1.

INTRODUCTION

Sanitation falls under the preventive type of public health. It is also another
monopoly function to be under taken by the municipality. Sanitation includes removal of
rubbish, sludge, night soil and dead animal’s controls of tiles and mosquitoes drain
drainage and sweeping. Prevention is better than cure “an improvement is general
sanitation in the inhabited areas of the cities and towns to provide salutary”. The findings
revealed that sanitation workers undergo several problems both physically and mentally.
The problems in work pl can be solved by providing equal rights as other government
employees. Discrimination and stigmatization in work place and society shows that the
people need more development in grounds of humanity and respect. Uplifting the
underprivileged in terms of education, rights, power and employment improves the growth
of the country. Providing safety measures for sanitation workers, conducting regular
medical camps, prevention of manual scavenging, creating awareness about government
schemes will definitely improve quality of life. Social Workers can be appointed to
provide psychosocial help to the sanitation workers.

Our atmospheres of living are a matter of view of controlling of large part of the
preventable ill health. Sanitary workers have played an important role in improving the
urban and semi-urban ecological environment and the urban modern civilization, meeting
the needs of people’s desires for physical, spiritual, political, ecological civilization and
implementing the social sustainable development. A sanitation worker has a dirty job, but
it's one that most communities can't live without. Sanitation workers perform a valuable
service to their communities collecting garbage and removing it to proper disposal areas
such as dumps or landfills. They go by many names: garbage man, trash man. A sanitation
worker must be physically fit, so he can quickly climb in and out of large trucks and lift
heavy trash containers. The job is physically demanding. Sanitation workers routinely lift
heavy objects and work in all weather conditions. There is also a significant injury risk
associated with the job. During natural and manmade disasters, sanitation workers
participate in emergency response and cleanup. Sanitation Workers are required to work
rotating shifts, rotating days off, nights, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and mandatory
overtime. Sanitation workers mostly carry out their work in unsafe working conditions
without protective gears or other safety gears or other safety devices. Death or serious

1
injury to sanitation workers while cleaning sewerage with no or inadequate safeguards are
frequent incidents. Those people are exposed to dangerous toxic and harmful substances.
But this problem is not adequately addressed in the legal framework.

1.1 SIGNIFICANCE AND NEED OF THE STUDY

The rapid industrialization paves the way to one important factor namely, women
employment, the undue importance to material wealth and the economic necessity
attracted woman to take employment public and private sectors, which in turn has given
rise to changes in their roles and status in India. Working women, especially the sanitary
workers have to perform both the domestic (child- rearing, taking care of husband if
married and home management)as well as occupational roles simultaneously which needs
adequate adjustment within themselves. Due to the transition in the role performance of
women sanitary workers they face many adjustment problems when they play a dual role
at their working places as well as their homes. Women sanitary workers working in
different municipal bodies across the nation are facing acute problems in terms of social,
economic, health, psychological and attitudinal nature

1.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The present study aims at examining the socio-economic status of women sanitary
workers. The study explores the literature pertaining to the status of women sanitary
workers at the national level and it examines the status of working women in the context
of modern society. The study exhaustively analyses the socio-economic conditions of the
women sanitary workers working in the select municipal organizations. The research study
further analyses the income, expenditure and saving patterns of the women sanitary
workers and it assess the living , working and health conditions of the women sanitary
workers in the study area and it estimates the decision making capacity and social attitudes
of the women sanitary workers working in the study area. As the study involves the
diagnostic analysis of various identified variables as mentioned above, the results and
findings helps the researcher to formulate reasonable generalizations and conclusion that
acts as a platform for the genesis of certain policy ideologies that aim at uplifting the
socio-economic status of the women sanitary workers working in the municipal bodies
across the nation

2
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 To study the concept of status of sanitary workers and to explore the theoretical
frame work of the aspects under study.
 To examine the socio-economic conditions of women sanitary workers
 To analyze the income, expenditure and savings pattern of the women sanitary
workers
 To estimate the living status, working and health conditions of the women sanitary
workers

1.4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

For the purpose of the present study it was proposed to adopt Descriptive cum
Diagnostic Research Design in order to study the existing conditions and to test the
variables in the prevailing circumstances.

