A Survey on Health Status of Women Beedi Workers in Mukkudal

A SURVEY ON HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS IN MUKKUDAL

Minor Research Project Report Submitted to

MANONMANIAM SUNDARANAR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Prof. B. William Dharma Raja Co-ordinator, PMMMNMTT/MHRD/GOI Professor& Head, School of Education Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Tirunelveli Tamilnadu - 627012.

Submitted by

Dr.S.Alamelumangai Assistant Professor Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli- 627012. Tamilnadu, India. Page CONTENTS No

Foreword by Prof. P. Madhava Soma Sundram i

Acknowledgements ii

Preface iii

List of Tables iv

CHAPTER – I INTRODUCTION 1-8

CHAPTER –II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 9- 17

CHAPTER – III RESEARCH METHODOL OGY 18-26

27-45 CHAPTER – IV SOCIO- DEMOCRAPHIC CHARATESTIC AND HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS

46- 53 CHAPTER – V SUMMARY, FINDINGS, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER – VI CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS 54-56

BIBLIOGRAPHY B1—B4

APPENDIX

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE A1- A3

PHOTOS

kNdhd;kzpak; Re;judhh; gy;fiyf;fofk; MANONMANIAM SUNDARANAR UNIVERSITY Reaccredited with “A” Grade by NAAC (3rd Cycle) Director, Planning & Development TIRUNELVELI – 627 012. TAMILNADU, INDIA

Prof. P. Madhava Soma Sundaram Director, Planning & Development

FOREWORD

Beedi rolling causes significant health hazards. Beedi rollers are exposed to unburnt tobacco dust through cutaneous and pharyngeal route. The International Labor Organization cites ailments such as exacerbation of tuberculosis, asthma, anemia, giddiness, postural and eye problems, and gynecological difficulties among beedi workers. They are not aware of their rights. Studies have been conducted on beedi workers but not many studies are carried out in rural areas. Thus, any study that is carried out to understand working condition and health hazards in beedi workers residing in the rural areas, adds value to the domain. This research, titled “A Survey on Health Status of Women Beedi Workers in Mukkudal”, does exactly that and is a revealing work that reads the health challenging issues of the beedi rolling workers in the Mukkudal area of the Tirunelveli district in Tamilnadu. The research focuses on the procedure of the plans that have to be implemented to develop the health status of the people in the area.

This research provides a measure to gauge the health status of the people especially women who undergo a variety of health challenging issues due to beedi rolling and they have no alternate work for their livelihood.

Hence, policymakers may get insights into their lives and they will be able to pay better attention to these research findings so that feasible measures may be adopted for the people in the area of Mukkudal to have a healthy living.

I appreciate the researcher, Ms.S.Alamelumangai, MSU, who has put in the hard work for the conceptualization of the research, in the collection of data and for suggesting the preventive measures for the better livelihood of the people in the Mukkudal area of the Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu.

March 2020 - Prof. P. Madhava Soma Sundaram

Director, Planning & Development

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost of my duty is to thank the almighty the giving this a life and career in Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive them Manonmaniam Sundaranar University administration the Funding the Research under PMMMNMTT unmerged Scheme and reasonable time to complete the same.

I profusely express our deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to Honourable Vice-Chancellor respected Prof. (Dr) K.Pitchumani, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli for his inspiring guidance with unstinted encouragement throughout Minor Research Project. With immense pleasure and a profound sense of gratitude, I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt sincere thanks to him.

Extend my gratitude to Dr.S.Santhosh Baboo, Registrars, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli for their kind help during my minor research project period.

I express heartfelt thanks to Prof. Dr. B.William Dharma Raja, Co-ordinator PMMMNMTT, Professor and Head Department of Education, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli

I wish to express my sincere respects and thanks to Dr. P. Madhava Soma Sundaram, Professor, and Head, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Former Syndicate Member, Director in Planning and Development, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli for valuable suggestions, advice, and constructive ideas for completing this minor research project.

