studies on urban poor are very limited.

Occupational diversity of urban laboures is one major aspect, which directly affects their economic status throughout life. Thus, the low earning status of urban workers puts them into “urban poor”. There is not enough research work done based on different occupational workers considering their poverty level, way of life, livelihood condition and livelihood strategies. The studies reviewed provides so far information on various topic i.e. urban poor, rickshaw pullers, labour aspect and labour act of Nepal etc but the studies on livelihood strategies of urban poor is not carried out yet. So, this study basically aims to analyze the socio-economic condition of urban poor based on the work carried out as rickshaw pulling.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Rationale of the selection of the study area:

The rickshaw is used in a massive scale in this area. Along with this, area being a boarder of two countries Nepal and India, many people keep going and coming, so the occupation of rickshaw pulling is being promoted by this condition.

Instead of going to other unknown places of Nepal in the limited money, manpower and time I chose Dhangadhi as it is my native place and being a permanent resident too. So that establishing a mutual co-operative relation with the rickshaw-pullers, facts and essential information can be procured.3.2 Nature and sources of Data: Primary and secondary data had been used in this study. The primary data were collected by field survey where as the secondary data were collected through different studies, municipality office, central Bureau of statistics and other studies.

3.3 Research Design: Being research design an important task of social research, both research

designs i.e. descriptive as well as explorative method were taken into consideration. Due to lack of available researches about rickshaw pullers, exploratory research design is made to investigate the minimum acquaintance about these pullers. On the other hand, descriptive research design is made to describe the socio-economic condition and major problems associated with them. By this descriptive research design the causes pertaining to the recent situation or problems were brought out.

3.4 Universe and Sampling: The rickshaw puller has no specified time of work. They do not know when they be back to home. They have to go here and there pulling the passengers. So, it was very difficult to make definite time and place to meet them. Therefore, accidental sampling procedure within non-probability sampling was chosen because of their mobile nature and uncertainty. In this sampling method any rickshaw puller, who were in favorable condition and free could be selected as sample to get

information. According to municipality office, there were Nine hundred and twenty four rickshaws in the study area. As per the research methodology 10 percent or 92 respondents were taken as sample out of the total. So that reliability in the conclusion can be drawn.3.5 Data collection Techniques:

The data had been collected using the following techniques: 3.5.1 Structured Interview:

For the collection of reliable data and information from the pullers, interview was used. This method helps to the researcher to collect primary data and information. The questionnaire was prepared to obtain the socio-economic condition, demographic background, working condition, health & hygiene etc. of the rickshaw pullers.

3.5.2 Informal Interview: By the structured interview it is not possible to collect all the information about the respondents. Therefore, establishing a co-operative and mutual Friendly relation with the informants’ data of internal feeling and emotions were acquired by an informal interview.

3.5.3 Case Study:

This method is very useful to reach in depth of problem. By the case study method, we know their background, what was the cause, which made them to adopt such occupation, far from native place. In this regard, a few case studies have been conducted to get more information about rickshaw pullers as well reliable information on their past and present situation of them, which helps to know the reason that pushed them to Dhangadhi for searching the job.

3.5.4 Observation: To know more detail about their attitudes, behavior, actual condition, living wags,

family environment etc, the non-participatory observation method had been taken into consideration.3.5.5 Reliability and validity of the data: Since all the data were collected himself by the researcher meeting with all the targeted resource persons, the collected data are reliable. Based on this reliable data there isn’t any question regarding the validity of the conclusion.

3.5.6 Data processing and Analysis: For the analysis of data simple statistical tools as numbers, percentages and tabulating

has been used. Since both qualitative and quantitative data are gathered through interviews, questionnaire and observation, the data are analyzed descriptively. Primary data are edited firstly following secondary data and they are being interpreted by using tables, numbers and percentages.

3.5.7 Limitation of the study: There are some limitations of the study due to the different circumstance, which are as

follows: These has been limited time and budged for the research to be undertaken. Due to lack of resources and time only 10% sample size was taken into consideration. The study area is attached with India boarder, so the result or conclusion of this study may not be applicable to the rickshaw pullers of other urban areas. The research may not reflect the whole situation because it is based on the chance sampling method within non-probability sampling method.