Data Collection Tools and Techniques

The present research study involves both primary and secondary data. Primary data
was collected through Schedule method involving Interview with the help of a structured
questionnaire. The Secondary data was collected by referring to Annual reports, published
Government Statistical reports, Journals, Magazines and published data of varied nature.

1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

 The study is limited only Thrissur District.

 The study examines only the women sanitary workers in the Thrissur District.
 The sample respondents include both permanent and contract labour (out -
sourcing) that exists
 The opinions of the sample respondents are purely personal in nature and hence the
results suffer with reliability and consistency.
 As the study is limited to only one district, the results and suggestions may not be
to generalized to a greater extent in terms of applicability.

3
 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Hate (1978) in her book stated that there is positive change in the political,
economic and social status of middle class working and non-working women living in four
cities in Maharashtra with the advent of independence.

Armstrong (1979) revealed that higher level employees care more for self
actualizing valves like advancement, recognition and independence whereas lower level
employees care more for salary, fringe benefits and happiness.

Henley (1979) stated that the feminine stereotype depicts women as being more
concerned than men about their bodies, their clothing, and their appearance in general; as
is often the case, there is both truth and reason to the stereotype. Women are subject to a
great deal more observation than men; their figures and clothing; their attractiveness is the
criteria by which they most often are judged. Not surprisingly, then women are more
conscious than men of their visibility. This difference translates into both a power and a
sex difference. In a situation where one person is observing and the other is being
observed, the observer dominates the situation. When a man on the bases of her dress and
appearance judges a woman, the man is able to dominance over the situation.

Johnson (1979) in his study started that women , if theory act in an acceptable
feminine manner, would rely on indirect personal and helpless forms of power. The
interplay of these sex roles expectations and opportunities form and male styles.

Kapur (1979) his shown that the twin roles of women cause tension and conflict
due to her social structure which is still more dominant .In her study on working women in
Delhi, she has shown that traditional authoritarian set up of Hindu social structure
continues to be the same basically and hence. Women face problem of role conflict change
in attitudes of men and women according to the situation can help to overcome their
problem.

Madula Sherwani (1984) in her studies on “Why more women entering work
force” has observed Indian women still operate under creation limitation and hardship.
One of the most common problems faced by a woman was the dual role; she had to play
on the domestic front and the shop floor. Particularly the married working women with the

4
small children found that dual responsibility a source of great mental and physical strain.
For them the working hours were long 8 hours at the place of employment and at least 4
hours at home. Usually husbands and sometimes even in-laws did not extend any help in
the household chores. Again after all this hard work, tragedy was that working women
couldn’t claim independent economic assets. Most of the salary earners had to surrender
their pay pockets to their husbands in the case of married women and to their parents in
the case of unmarried girls. They were allowed to hold back only a small amount for
spending on transport and tea.

Rekhadevi Raju (1991)agrees with the above and says that educational level of a
women and type of the household influence her “decision role” while discussing the
economic status of Rajgoad tribe and rural women. She says that castes affect their role
and rural and tribe women do not have economic freedom to spend what they earn. Wage
of such women are collected by their husbands.

Alva Myrdar et al’s (1992) work on “Women’s two roles home and work sought to
present that would amid that would enable women for combine their traditional family
obligations with paid work in the employment market. Interestingly these authors have
gone further to capture multi-facted dimensional role of women in the name of sequencing
solutions besides the dual role mentioned continues to hold as a strong base for further
research in this area.

Manikamerkar (1996) in the study on “economics status and career opportunities

for women in India today’’ has remarket that the desirability of giving important status to
women society has often been expressed, thought it was denied in actual life. A women‘s
lower status in the family was often to her exclusion from economic ability gainful
employment. Recently, since the Second World War, urban women of middle and upper
class, particularly, married women began to seek sinful gainful employment out of home.
This phenomenon created the problems relating women’s two roles, home and work. The
most popular jobs as had been seen from the number of women applicants registered in the
employment exchanges were those of clerk, the highest percentage of women workers
(more than 40%) was for professional technical and related jobs mostly as teachers, nurses
and midwives. The next percentage (9%) that’s of clerks, sales and related workers,
administrative, executive and management workers from only 2%. According to the author
the main reason for women’s employment was economic necessity to supplement the

5
income of her husband or of the family. Though this economic cause was most important
there was also social, psychological and situational reasons for taking up employment case
of high society ladies such as ambition of a career, charm of the position utilization of
leisure, proper use of higher education, killing away time till marriage, escape from
domestic work, freedom to mix with people and preference for outdoor life.