I find inadequate words to express my feeling and deepest sense of gratitude committee members of the PMMMNMTT, Dr.S.Prabahar. Professor, Dean of Language Department of English, and Dr.N.Krishnan, Professor, Centre fox information Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli.

I am grateful to extend here sincere thanks to Professor Dr. S Samuel Asir Raj, Director CSSE&IP, Professor and Head, of the moral support and creating a congenial atmosphere which helped me to complete the minor research project.

I am also grateful to Prof. Dr.R.Maruthakutti Department of Sociology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli for his consent motivation and supports during my course of occupation and support until.

I find words to express our feeling and deepest sense of gratuities to Dr.Syed Umnarhathab, Dr. T.Yuvaraj, Dr.H.Deepa, and Dr.R.Sivakumar Assistant Professor and research team Mrs. S.P.Selvi Junior Assistant, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, for their valuable contribution during their wholehearted support and who have always inspired us to translate any academic interest of their dreams into action.

Quite a number of friends helped us in different ways from data collection time to time completing a minor research project, I sincerely thank to all of them.

I express my appreciation to my husband Mr.K.Bowjil Raja, for failures in discharging some work obligations throughout this Project and my wishes to beloved kids’ B. Avinesh and B.Krishnaraj for cooperating without any obstacles.

Last but not least the Investigator wishes to extend her heartfelt thanks to who has always inspired us to direct and indirect supporters of her project work.

S. Alamelumangai

iii

PREFACE

Understanding women's beedi worker health is important for several reasons. Health has infiltrated into all aspects of public life in India, making people lose their faith in a democratic place. Health is has blamed for failures as India as a superpower in recent years. At the same time, health is viewed As one of the Main Obstacle to Democratic places .yet very little is known conclusively about causes women beedi workers health essential the figure of the enforcement agency is unrealistic and does not show any real picture, an attempt has been made to understand the prevalence of health at grass root level awareness towards and health document the same. There are enormous problems that the issue of women's health. This book is an attempt to successfully address their unfavorable conditions that prevails in the contemporary Indian health system towards the reduction of health problems vulnerable people. The positivity of people's health which was underestimated in the fight against health beedi rollers is disproved in this place of work, a large number of people denote willing but they are unaware of means to do? Who to approach? Whether a reverse action is possible? Hence, this attempt has highlighted issues to the report that have a high incidence of occupational diseases owing to exposure to tobacco and postural problems arising out of the monotonous. Beedi workers in the Mukkudal area rural people accounted for so many problems breathing problems, Asthma, Cancer, Leg pain, Spinal cord pain, cough, stress, piles, eye problems, Back pain, dysentery, Lung diseases, Blood vomiting and Hand stroking others diseases, because of beedi worker in Mukkudal area respiratory, back pain, knee pain, severe headache, dysentery, eye defects and affected by cancer. I hope the book underlines and has chalked out of gaps in procedures, practices, and mid and low level of women beedi worker's health.

LIST OF TABLES

Table. Descriptions Page No No. 3.1 Population Statistics in Tirunelveli District 19

3.2 State-wise Number. of Identified Beedi Workers in India 20

3.3 Sampling Procedure and Selection of Respondents 21

4.1 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Age Group 27

4.2 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Religions 28

4.3 Distribution of the Respondents according to their caste 29

4.4 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Education Qualification 30

4.5 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Marital Status 31

4.6 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Nature of family 32

4.7 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Monthly Income of 33 Family

4.8 Distribution of the respondents their how many years are you doing this 34 beedi work

4.9 Distribution of the Respondents According to their beedi workers opinion 35 on the Health Status

4.10 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Doctor Consultation 37 about the diseases

4.11 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Continuous 37 Medical Treatment

4.12 Distribution of the Respondents According to their without knowing the 38 Diseases

Table. Descriptions Page No No. Distribution of the Respondents According to their Good Health and 4.13 38 Completely Recovered

Distribution of the Respondents According to their received others' 4.14 39 advice about stopping

4.15 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Receive Efficient Salary 39

4.16 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Women Beedi Workers 40 Health

Distribution of the Respondents According to their Victim in their Family 41 4.17 being Affected by the Dangerous Disease

Table consists of percent of Beedi Workers affected by the following 4.18 42 Diseases and workers being unaffected.