CHAPTER FOUR

DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREAThe area that is now known as Dhangadhi was once under the ownership of India.

The Sugauli treaty of 1816 declared that the Terain land between Kali and Rapti (Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke and Bardia) belonged to the East India Company. However, during an 1857 Indian Army

rebellion, Nepal’s Prime Minister provided armed force to the East India Company, which helped suppress the outbreak. In reward for this support, a treaty between Nepal and the East India Company returned ownership of the land back to Nepal.

This subtropical region of Dhangadhi was initially considered inhabitable for the general population because of wide spread malaria. Tharu people, however, who had migrated from East Nepal and had immunity against the disease, populated the area. After the eradication of Malaria in the late 1950s, Many people migrated to Dhangadhi from the hills and it became one of the important commercial city in the Far west Region.

Today, Dhangadhi enjoys an economically advantageous location in terain area. Not only does its economic activities extend to most of the far west and some parts of the mid west region, but the road extensions to the northern hills have enhanced Dhangadhi’s role as a trade and service center in those areas also. The improvement of the east-west highway facilitates Dhangadhi’s trade links with the rest of Nepal as well. There are numerous small industrial establishments in Dhangadhi. Most of these industries are agriculture-related: mills, food processing and wood industries. There are also several large industries (such as resin, turpentine and solvent plants; and katha and timber factories), which lie just outside the boundary of Dhangadhi municipality along the Dadeldhure highway. So, the migrations of people to Dhangadhi are increasing due to the different types of employment opportunities. Now a day’s people from the rural areas are attached to come to city because of Maoist insurgency. Definitely, the environment and circumstance of the urban area have been produced some job opportunities, but these opportunities are not enough to the people who come from rural areas. And it is also true that those rural people do not possess any advanced knowledge and skills. Therefore, they involve as wage labour workers such as rickshaw pulling and other types of physical labour. Rickshaw pulling is one of the major occupations in the study area.

SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL SETTINGS OF DHANGADHI MUNICIPALITY

Dhangadhi Municipality has an area of 9304.4 hectares. Bela Devipur, Shreepur and Geta VDC and the Khutiya River bound it to the east, and Kanchanpur and Mohana River to the west. It is located within the far west development region, the Seti zone and the kailali district. It has a latitude of 28o29’, a longitude of 80o33’ and an elevation of 170 meters. Its sub-tropical climate means that it is hot throughout most of the year, with its warmest month usually in June. The extreme maximum temperature of the Dhangadhi is 43 o C and the minimum temperature of 5 o C

61 schools have been established here in Dhangadhi. There are 2 higher secondary schools, B.Ed. Campus, campus-providing education up to a master level in Art and commerce. A 55-bed zonal hospital was established in 2044 B.C.

The social life of the municipality is mixed type (traditional and modern). The dressing and fooding habit found semi-modern because the city is in the process of modernization. The traditional dressing habits have been almost abandoned due to the influence of new fashions. Traditional ornaments can be seen rarely because artificial ornaments supplement it. In the previous days peoples in-migrated to the city from the different places found distinct on their dressing habits, ornaments and language but it is different now a days. Peoples having different mother tongues started speak Nepali language within their families too. But the peoples from the different cultures in the city are celebrating their traditional festivals.

4.1 Age and Sex distribution:According to population census 2001, the total population of Kailali district is

616697. Within the total population of Kailali, Dhangadhi Municipality includes the population of 67447. According to CBS in the population of Dhangadhi 52.23% i.e. 35228 are males and 47.77% i.e.

32219 females comprising of 11738 households. Ward wise distribution of population of Dhangadhi Municipality is shown in the table no.1.

Table-1Ward wise distribution of population of Dhangadhi Municipality

Ward no.