Vinita (2002)women working in cities and towns firstly constitute a small

proportion to total workers and secondly out of the total members of the opinion that the
factory employment opportunities to women have declined due to technological changes
and this is accompanied by an increase in service sector employment such as public
service, medical, health and education.

Anindita Mukerji (2003) on the socio–economic backwardness in women the socio

economic condition of women was evaluated with the help of a number of indicators like
social, economic, educational and the like .It has been observed that the socio–economic
condition of women belongings to the lower strata was rather miserable. This is partly due
to the social system and partly due to the women themselves in the society. Indian society
is primarily a male dominated society where little or no change is expected or allowed.
Even if a change is introduced women show their inability to adjust to such changes. The
lack of clarity in women about their status leads to exploitation and economic deprivation.

6
 3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

WOMEN IN THE PRE-INDEPENDENCE PERIOD

The history of India reveals distinct stages of rise and fall in the status of Indian
women. When we turn back to the prehistoric times, we see men and women in hordes
leading a nomadic life. Women were then treated on par with men. Women’s role at home
and outside was as important as that of men. Later, when the custom of marriage arose,
there developed in turn, the home and the family. It was the women who reared the
children, took care of the household and performed the general domestic labour, leaving
men to do most of the outside work and so women mostly confined themselves within four
walls of the house, as a result of which, slowly, they were made to withdraw their roles
from the outside world. In the cycle of times, their valves were forgotten; status degraded
and position relegated; and they were looked down upon as an inferior creature. Even
when, the nomadic life of the tent was abandoned for that of a fixed home, women
remained subordinate to their husbands.

It is therefore no wondered that men came to be viewed as ‘producers’ –who

produced material needs of their women and children. Women, on the contrary were
treated as ‘consumers’ whose rightful place was the household and their roles were limited
mostly to house-keeping, cooking food, and caring of children. While men attended the
difficult, heavy and hazardous tasks that required physical strength, women were expected
to perform household dominated activities which were relatively less arduous- but
supplementary and supportive to men folk. But this outlook changed with the advent of the
Vedic period. We can say that women in India reached one of their glorious stages during
this time (Sharma, 1981). Though the father held supreme sway in the affairs of the
family, the mother also enjoyed a high position, and she exercised considerable authority
in the household affairs (Apte, 1964). The Aryans sought co-operation of their women in
almost every walk of life and they were given full freedom for their development. They
enjoyed the property rights and had access to the property of their fathers and husbands.
They discussed political and social problems freely with men. They composed and chanted
Vedic hymns at the holy sacrifices. Widow re-marriage was in existence. They also had
the privilege of adoption (Kapadia, 1968). There was no discrimination between men and

7
women before law (Shastri, 1954). The position of the Indian women during the later
Vedic period was not very encouraging. Once again their position deteriorated
considerably. Women became entirely dependent on men, and were subjected to the
authority of their fathers, husbands and sons in the different periods of their life as
daughters, wives and mothers. Their education, religious rights and privileges were
curbed. Due to social, economical and political changes, women lost their position in the
society. Subsequently, unnecessary and unwarranted customs such as purdah, sati, child
marriage, polygamy and enforced widowhood crept in (Sharma, 1966 and Desai, 1957).
The women’s status at home and outside declined. Women subjugation was predominant
in the patriarchal society. All the decisions were taken by men and they did not bother to
inform their decisions to their wives, rather they did everything according to their own will
and pleasure (Boserup, 1970).

Women under British Rule

The spread of Christianity among the Indians with the British conquest of India
and the network of educational institutions in India established by the Britisheres created a
far reaching transformation. As a result, a new class of educated Indians came into
existence. It was a section of this class which became the vanguard of all progressive
movements in India. The spread of Western type of education enabled women to realize
their subordinate position, and it persuaded them to regain their legitimate status. A new
value system was evolved which recognized women as an unique personality (Majumdar ,
1965). It was really an event of decisive significance for their future development.
Educated women gradually came forward demanding equal rights with men.