Distribution of the Respondents According to their children’s 4.19 45 receiving the Educational Scholarship

LIST OF DIGRAMM / MAP

Table. Descriptions Page No No. SI.NO Diagrams 23 3.1 Sample Size of the Study 27 4.1 Age Group of the Respondents 30 4.2 Educational Qualifications 32 4.3 Nature of the family 33 4.4 Monthly Income of the Respondents 34 4.5 How many years are you doing this beedi work 44 4.6 Some of the Respondents Affected Diseases

Map

Fig. Area of the Study 21 3.1

vii

Chapter - I

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

In India, Beedi making is an age-old industry and one of the largest job providers for women in the unorganized sector. The beedi industry occupies a prominent place in rural development in terms of its capacity to offer potential employment opportunities to a large number of people. For the beedi industry, Tamilnadu is one of the major hubs in India. The beedi rolling activity is primarily carried out by workers who have weaker socio-economic status in society. Most of the beedi works are carried out in rural and semi-urban areas, where it is one of the major sources of livelihood for many families Beedi manufacturing is about a century-old business in India. Beedi rolling is the major occupation of the women as well as children mostly females residing in the villages throughout the country. Beedi industry is almost an unorganized sector, hence even the government officials finding it is difficult to enforce the various legal requirements. Apart from the other legal implications the health hazards which the women employees who are rolling the beedis are enormous. Health Hazards of Women Working in the Beedi Industry" showed that young women worked 10 hours per day. Six days in a week and earned up to `60 day in Beedi industries. The majority of the girls were exposed to nicotine early to the gynecological problem. The Government of India has enacted several legislative measures to resolute the working conditions and to provide welfare schemes to the beedi workers and their families. Benefits accessed by the workers are pension, provident fund, maternity leave, and scholarship for children Jayam Kannan et al., (1990). Lam et al., (2001) according to smoking and tuberculosis had been conducted in developed countries, where pulmonary tuberculosis as a cause of death had already become uncommon. In developing countries, the major increase in smoking is relatively recent for the full hazards to have materialized. In India, as in many other countries, TB remains a major cause of premature death, both in early adult life and in middle age, particularly among men who smoke.

Most of the women beedi workers work at home based unorganized sectors and become invisible and are extremely vulnerable to exploitation. Beedi is an indigenous cigarette in which tobacco is rolled in a tender leaf and tied with a cotton thread. In Tirunelveli district, beedi Industries play an important role in the district economy and its sustained growth and development will ensure the employment of thousands of women, raise the standards of living, and contribute to the economic progress of the area. Beedi rolling is an extremely

labour intensive, back-breaking and strenuous occupation, but women and children continue to do it in the absence of other sources of livelihood.

Although the industry itself is about 100 years old, it has within that period grown into one of the major avenues of employment generation in the unorganized sector. It has now a large rural spread and because of its dispersed and household centric base, beedi workers have tended to be largely unorganized and, therefore, have low bargaining power. Consequently, beedi manufacturers, sometimes known as `beedi 45 barons', have grown large and accumulated great wealth whereas their workers, in general, have remained indigent, living in poor and unhygienic environmental conditions and suffering from various kinds of health disorders and ailments (S.K.Das, 2000).

BEEDI WORKER IN INDIA LEVEL

Beedi making is an agro-forest based cottage industry solely dependent on Tendu Leaves and Tobacco. Plucking of tendu leaves, their collection, storage, and distribution amongst the beedi manufacturers are handled by the State, Department of Forests. The industry is highly labour intensive as the entire manufacturing process is done manually requiring special skills. It falls both in the organized as well as in the unorganized sector. A large number of workers in the organized sector are engaged in beedi rolling, sorting, checking, baking, labeling, wrapping, and packing are covered under the Beedi and Cigar Workers under (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966. In the organized sector the beedi manufacturers are subject to Central Excise at the rate of Rs 9/- (Excise Duty Rs. 4.60, Cess Rs 2.00, Additional Duty Rs. 1.40 and National Calamity Fund Rs. 1.00) per 1000 beedis.