Number of Households

Male Female TotalNo Percentage No Percentage No Percentage

1. 1937 5128 14.56 4367 13.55 9495 14.082. 1581 4419 12.54 3992 12.39 8411 12.473. 1403 4230 12.01 3938 12.22 8168 12.114. 917 2530 7.18 2202 6.83 4732 7.025. 1394 4022 11.42 3495 10.85 75176. 514 1964 5.58 1840 5.71 3804 5.647. 815 2885 8.19 2646 8.21 5531 8.208. 732 2308 6.55 1974 6.13 4282 6.359. 245 877 2.49 808 2.51 1685 2.5010. 204 789 2.24 766 2.38 1555 2.3111. 241 994 2.82 968 3.00 1962 2.9112. 1266 3337 9.47 3493 10.84 6830 10.1313. 291 1099 3.12 1022 3.18 2121 3.1414. 198 646 1.83 706 2.19 1352 2.00Total 11738 3522

8100 32219 100 67447 100

Source: National Census 2001

The table shows that the majority of population in Dhangadhi Municipality is in ward no.1 where as ward no. 14 constitutes least number of populations.

4.2. Religious groups of Dhangadhi Municipality: Out of the total population in the municipality most of them are Hindu comprising of 96.13%. Islam comes after Hindu where as there are very less number of people i.e. 0.18% who prefer Kirat.

Table-3 Religious groups of Dhangadhi Municipality

Religious group Numbers Percentage (%)Hindu 64839 96.13Islam 1099 1.63Bouddha 1015 1.5Christian 275 0.42Kirat 123 0.18Others 96 0.14Total 67447 100

4.3 Literacy Rate: Literacy status of Dhangadhi Municipality is shown in the table-4. According to

this table, among the total population of 6 years and above of the Dhangadhi Municipality 68.53% are literate and 31.47% are illiterate.

TABLE-4

Distribution of Dhangadhi Municipality aged 6 years and above by literacy status and sex

Literacy Status

Male Female TotalNumber Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage

Literate 23541 40.88 15923 27.65 39464 68.53Illiterate 6516 11.32 11603 20.15 18119 31.47Total 30057 52.2 27526 47.80 57583 100

Source: CBS-2001

CHAPTER FIVEDATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

5.1 Socio-Demographic Status

5.1.1 Age of the respondentsTable: 5

Age group of the respondents

Age group No of Pullers Percentage (%)18-22 8 8.7023-27 15 16.3028-32 25 27.1733-37 24 26.0938-42 11 11.9643-47 9 9.78

Total 92 100Source: Field Survey, 2003

According to the municipality source, license is given to those pullers who have the age between 18-50 years. Table-5 shows that, majority of the

Pullers are of age group 28-32 years, which is 27.17% i.e. 25 people followed by the age group 33- 37 years which is 26.09% i.e. 24 people. Least number of pullers i.e. 8.70% i.e. 8 people are found between the age group of 18-22 years.

5.1.2 Caste/ Ethnicity of the respondents

Table: 6

Cast/ ethnicity of the respondents

Caste/ ethnicity No. of Pullers Percentage (%)Tharu 41 44.56Chhetri 27 29.35Occupational Caste 24 26.09

Total 92 100 Source: Field Survey, 2003

Table-6 shows that majority of the rickshaw pullers i.e. 41 (44.56%) are from Tharu community, followed by Chhetries who come from the far western hills and eastern Terain regions comparing of 27 in no and 29.35%. Least of the respondents i.e. 24 people (26.09%) are from the occupational caste groups, which are known as Dalits these days

5.1.3 Educational status of the respondents:

Table-7Educational status of the respondents

Particular No. of pullers Percentage (%)Literate 31 33.70Illiterate 61 66.30


Table: 7 shows that 31 respondents i.e. 33.7% are literate and 61 respondents i.e. 66.30% are illiterate.

5.1.4 Marital status of the respondents:Table-8

Marital status of the respondents:

Marital status No of pullers Percentage (%)Married 75 81.52Unmarried 17 18.48Total 92 100

Source: Field Survey, 2003 Table-8 shows that majority of rickshaw pullers are married and some of them are unmarried. As the table shows 81.52% are married and 18.48% are unmarried. But, the unmarried are also looking after their families.