WOMEN IN POST - INDEPENDENCE PERIOD

When independence was won by India, there was an earnest attempt to improve the
position of women in the country. Article 15 of the Indian constitution guaranteed
complete equality of men and women. Legislation was resorted to help women. The Hindu
Code Bill gave the women the right to share the property of their parents. Many other
social evils were removed. Widow remarriage was encouraged and child marriages were
prohibited. The right of divorce was also given to women (Jain,1988). However, many of
these rights were more on papers than in actual practice. The traditional customs were so
strongly rooted in the minds of people, that they did not easily take these new reforms.
When we start making a comparison between their role and status of women in Modern

8
India and in the other countries of the world, particularly in the matter of emancipation of
women, we cannot but be stuck with certain unexpected contrasts. Though the status of
Indian women have changed, it does not prove satisfactory (Desai, 1957). Indian society
has all along been a male dominated society, where the women’s roles are being confined
to the home. Their role limited to procreation and upbringing of children and catering to
the needs of men folk. In fact, in all the ages, women did not have an independent
existence of their own. They existed for men and always played a second fiddle to them.

RELIGION AND WOMEN

From time immemorial, while most of the religions preached equality of men and
women and sometimes glorified woman hood through myths and stories, in practice, the
leading religions have failed to recognize women as worthy and productive human beings.
They discriminate men and women in performing religious duties. Men are given more
religious rights and women are kept aside. In Hinduism the women are being treated
inferior to men, without individuality. Though Hindu religious scriptures honoured and
glorified women in general, they have been denied equal opportunity with men in practice.
Likewise, the Muslim religion too has confined women at home, contrary to its principles.
Prophet Mohammed gave much importance to women also, with claims to property, social
and political rights, together with their religious rights. But the Muslim religion has only
hidden them under the “Purdah” in reality (Ali, 1964 and Bhatty, 1971).

The same abides with Buddhist religion too. Though the Buddhist women are
supposed to enjoy religious equality or freedom, in reality, they are unequal to men. On
the other hand, women in Jainism have a legitimate position in the congregational life.
They can even occupy a position of leadership in which they deal with matters of practical
concern (Apte, 1964). In Sikhism, in the pursuit of religion, both men and women have a
place as individuals. It emphasizes the household ideal and demands respect of women as
men’s helpmate and sharer in their domestic life (Mehta, 1982). The Zoroastrianism
practiced by the Parsees in India gives women a position of honour in the family and
society. They are entitled to have property, religious rights as well as secular education
and permitted to divorce and remarriage.

Even in the Tribal religions, women have a role to play in the religious activities of
the family and the group, but have no place in the special worship of tribal deities (Report
of National Committee on the Status of Women, 1975). In Christianity, though women

9
enjoy considerable freedom, under the marriage law of the Christian church, the women
when getting married have to pledge solemnly to obey their husbands. But the husbands
too have to honour them and this establishes their individuality. They were not allowed
earlier to preach at the pulpit, but in recent times, this concept is changing and today we
have women priests in the Christian churches.

THE MODERN WOMEN AND THEIR PROSPECTS IN INDIA

The Indian society still remains at cross ends; the individuality of women is yet to
be realized by them. The western education which was imparted to them made aware that
they were one of the two wheels of the life-cart and that they were also key persons in the
family. They began to understand that an all round development of them, equal to men,
was necessary for the growth and prosperity of the nation. The modern women have
realized now that they have a personality of their own as a human being and that their
mission in life does not end with becoming merely a wife and a good mother but also in
realizing that they are also a member of the civic community. Thus, the modern women
are not having a passive life.