The small beedi manufacturers in the unorganized sector are manufacturing up to 20 lakh beedis per annum are exempted from the excise duty. It is very difficult to locate and estimate the number of Beedi Rollers engaged by these small beedi manufacturing compounds. As a result, the workers are deprived of the benefits of the various labour laws and escape from the notice of the enforcement officers.

BEEDI WORKER IN WORLD LEVEL

A beedi is a thin, Indian cigarette filled with tobacco flake and wrapped in a tendu or possibly even Piliostigma race museum leaf tied with a string at one end. The name is derived from the Marwari word beedi – a mixture of betel nuts, herbs, and spices wrapped in a leaf.

A traditional method of tobacco use throughout South Asia and parts of the Middle East, today beedies are popular and inexpensive in India. There, beedi consumption outpaces that of conventional cigarettes and these tobacco-filled leaves deliver more nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar and carry a greater risk of oral cancers. Beedies accounted for 48% of Indian tobacco consumption in 2008. As with many other types of smoking, beedi increase the risk of certain kinds of cancers, heart disease, and lung disease. They may also be more harmful than other forms of tobacco consumption.

BEEDI WORKERS

Beedi Rollers are responsible for rolling beedi according to the specifications of the person who supplies the raw material mainly comprising tendu leaf, tobacco, and thread. A large number of persons are mostly females. They are mostly engaged in rolling beedi work for the Contractors or manufacturers within and outside the State. The Beedi Rollers are working with or without the help of their family members, in their private dwellings are known as the home workers. Employees other than the Beedi Rollers are included under this group. After collecting the green beedi from the Beedi Rollers, other related activities are performed at various stages by the beedi workers. They are employed directly by the manufacturers within the precincts of their establishments. This exposes the limitations of the information available with the enforcement machinery. The proportion of this category in different types of establishments of employees depends on the volume of the activity. The nature of the work of the beedi workers are usually employed in the different types of establishments is briefly given below:

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

The health hazards connected with tobacco use are well known. These affect the beedi rollers and others involved beedi works most of the time the houses are small and are used as living as well as working spaces. The beedi dust that is in the air, therefore, affects not only the beedi roller but also her entire family too leading to respiratory problems. The other problems

3 associated with beedi rolling are body ache, headaches, and eyestrain. These ailments most commonly found are Breathing problem, Back pain, Spinal card pain, Cancer, files, Asthma, Cough, Leg Pain, Blood Vomiting, Stress, Lungs diseases, Eyes problem, dysentery, Hand stroking, etc.. For women there are also problems related to menstruation and pregnancy where they have heavy bleeding and lower back pain during menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen. They also have a high degree of leucorrhea. There have also been a large number of debacles.

CHALLENGES

The beedi rolling has been a part of local culture for nearly a century in these areas and promoting employment alternatives in areas (where unemployment is already high) is a challenge. 'Beedi rolling' in India is a symbol of poverty and desperation in an area. Creating a means of income/employment where there are no other readily available alternatives or infrastructure is, therefore, a major challenge. Moreover, the beedi women are poor, illiterate (mostly), with little or no skills, socially deprived, with debts, and low asset base. The fact that the target group is home based women. It involves overcoming additional considerations of gender discrimination or subjugation within families and restrictive societal attitudes in general which curtail their mobility and the choices open to them. The time available did not permit sufficient attention to this aspect although the project involved other social partners in discussions to sensitize them to the needs of the beedi women. Finding sustainable alternatives that provide income at least equal to that provided by the beedi rolling in these areas is not easy.

(i)Wrappers and Labelers

Wrappers and Labelers are engaged in wrapping beedi into bundles of different types and sizes and pasting labels. They are mostly piece-rate workers.