5.1.5 Number of family members of the respondents:

There were altogether 555 family members found in the total respondents house. Out of which 50.27% are female and 49.73% are male. Most of the pullers are found living in the city in the rented house and looking after their wife and children. And, they also have to support to their parents and other family members.

5.1.6 Birth Place of the respondents:Table-8

Birth Place of the respondents

Place No. of pullers Percentage (%)

Within the city 16 17.39Out of city 47 51.09Out of the district 29 31.52


From the study an attempt was made to known the birthplace of the respondents. It was found that 17.39 percent pullers were born in the

city, 51.09 percent pullers were born within the district but out of the city and 31.52 percent pullers were born within the country but out of the Kailali district. The further description is shown above in the table-8. The data of the table shows that, a large number of rickshaw pullers were from out of the city but within the district.

5.1.7. Living place of the respondents:

From the researchers personal observation pullers from the nearby villages were visiting the city daily to pull the rickshaw. But, they are loosing their time and money also.

Table-9Living place of the respondents

Place No. of pullers Percentage (%)

Living in the city 49 64.47Come from outside 27 35.53


Table-9 shows that 64.47 percent pullers are living in the city and 35.53 percent are coming from nearby villages as to pull the rickshaw daily. Out of the pullers who are from out of the city and district some of the pullers visiting from nearby villages, are living in the rented house in the villages.

5.1.8 Educational status of the children of the respondents

Table-10Child Education

Send to school No. of pullers Percentage (%)Yes 28 30.44No 64 69.56


Table-10 shows that only 30.44 percent pullers send their children to school and 69.56 percent pullers don’t send their children to school. The data shows that the tendency of schooling of children among the pullers was the least. About one third of the total pullers tended to send their children to school. On the question, why they did not send their children to school or what were the cause for not schooling the children are categorized in the table no-11.

Table-11Cause for not schooling

Cause No. of pullers Percentage (%)

Domestic works 6 6.52Far distance 5 5.43Poor economic condition 65 70.65Others 16 17.40


Table-11 shows that mote than 70 percent pullers do not send their children to school because of the poor economic condition and less 5 percent pullers do not send because of the far distance of the school.

5.1.9 Health situation of the respondents:

If a person is not healthy he/she cannot do any things for economic earnings. Health aid is very essential part of human life. But, where he gets this facility depends on his knowledge and approach.

Table-12Health Aid

Treatment Institutions No of Pullers Percentage (%)

Hospital 7 7.61Health Post 8 8.70Jadibuti (Herbal) 3 3.26Hocus-Pocus (Dhami) 8 8.69Hospital / Health post 9 9.78Hospital / Hocus-pocus 27 29.35Health post / Hocus-pocus

30 32.61


Table-12 shows that among the total pullers, it was found that 7.61 percent pullers used to visit to the hospital, 8.7 percent to health post, a least number of 3.26 percent to Jadibuti, 8.69 percent to hocus-pocus only, 9.78 percent to both hospital and health post, 29.35 percent to both hospital and hocus-pocus and a large no of 32.61 percent pullers visit to both the health post and hocus-post. Even now the process of faith healing is being given priority. May be due to cheap expense have given first priority to the faith healing and then to the medicinal treatment.

5.2. Economic status of respondents:

5.2.1 Occupational background of the respondents:

5.2.1.1. Previous Job: Most of the pullers do not start their career of employment by pulling rickshaw. Most of the pullers adopted this job only not getting the other job opportunities.

Table-13Previous job of the respondents

Previous Job No of pullers Percentage (%)Farming (as Kamaiya) 25 27.17Industrial labour 10 10.87Daily wage labour 16 17.39Other (Mechanic, bus boy, hotel boy etc)

30 32.61

Non of them 11 11.96Total 92 100

Source: Field Survey, 2003

Table-13 shows that 11.96 percent pullers started their job career by pulling rickshaw and remaining 88.04 percent pullers were found involved in different types of jobs. Economically, those who were very poor started to work from the adolescence, period. But the data shows that they did not come in this occupation directly. First, they give priority to the job because of difficulties and requirement of more physical power to pull the rickshaw than other job. But, after being failure to get proper job in the absence of knowledge and skills they adopted this occupation. It seems not an option but obligation. Among the total pullers 27.17 percent were involved as kamaiya (bonded labour) 10.87 percent as an industrial labour, 17.39 percent as daily wage labour and 32.61 percent as a maintenance mechanic, bus boy, hotel boy etc. before this job.