They are prepared to express and show their individuality in various walks of life.
Education is a catalytic agent for social change. Changes in life and position of women
have been greatly accelerated by the spread of education. As a result, women
organizations and a strong women’s movement took place. Many greatest women emerged
in the scene. Among them Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, Panditha Rama Bai, Rama Bai
Ranade, Madam Cama and Toru Dutt were prominent. As a result of education, women’s
economic horizon expanded considerably and they have begun to feel that they must earn
their own living. They have made their first response to the call for teachers. More than
hundred year’s age inself, they took this profession. With the establishment of hospitals
and health centers, women have qualified themselves as doctors, nurses, health visitors
and mid-wives. When law, agricultural, engineering and other professional institutions
were opened, they invaded these fields too. Now there is scarcely any venue of
employment in which women have not entered. Various American studies have shown that
there is a definite correlation between the educational level of women and their
employment (Ginsberg,1967 and Klein, 1968). India now has not only women doctors,
engineers, judges and officials holding high ranks but also women political leaders who
mould and shape the destiny of India. The women have the right to choose and dictate

10
according to their ambitions, but the society and men are the problem to them. Here lies
the problem of human valves and relationships. They just do not require merely legal
measures for equal rights, but sympathy and understanding both at home and in the place
of work.

The necessity for work on the part of the women is not due to their enlightenment
alone. The women work either because of economic necessity which force them to do so,
or because they want to derive psychological satisfaction out of it. The reasons that prompt
women to work apart from economic necessity are manifold. The women may work in
order to raise the standard of living of their household or to have an independent income
or by the compulsion of the family members. Modern women do not like to stay idle and
stagnate at home, but rather aspire to utilize their education and mental abilities in a
constructive and creative manner. They prefer to work because they find plenty of time
after their household chores is taken care of, or because they can use their job as an
‘escape-mechanism’ from the drudgery of life. They can also gain self confidence within
themselves by working, establish themselves a status and gain significant role in the
family affairs. These are some of the reasons that motivate women to venture into the
men’s world, leaving behind the monotony of home (Vohra and Sen, 1986).

11
 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Table 4.1 Distribution of the Respondents according to Age

Age in years No. of Respondents Percentage

Below 25 5 10
26-50 29 58

Above 50 16 32
Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.1 Distribution of the Respondents according to Age

Percentage
58
60
50
40 32 Percentage

30
20 10
10
0
Below 25 26-50 Above 50

Interpretation

The above table depicts the distribution of the respondents according to age. It shows that
10% respondents are below the age of 25 years and 58 % respondents are in the age group
of 26-50 years. The table further shows that 32 % respondents are in the age group of
above 50 years. It is observed from the above table that majority of the respondents (58 %)
are in the age group of 26-50 years.

12
 Table 4.2 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Religion

Religion No. of Respondents Percentage

Hindu 39 78
Christian 11 22
Muslim 0 0
Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.2 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Religion

Percentage
78
80
70
60
Percentage
50
40
22
30
20
10 0
0
Hindu Christian Muslim

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to religion. It shows
that 78% respondents belong to Hindu religion and 22% respondent belongs to Christian
religion.

13
 Table 4.3 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Education

Level of education No. of Respondents Percentage

Illiterate 24 48
1-5 Std 20 40
Below 10th Std 6 12
Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.3 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Education

Percentage
48
50 40
45
40
35 Percentage
30
25
20 12
15
10
5
0
Illiterate 1-5 Std Below 10th Std

Interpretation

The above table depicts the distribution of the respondents according to education. It
shows that 48% respondents are illiterates, 40% respondent had studied in between 1st to
5th standard and 12% respondents had studied below 10th standard

14
 Table 4.4 Distribution of the Respondents according to Marital Status

Marital status No. of Respondents Percentage

Married 42 84
Unmarried 8 16
Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.4 Distribution of the Respondents according to Marital Status

Percentage
84
90
80
70 Percentage
60
50
40
30 16
20
10
0
Married Unmarried

Interpretation

The above table depicts the distribution of the respondents according to marital status. It
shows that 84%) respondents are married and 16% respondents are unmarried.

15
 Table 4.5 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Marital Condition

Marital Condition No. of Respondents Percentage

With Husband 29 58

Widows 21 42

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.5 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Marital Condition

Percentage
58
60
42
50
Percentage
40
30
20
10
0
With Husband Widows

Interpretation

The above table depicts the distribution of the respondents according to marital condition.
It shows that among the married respondents, 58% respondents are living with their
husbands and 42% respondents are widows.