(ii) Beedi Checkers:

Beedi Checkers are checked and sort the green beedis (i.e. unbaked beedis) delivered by the Contractors or by the Beedi Rollers. They also test check the bundles as well as the quality and quantity of the tobacco used by the Beedi Rollers.

(iii) Furnace-man

Furnace-man is engaged for baking the beedis in a furnace to remove the moisture and dampness. He is also called as Bhattiwala or Sekaiwala.

(iv) Clerical Staff:

These include Cashiers, Accountants, and Clerks, etc. In small and medium establishments, this category of employees is also discharging most of the managerial functions.

(v) Raw Material Distributors

This category of workers is engaged in distributing the raw materials to the Contractors/Attenders and Beedi Rollers for rolling the beedis. The requisite quantity of tobacco and tendu leaves is distributed by weight.

Production

The daily production can very easily be assessed keeping in view the size of employment. Normally 100 Beedi Rollers are required to produce one lakh beedis daily. Larger the production, greater is the size of the establishment. The production data were collected separately from the employers and the Beedi Rollers through the Schedules designed for the study. Employers are required to keep a record of their products in the prescribed form for assessment of excise duty. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 also provides for maintenance of records about attendance, production of piece rated workers, wages, deductions, etc. In cases, where these records were not available the requisite information was collected by way of oral versions of the employers. This information had apparent limitations as some employers; running smaller units tended to conceal not only the size of the employment but also the magnitude of production to evade legal provisions under the law. The number of beedis rolled by the Beedi Rollers was usually available in the logbooks provided to them by the employers. However, in the absence of the same, the information given by the Beedi Rollers had to be relied upon. This information invariably concealed the share of the dependents of the Beedi Rollers in the production.

NEED AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Most of the women engaged in beedi rolling are illiterates. These beedi rolling women are doing the most hazardous work in the country. They have been suffering from various serious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and cancer. Many times, health and medical facilities of these beedi rolling women are left unattended due to poverty, non-availability of nearby health centers, failure to take care of my family members and even gender discrimination. The ultimate aim of this research work would be to empower the women in the community of beedi rollers thereby to safeguard them from the hazards of tobacco products and providing alternative means of livelihood.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Home-based Beedi workers especially women undergo many health hazards which drastically affects the quality of life of the individual as well the family. Hence studying the health dimensions of home-based beedi women workers is important. Therefore, the researcher takes the venture to study the health status of the women Beedi workers in Mukkudal.

The ultimate aim of this research work would be the women beedi workers in the community safeguard them from the health hazards of tobacco products and beedi rolling. The researcher undertook a study carried out to understand the working conditions and health issues of women beedi workers. Therefore, to help the women beedi workers in the study area to take the necessary steps to rectify their defects and also to adopt precautionary measures to avoid occupational health hazards in the future.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS USED

BEEDI WORKERS

A Beedi also spelled Bidi or Biri is a thin South Asian cigarette filled with tobacco flake and wrapped in a tendu leaf tied with a string at one end. The word comes from 'Beedi' Marwari for a leaf wrapped in beetle nuts, herbs, and condiments.

Beedi workers indicated in this study mean the workers who roll the soaked and cut tendu leaves, filling it with powdered tobacco and closing both the ends and tying it with a thread.

HEALTH

Definition of health is that of the world health organization (WHO), which states that "health is state of complete physical, mental and social well- being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

The landlines report suggested that there are four general determinants of which be called "human biology" "environment"." Lifestyle" and health care organization.

WOMEN

A married woman with at least one child below 5 years. A woman occupies an important place in the socio-economic structure of society. Women's status is often described in terms of their level of income, employment, education, health, and fertility as well as on the roles they play within the family the community, and society.