Respondent’s perceptions towards their own job, 81 pullers are not satisfied with their occupation but they were helpless. 11 pullers were satisfied with their occupation and they also say that the present fare rate is reasonable. But, majority i.e. 81 pullers are not satisfied with the present fare-rate. In the researchers personal observational also, the fare-rate of city is very low as compared with the fair-rate of the other cities. Most of the pullers thought that they get very small sum of money in return of very hard work.

Among the total respondents 75 pullers wanted to give up this occupation if they get another job because of low fair-rate, bad behave of the passengers, being hard work etc. 17 pullers do not want to leave this occupation because they think that they are getting the job in the near by town place. So, even being unsatisfied on unreasonable fare rate they are compelled to pull the rickshaw for their livelihoods.

5.2.1.1. Working period of the respondents: Table-14

Working period

Period (in years) No of pullers Percentage (%)

Less than 5 35 38.046 –10 17 18.4811-15 21 22.8316-20 9 9.7821-25 7 7.6126 and above 3 3.26Total 92 100


Table-14 shows that 38.04 percent pullers were pulling rickshaw from less than and equal to 5 years, 18.48 percent from 6-10 years, 22.83 percent from 11-15 years, 9.78 percent from 16-20 years 7.61 percent from 21-25 years and 3.26 percent 26 years and above. A large majority of pullers are involved in this occupation from less than equal to 5 years.

Table-14 shows that due to urbanization and population growth the number to rickshaw pullers have increased. As the table shows 38.04 percent respondents adopted this occupation for last five years.

Table-15Working calendar of the respondents

Description No of pullers Percentage (%)

Regularly 78 84.79Leisure period 8 8.69Occasionally 6 6.52Total 92 100


Table-15 shows that 84.79 percent pullers were pulling rickshaw daily. 8.69 percent pullers were pulling in leisure time. Only 6.52 percent pullers are pulling rickshaw occasionally. It was only the means of livelihood for those who are pulling daily. Those who were pulling rickshaw in leisure time were engaged in other occupation also.

5.2.1.2 Behaviors of passengers towards respondents:

The question on how the passengers behave with you was put to the pullers. 35 pullers told that passengers have good behavior towards them. 10 pullers told about the bad fares, some do not pay the whole fare and some had found rubbery behavior also. Rest of 47 pullers found average type of behavior of passengers.

5.2.1.3 Working days of the respondents:

As it is known to all that, a puller has to pull maximum two passengers all the day during his working time in a rickshaw. There is no doubt a puller must has to apply his physical power all the day. So, it is reasonable if he feels tired and wants rest.

Table-16Monthly working days of the respondents

Working days No of pullers Percentage (%)Less than 10 1 1.0911-15 20 21.7416-20 18 19.5621-25 21 22.8326-30 32 34.78Total 92 100


Table-16 shows that 1.09 percent pullers were found working less than 10 days in a month, 21.74 percent pullers were working less than 11-15 days, 19.56 percent pullers 16-20 days, 22.83 percent pullers 21-25 days and 34.78 percent pullers from 26-30 days in a month.

Table shows that most of the pullers had adopted rickshaw pulling as a major occupation. As far as it concerns to the working hours of the pullers, there are no any hard and fast timetable. But, the

pullers, who are taking rickshaw pulling as their livelihood means, starts pulling after taking their breakfast.

Table-17Working hours of the respondents

Hours No. of pullers Percentage (%)4-6 15 16.306-8 20 21.748-10 40 43.4810-12 17 18.48Total 92 100


Table-17 shows that, 16.30 percent pullers pulls rickshaw for 4-6 hours. 21.74 percent pulls were pulls for 6-8 hours. A large group of the pullers, i.e.43.48 percent were pulling for 8-10 hours and 18.48 percent pullers pulls for 10-12 hours.