16
 Table 4. 6 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Age at Marriage

Age at Marriage No. of Respondents Percentage

Below 15 years 11 22
16-20 years 18 36
21-25 years 21 42
Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4. 6 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Age at Marriage

Percentage
42
45 36
40
35
30 22 Percentage
25
20
15
10
5
0
Below 15 years 16-20 years 21-25 years

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to age at marriage.
It shows that 22% respondents are below 15 years of age at their marriage, 36%
respondents are in the age group of 16-20 years at their marriage and 42% respondents are
in the age group of 21-25 years at their marriage.

17
 Table 4.7 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Job Description in their
Employment

Number of
Job Description Percentage
Respondents

Street cleaner 13 26

Waste carrier 11 22

Drainage cleaner 14 28

Loading and un loading the waste 12 24

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.7 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Job Description in their
Employment

Percentage
28
30 26
24
22
25
20
Percentage
15
10
5
0
Street cleaner Waste carrier Drainage Loading and un
cleaner loading the
waste

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the job
description in their employment. It shows that 26% respondents are street cleaners, 22%
respondents are waste carriers, 28% respondents are drainage cleaners and 24%
respondents are engaged in loading and unloading the waste from the vehicles.

18
 Table 4.8 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Job Experience

Job Experience No. of Respondents Percentage

Up to 10 yrs 16 32

11-20 yrs 23 46

Above 21 yrs 11 22

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.8 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Job Experience

Percentage
46
50
45
40 32
35 Percentage
30 22
25
20
15
10
5
0
Up to 10 yrs 11-20 yrs Above 21 yrs

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the level of job
experience in their employment. It shows that 32% respondents are having an experience
of up to 10 years in their job, 46% respondents are having a job experience of 11-20 years
and 22% respondents are having a job experience of above 21 years.

19
 Table 4.9 Distribution of the Respondents according to Type of Family

Type of Family No. of Respondents Percentage

Nuclear Family 36 72

Joint Family 14 28

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.9 Distribution of the Respondents according to Type of Family

Percentage

72
80
70
60 Percentage
50
28
40
30
20
10
0
Nuclear Family Joint Family

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to their type of
family. It shows that 72% respondents belong to nuclear families and 28% respondents
belong to joint family system.

20
 Table 4.10 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Monthly Income

Monthly Income No. of Respondents Percentage

Up to Rs.10000 28 56

Above Rs.10000 22 44

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.10 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Monthly Income

Percentage
56
60
44
50
Percentage
40
30
20
10
0
Up to Rs.10000 Above Rs.10000

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the monthly
income. It shows that 56% respondents are drawing a monthly salary up to Rs.10000 and
44% respondents are drawing a monthly salary of above Rs.10000.

21
 Table 4.11 Distribution of the Respondents according to Debt

Debt No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 33 66

No 17 34

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.11 Distribution of the Respondents according to Debt

Percentage
66
70
60
50 Percentage
34
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the debt details.
It shows that 66% respondents are having debt or liabilities and 34% respondents do not
have any form of debt or other liabilities.

22
 Table 4.12 Distribution of the Respondents according to Monthly Expenditure

Expenditure No. of Respondents Percentage

Up to 5000 38 76

Above 5000 12 24

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.12 Distribution of the Respondents according to Monthly Expenditure

Percentage
76
80
70
60 Percentage
50
40 24
30
20
10
0
Up to 5000 Above 5000

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the Monthly
expenditure. It depicts that 76% respondents are having a monthly expenditure of up to
Rs.5000 and 24% respondents are having a monthly expenditure of above Rs 5000.

23
 Table 4.13 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Saving Habits

Saving Habits No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 37 74

No 13 26

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.13 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Saving Habits

Percentage

74
80
70
60 Percentage
50
40 26
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to their saving
habits. It depicts that 74% respondents are having the habit of savings and 26%
respondents are not having the habit of savings.

24
 Table 4.14 Distribution of the Respondents according to Wearing of Clothes

Clothes Wearing Level No. of Respondents Percentage

Low price 24 48

Medium price 15 30

Costly price 11 22

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.14 Distribution of the Respondents according to Wearing of Clothes

Percentage
48
50
45
40 30
35 Percentage
30 22
25
20
15
10
5
0
Low price Medium price Costly price

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to their wearing of
clothes. It depicts that 48% respondents are wearing low priced clothes, 30% respondents
are wearing medium priced clothes and 22% respondents are wearing costly priced
clothes.