RESEARCH GAP

Beedi work was found to be by and large female-dominated especially in the rolling of beedi and blending of tobacco. The All India Beedi, Cigar, and Tobacco Workers Federation estimation comprise 90 to 95 percent of total employees in beedi manufacture. They are primarily beedi rollers and typically operate from homes. In the present investigation women beedi rollers who work are confined in unventilated houses under poor sanitary and hygienic conditions, predispose chronic inhalation of tobacco dust, and accompanying biohazards. The beedi industry is a hazardous one. Hazardous work is defined as the one which exposes the children to physical or psychological abuse, work at dangerous heights or confined places with the dangerous machinery or tools which involves heavy tools, work in an unhealthy environment and work under particularly difficult conditions such as long working hours. In other words, the work, which hampers the physical and mental development of the worker, is hazardous.

Still, anyone can identify a few gaps in the previous studies or past literature concerning the status of women beedi workers such as health status in this study area. In light of such research gaps, the present research study has been designed and completed. This study tries to fill in the research gaps in a modest manner. The researcher has been optimistic that this task is well met to a very great extent.

Chapter – II

Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION This chapter deals with the review of related studies conducted in India and aboard, such a review is necessary to understand the ramifications of the problem on hand and decide upon the methodology to be employed.it provides backdrop to the study. The review of literature is collected from books, the internet, an article in journal seminar/conference papers, newspaper magazines, reports, etc., for the present study. The review of literature gives the view of the researcher informing objectives, hypotheses, identifying the variables and research design, etc., of the present study. Some of the important literature both in India and other countries related to the present research are discussed in the succeeding pages of the present chapter.

HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS RELATED REVIEW ON NATIONAL LEVEL

Gupta et al., (2005), conducted an exploratory study on the present condition of beedi rolling women in India in four states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The sample selected was 280 beedi rolling women from these states. Data was collected by using focus group discussion and individual home interview techniques. The study results showed that the majority of women were suffering from hazardous health problems like backache, spondylitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and miscarriage. The researcher concluded that enough consideration should be given to female beedi workers for the elimination of these health problems.

Mittal et al., (2006), in their study reveals that the Voluntary Health Association of India reported that beedi rollers are constantly exposed to tobacco dust and hazardous chemicals. They experience an exacerbation of tuberculosis, asthma, anemia, giddiness, postural and eye problems and gynecological difficulties. A study conducted by the National Institution of Occupation Health, Ahmedabad revealed that the main hazards in the beedi industry are tobacco dust, burning of the eyes, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Mettilda Buvaneswari et al., (2008), conducted a study on "Health Problems of Women Beedi Workers". The increasing number of women in small businesses has been a global phenomenon in the developed and developing world. Most of the women work at home based unorganized sectors and become invisible and are extremely vulnerable to exploitation. The beedi industry is one of the biggest among the unorganized sectors spread all over India, employing a large number of women and girls helping the owner to make huge projects at low cost, risk, and liabilities. A study was conducted to portray the health problems of women beedi workers.

Senthil Kumar et al., (2010), his study revealed that the Occupational Health Hazards among Women Beedi Rollers in Tamilnadu, India. The beedi industry occupies a prominent place in rural development in terms of its capacity to offer potential employment opportunities to a large number of people. For the beedi industry, Tamilnadu is one of the major hubs in India. It is estimated that around one million workers mostly women and children are employed in Beedi making. It is an arduous, labour intensive task because each beedi is rolled individually. The beedi industry is almost an unorganized sector hence even the government officials finding it difficult to enforce the various legal requirements. Apart from the other legal implications the health hazards which the women employees who are rolling the beedies are enormous. This study aims to explore the level of health hazards experienced by the woman beedi rollers in Tamilnadu. A total of 388 usable responses obtained from women beedi rollers comprising from the beedi rollers concentrated districts i.e., Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tiruchirappalli, and Vellore are used for this study. The study found that more than 70 percent of the beedi rollers suffered from the eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems while more than 50 percent of the respondents suffered from respiratory problems, mostly throat burning and cough. More than 75 percent of the respondents faced osteological problems. From the study is it understood that the health hazards level is very high. This study proposes a framework to be implemented with the Government agencies, NGOs, and Welfare organizations for the welfare of the beedi rollers.