5.2.1.4 Ownership of the rickshaw

A new rickshaw costs about 8-12 thousand rupees. So, it is difficult to afford this much cost to buy new rickshaw for them. Most of pullers take rickshaw in rent. They have to pay certain amount of money to the rickshaw owner.

Table-18Rickshaw ownership

Ownership No. of pullers Percentage (%)Own 6 6.52Rental 86 93.48Total 92 100


Table-18 shows that, a least no of pullers, i.e. 6.52 percent has their own rickshaw. A large number of pullers i.e. 93.48 percent were pulling rented rickshaw. Due to the nature of income of this occupation they cannot save that much amount of money to buy own rickshaw because they earn daily and spend daily. So, it is difficult for them to save money.

Table-19Willingness to have own rickshawWilling to own No. Of pullers Percentage (%)

Willing 56 60.87Unwilling 36 39.13


Table-19 shows that 60.87 percent pullers were willing to have own rickshaw. And 39.13 percent pullers had unwillingness to have own rickshaw. As they felt it is more comfortable to pull the rickshaw in rent than own rickshaw

5.2.2 Economic status of the rickshaw pullers:

5.2.2.1 Daily income of the respondents

It is not sure that how much the pullers earn in a day. The earnings depends on the time duration, they pull the rickshaw.

Table-20Daily income of respondents from rickshaw pulling

Income (Rs.) /Day No. Of pullers Percentage (%)80-100 8 8.70101-120 17 18.48121-140 25 27.17141-160 40 43.48160 and above 2 2.17


Table-20 shows that 8.70 percent pullers earning average Rs. 80-100 per day. 18.48 percent earning Rs 101-120, 17.17 percent were earning Rs.121-140, 43.48 percent were earning Rs 141-160 and least 2.17 percent were earning Rs. 161 and above. From this earnings the pullers, who had taken rented rickshaw, have to pay Rs. 30 daily to the owners.

5.2.2.2. Employment status of the respondent’s household:

There were only 3 persons from respondent’s family who was involved in this occupation. Rest of the family member were not involved in this occupation. But some members of respondent’s family were involved in other occupation.

Table-21

Employment situation of the respondent’s households

Description No. of households Percentage (%)Employed 15 16.30Unemployed 77 83.70


According to the table-21, 16.30 percent puller’s household member were involved in other occupation and rest of 88.70 percent pullers household member were not involved in other occupation. They all had depended on the income of respondent.

5.2.2.3 Yearly income of the respondents including other source of incomes:There were some pullers who do not earn alone in his household but also

some family member as they were involved in other occupation.

Table-22Yearly Income of the respondents including other source of incomes

Income ( in thousand) No. of pullers Percentage (%)10-20 14 15.2220-30 20 21.74

30-40 30 32.6140-50 15 16.3050-60 13 14.13


According to the table-22, 15.22 percent pullers had yearly income including other sources of income found 10-20 thousand rupees, 21.74 percent had 20-30 thousand rupees, 32.61 percent had 30-40 thousand rupees, and 16.30 percent had 40-50 thousand rupees and least of 14.13 pullers had 50-60 thousand found. Here, according to data yearly average income of the puller is Rs. 30004. And yearly per capita income Rs. 4975.79 or about US $ 69 in current exchange rate. Where as according to the CBS-2001, per capita income in the national level is US $ 220. On the basis of per capita income it can be imagined that the population of the pullers households are in great scarcity and living below poverty line. Income from rickshaw pulling is hardly sufficient for their livelihood.