25
 Table 4.15 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Ownership of House

Ownership of House No. of Respondents Percentage

Govt. Quarters 0 0

Rented House 42 84

Own House 8 16

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.15 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Ownership of House

Percentage
84
90
80
70
60 Percentage
50
40
30 16
20
0
10
0
Govt. Quarters Rented House Own House

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to their ownership
of house. It depicts that there are no women sanitary workers living in government
quarters. The table further shows that 84% respondents are living in rented houses and
16% respondents are living in their own houses.

26
 Table 4.16 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Practice of Family
Planning

Family Planning Methods No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 36 72

No 14 28

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.16 Distribution of the Respondents according to the Practice of Family

Planning

Percentage

72
80
70
60 Percentage
50
28
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the practice of
family planning. It depicts that 74 respondents are practicing family planning methods and
26% respondents are not practicing family planning methods.

27
 Table 4.17 Distribution of the Respondents by Health effected due to the Job

Health Effected due to the job No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 36 72

No 14 28

Total 50 100%

Source: Primary data

Chart 4.17 Distribution of the Respondents by Health effected due to the Job

Percentage

72
80
70
60 Percentage
50
28
40
30
20
10
0
Yes No

Interpretation

The above table presents the distribution of the respondents according to the health
effected due to job. It depicts that 72% respondents had opined that their health was
effected due to the nature of the job activities and 28% respondents did not agreed with
this statemen0074

28
5.1 FINDINGS

1. Majority of the respondents (56%) are in the age group of 26-50 years.
2. Majority of the respondents (78%) belong to Hindu religion
3. Majority of the respondents (48%) are illiterates by educational standards.
4. Majority of the respondents (84%) are married.
5. Majority of the respondents (58%) are living with their husbands
6. Majority of the respondents (40%) are in the age group of 21-25 years at the
time of their marriage.
7. Majority of the respondents (26%) are drainage cleaners followed by 24% of
the respondents working as street cleaners.
8. Majority of the respondents (46 %) are having a job experience of 11-20 years.
9. Majority of the respondents (72%) belongs to nuclear family system which is
said to be underlying characteristic feature of urban society in which the
women sanitary workers live in.
10. Majority of the respondents (56%) are drawing a salary up to Rs. 10000.
11. Majority of the respondents (66%) have debt or other forms of liabilities
12. Majority of the respondents (76%) are having their expenditure levels of up to
Rs.5000.
13. Majority of the respondents (84%) are living in rented houses and only a minor
fraction of the respondents are having their own houses. It is interesting to note
that there is no government quarter allotment for the sanitary workers working
under the municipal organizations in the select study area.
14. Majority of the respondents (72%) are practicing family planning methods and
maintaining the composure of small families.
15. Majority of the respondents (72%) had opined that their health was affected
due to the nature of their job activities.
16. Majority of the respondents (74%) had opined that there is an increase in their
savings level after getting their job.

29
5.2 SUGGESTIONS

 Awareness programs on the application of modern infra structural equipment in

terms of sanitation is to be conducted for the women sanitary workers to reduce
work load and job stress.
 Congenial work atmosphere is to be created in order to create the sense of job
satisfaction among the women sanitary workers.
 Salary structures are to be revised and payment of better salaries is to be done for
the women sanitary workers in order to raise their standard of living.
 Financial assistance is to be provided for the women sanitary workers for
constructing their own houses in order to promote their living standards.
 Modern sanitary appliances (mechanical and automobile logistics)are to be
provided for the women sanitary workers in order to counter the health hazards that
arises out of their job nature.
 Awareness programs on the effects of alcohol on the health is to be conducted
trough paramedical camps and community medicine program.
 Literacy rates are to be increased among the women sanitary workers in order to
provide them with better education standards, capacity to make decisions and to
increase their perceptional standards on the modern society.
 Due social honour and respect is to be given by the society for women sanitary
workers in order to raise their dignity and moral turpitude.
 Special medical assistance in the form of periodical medical checkup and financial
allowance are to be provided for women sanitary workers in order to raise their
health conditions.
 The government should provide special financial allocations for the women
sanitary workers in order to safeguard their social interests and economic well
being.
 Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should place a prominent role in
uplifting the socio-economic status and empowerment of women sanitary workers
working in different municipal organizations across the nation.