5.2.2.4 Yearly expenditure of the respondents household:

Table-23Yearly expenditure of households

Expenditure, Rs (in thousand)

No. of pullers Percentage (%)

10-20 5 5.4320-30 15 16.3130-40 20 21.7440-50 30 32.6150-60 22 23.91


About the yearly expenditure of the pullers to nourish their family it was found that only 5 pullers (i.e. 5.43 percent) had yearly expenditure of 10-20 thousand rupees. Likewise, 16.31 percent pullers had 20-30 thousand rupees of yearly expenditure, 21.74 percent pullers had 30-40 thousand rupees yearly expenditure, 32.61 percent pullers had 40-50 thousand rupees and 23.91 percent pullers had 50-60 thousand rupees yearly expenditure. Table-23 shows that the yearly expenditure of majority of pullers is Rs 40-50 thousand. Now, comparing income to the expenditure it is seen that expenditure is a little bit greater than income. For the imbalance of income and expenditure, it can be taken that generally a man is always conceals his income and shows a big expenditure than others.

5.2.2.5 Yearly expenditure of needs:A man needs a lot of things in his life, but in limited income at first he must give

priority to those things, which are very essential.

Table-24Yearly expenditure of needs

Description Expenditures (Rs.) Percentage (%)Cloths 293250 8.54

Festivals 224250 6.53Treatment 195250 5.69House rent 58800 1.71Rice 1415880 41.25Pulse 341900 9.96Flour 125856 3.67Vegetables 455400 13.27School expenses 96550 2.81Alcohol 225125 6.56


According to the data, in case of pullers it was perceived that out of total expenditure of basic things 8.54 percent was spent for clothing, 6.53 percent for festival celebration, 5.69 percent for treatment, 1.71 percent for house-rent, 41.25 percent for rice, 9.96 percent for pulse, 3.67 percent for flour, 13.27 percent for vegetable, 2.81 percent for school expenses and 6.56 percent for alcohol.

According to the data, per head yearly expenditure of cloth is only Rs. 528. A simple cotton cloth costs Rs 70 per meter. In this way they are still unable to get enough cloth where the 11-metre cloth is basic necessity yearly.

In the case of festivals, they do celebrate according to their capacity. This is the time when they spend money comparatively little bit more to eat and drink. For the treatment most of the pullers are still depended on faith healing. If the disease sounds not curable by faith healing then only they take patient to the hospital and health post. Due to the lack of proper knowledge about childcare, generally their children are caught by child-hood diseases. But the data show, per head yearly expenditure on treatment is Rs.351.80 only, which is very least. So the condition of the health among the pullers is not satisfactory.

There were 52 pullers, who were living temporarily in the study area and in the nearby villages in the rented house. So the yearly average house rent is Rs. 1120.77 and monthly is Rs. 94.23. It means they are living in very congested and unhealthy rooms. In the researcher’s personal observation, there where at least four person living in a single room. The very small sum of income is spent for the education than other expenditure. Which is only 2.81 percent of total expenditures. The data show, only 24.67 percent pullers send their children to school. Yearly average expenditure is Rs. 3448.21 and monthly average expenditure is Rs. 287.35. On this much expenditure it is very difficult to maintain the entire educational requirement such as; books, copy, pen, exam fee, Tiffin, school uniform etc. That’s why most of the pullers were found not able to send their children to school.

A big amount of money was spent in alcohol i.e. 6.56 percent and 225125 rupees. Which is more than two times of the expenditure on education. In this use of alcohol the pullers said that they feel relief both physically and mentally drinking alcohol at the evening after pulling rickshaw all the day.

5.2.2.6 Yearly consumption and expenditure of foodstuff:

Table-25Consumption and expenditure of foodstuff

Description Total

consumption Yearly (Kg)

Consumption/head (Daily)

Cost/kg (Rs.)

Total cost Rs.

Rice 94392 466g 15 1415880Pulse 9768.5 48g 35 341900Flour 8116 95g 16 129856Vegetable 30360 150g 15 455400Total 172996.5 759g 2343036


According to the table-24, it is seen that 68.15 percent of the total expenditure is done on foodstuff, such as rice, pulse, flour and vegetables.