30
5.3 CONCLUSION

The findings reveal the nature of work done by the sanitary workers. The study
also shows the working conditions of the sanitary workers. The problems in work place
can be solved by providing equal rights like other government employees. Discrimination
and stigmatization in work place and society reveals the steps to be taken by the
government to uplift the sanitary workers socially. Uplifting the underprivileged in terms
of education, rights, power and employment will improve the status of the sanitary
workers. Providing safety measures for sanitation workers, conducting regular medical
camps, prevention of manual scavenging, creating awareness about government schemes
will definitely improve the quality of life of the sanitary workers.

31
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books

 Kanungo.J, The young girls helping us in our household work, Ashish Publishing
House, New Delhi, 1991.
 Sutra and Sethi. R.M. Women in Agriculture, Rawat Publications, New Delhi,
1997, pp.44-95.
 Acharya, Sarthi and Mathrani, Vanalini, (Ed.) “Women in the Indian Labour
Force: A spectral and Regional Analysis, Women and work, B.R. Publishing
Corp., New Delhi, 1993.
 Ramaswamy, Uma, “Women and Development”, in A.N.Sharma and Seema (Ed.),
Women and work, B.R.Publishing Corp. New Delhi, 1993.
 Ramesh Sharan, and Minishwar Dayal, Deprivation of Female Farm Labourers in
Jharkhand Region of Bihar, Social Change, V 01.23 No.4 December, 1993, pp.95-
99
 Margaret Alston, Women and their Work on Australian Farms – Rural Sociology,
60(3), 1995 – pp.521-532

Journals

 Bhagirathi Das, Role of Women in Agriculture, Yozana, Vol44, No.6, 2000.

 Choudhry, H. and others, Participation of Form Women in Agriculture Operation,
Rural India 67 (2-3) February – March, 2004.
 Dipankar Gupta, Whither the Indian Village Culture and Agriculture in “Rural”
India: Rural Non – Farm Employment, Economic and Political Weekly, Special
Articles, February 19, 2005.
 Gian Kuar, Female Employment and Wages in Agriculture Activities Evidence
from Rural Punjab, Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol.XVI, No3, and
July, 1994.
 Gulati, Leela, Unemployment among Female Agricultural Labour, Economic and
Political Weekly, Vol.1 1.No.B.1976.

32
 INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

1 Name
2 Age
3 Religion Hindu / Muslim/ Christian
4 Caste OEC/ OBC / SC / ST/ General

5 Mother Tongue
6 Educational Qualification Illiterate /I- V std. / Below X std.

7 Marital Status Married / Unmarried

8 If Married Husband alive / Divorce / Widow

9 If Married, age at the time of marriage

10 Present Occupation

a) Experience in Service

11 Nature of Family Separate Family / Joint Family

12 Total No. of Family Members

13 Parental Assets:
Assets Value(Rs.)
a) Flat / Field / other
b) House
c) Others (if any)
Total
14 Family Income Rs.
a) Monthly Income
b) Other Sources
Total
15 Do have any Liabilities Yes / No

33
 a) If it is YES, give the details
b) If you have Liabilities, the mode Daily / Weekly / Monthly
of payment?
16 Present Monthly Expenditure (Rs.)
17 If you have any habits in Savings Yes / No
a) If YES, give the details
Sl.No Type of Savings Monthly Savings (Rs.)
.
a) Bank Savings
b) Chit funds etc.
c) Post Office Savings
d) Other Savings.
Total
18 Purchase of Cloths Low Price / Medium / Costly
19 Other facilities in your house No Water facility /No Toilet
/No
Electricity/ Having all facilities
20 Type of House in which you residing Gov Quarters / Rental House/ Own
t.
House
21 If, it is own house, House type is Hut / Thatched/ Tiled / RCC / Others
22 Are you following the Family Yes / No
Planning method? (If it is No, the reason)

23 Are your body affected by your job?

a) It is Yes, give the details Yes / No

b) Are you getting any help or Yes / No

medical treatment from your office?

34