A very big sum of income is spent for foodstuff, in another word what ever is earned, is only enough to eat food to survive. Yearly, rice 94392 kg cost Rs. 1415880, pulse 9768.5 Kg cost Rs 341900, flour 8116 kg cost Rs.129856 and vegetable 30360 Kg. Cost Rs 455400 are consumed by the total number of pullers households. Here average per kg cost of vegetables is taken Rs 15, because generally the pullers were found not tend to eat expensive vegetable due to unaffordable by their income and most of the pullers were non-vegetarian but such expenditure has not been calculated within the expenditure of foodstuff. According to the data daily per head consumption of foodstuff are rice 466 gram, pulse 48 gram, flour 95 gram and vegetable 150 gram. A man needs 2256 calorie for a day and this calorie can be obtained from 605-gram cereals and 60-gram pulses. In this way it is seen that the population of pullers households are only able to get just required calorie.

According to the table-22, the average yearly income of the pullers is Rs. 30004. But, here average expenditure of foodstuff is Rs. 25467.

In the condition of such limited income any other things cannot be managed to make life comfortable except eating.

5.2.2.7 The Range and purpose for loan: The loan was found as an indispensable part of the respondent’s life. As they earned daily and bore the expanse, so generally in the case of extra expenditure out of daily basic needs they has to take lone to solve it. Because none of them had bank account as they cannot save money from their earning to deposit in the bank. Even a very small sum of money had to taken as loan. At the time of data collection 62 pullers (67.39%) had taken loan rest 30 pullers (32.61%) had not taken loan at the time of data collection.

Table-27Range of loan

Range (Rs.) No. of pullers Percentage (%)

Less than 1000 18 29.031000-2000 13 20.972000-3000 9 14.523000-4000 12 19.354000-5000 6 9.68More than 5000 4 6.45


About the range of loan 29.03 percent pullers had taken less than one thousand rupees. 20.97 percent had Rs.1000-2000, 14.52 percent had Rs 2000-3000, 19.35 percent had Rs. 3000-4000, 9.68 percent had Rs. 4000-5000 and least of 6.45 percent had more than 5000 rupees as a loan.

Table-28Purpose for loan

Purpose No. of pullers PercentRickshaw buying 2 3.23Cloth 3 4.84Food 11 17.74Marriage 12 19.35Festivals 6 9.68Treatment 20 32.26Others 8 12.90

Total 62 100Source: Field Survey-2003

As far loan concerns to the purpose, majority i.e. 32.26 percent pullers had taken for treatment. Because disease and treatment are not pre planned phenomena. Nobody knows when a disease will catch him. When a member of pullers households fall in sick, they must take loan for the treatment as they remain always-empty pocket for extra expenditure. Secondly, marriage is a very important event of human life in which 19.35 percent pullers had taken loan. In this occasion at least a feast is held an some new things and gifts are bought. So every body needs some money for marriage ceremony. But due to the failure to manage from their income they must take loan the range of loan for this purpose is greater than others generally. Like wise 3.23 percent pullers had taken loan for rickshaw buying, 4.84 percent for cloths, 17.74 percent for other purposes like to buy goat, to repair house, to visit to relatives, to drink liquor and sometimes in funeral rites.

About the sources of loan it was found that most of the pullers were tended to take loan from Sahu-Mahajan than from banks. As told by them, banking loan system is very complicated and not easily available, and they do not have any things to keep in the bank as mortgage for the loan. But from Sahu-Mahajan they can get loan easily without any mortgage.

5.2.2.8. Owing land by the respondents:As it has already described that the most of

the pullers belong to a poor family background, either they are from the study area or out of the study area. According to data only one puller had land within the city, only 0.03351 hectare and he did not have any income from that land.

On the other hand according to table-8 there were 76 pullers from outside of the study area. But according to the data in table-29 shows that only 27.17 percent pullers hold land out of the total outsiders. They hold total 3.5398-hectare land. Which is not enough for their survival.

Table-29

Owning land out of city

Hold Area Do not hold Total25 3.5398 67 9227.17 72.83

Source: Field survey- 2003.

Documents

1 · Web viewInformal (privet) sector is easy to enter and earning within it is determined by supply and demand. Earnings within informal sectors are determined by supply and demand