Yasmin et al., (2010), in their comparative study conducted in Patna, India, and studied the health problems of 197 female beedi rollers to ascertain the effects of beedi rolling on health. The study found that more than 70 percent of the respondents suffered from respiratory problems including COPD and asthma, while more than 40 percent of the beedi rollers

10 suffered from the eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems and more than 25 percent of the respondents faced an osteological problem. Workers showed a significantly higher prevalence of wheezing, attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing, dyspnea, etc. Total RBC, WBC, and platelet counts and Hemoglobin levels of the beedi rollers were significantly lower in comparison to the control subjects. SGPT (ALT) enzyme concentration, a parameter of liver dysfunction was significantly higher in the beedi rollers as compared to the control group.

Thus, the study concluded that beedi rolling may cause significant health hazards, especially respiratory diseases like COPD. Nakkeeran et al., (2010) in their study conducted in the woman beedi rollers in Tamilnadu to explore the level of health hazards experienced among them. A total of 388 usable responses obtained from women beedi rollers comprising from the beedi rollers concentrated in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Tiruchirappalli and Vellore districts have taken up for study revealed that more than 60 percent of the beedi rollers suffered from respiratory problems, while more than 30 percent of the respondents suffered from the eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems mostly throat burning and cough. More than 45 percent of the respondents faced osteological problems. The study concluded that the health hazards level is very high especially respiratory diseases like COPD are more common among them.

Bharathi (2010), in his study, reveals that occupational health hazards have recently given more importance because of the increase in occupational disease. For instance, the beedi workers are affected by diseases like tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, nutritional anemia, back pain, headache, and eye irritation. It is reported that children engaged in beedi work are often subjects to respiratory infection. Beedi making inherently possesses tremendous health risks for the workers who are constantly exposed to tobacco dust and fumes. The risk is even more in the case of children both as workers and household members since the living and working places are the same for home-based workers. Two factors that cause health hazards are first, the raw materials, especially tobacco and secondly the nature of work, working conditions, and the workplace. Kumar et al., (2010), in their study reported that the women beedi workers were affected by aches and pains, coughs, giddiness, stomach related pains. The high content of nicotine and other chemicals in beedi tobacco their workers are at an extremely high risk of developing systemic illness.

Sanat Kumar Purkait et al., (2015), executed a study on "Occupational Health Hazard of Women Beedi Workers in Rural India". Beedi workers more often are the most vulnerable sector of the society and a large number of them are dependent on beedi rolling in rural India. They continue to struggle for survival despite low wages, steady exploitation by the contractors, lack of education and medical facilities, and neglect in Government policies. In India, most of the beedi workers are women who operate from their homes and are isolated from the rest of the industrial workforce, and for this reason they are an easy target for gross exploitation. Women workers tend to suffer from several occupational health problems. This study also portrays the causes and the remedial measures such as the Awareness Programme, health education, proper implementation of different schemes to mitigate the problems of the workers, etc.

Thenguzhali, T. and Veerachamy, P.(2015), in their study reveal that the study of major research works on occupational health hazards of women construction workers in the non- farm sector. These papers analyze how various hazards affect women workers in the construction industry. The studies cover major hazards like mechanical, chemical, mental, biological, and physical ones, in the field of community medicine, environmental studies, psychological, sociological, and general medicine point of view. Only a few studies have been done to incorporate the ideologies of occupational health hazards within an economic point of view. This research gap opens a new avenue of research for the study on an economic analysis of occupational health hazards in the construction industry.

According to Bagwe and Bhisey (1991) and Swami et al. (1995) in their study reveals that beedi rollers are exposed to unburnt tobacco, mainly through the continuous and nasopharyngeal routes. Ranjitsingh and Padmalatha (1995) reviewed that beedi rollers were affected by respiratory disorders, skin diseases, gastrointestinal illness, gynecological problems, limbo sacral pain and are susceptible to fungal diseases, peptic ulcer, hemorrhoids, and diarrhea. Numbness of the fingers, breathlessness, and stomach pains including cramps and gas, have also been reported in beedi rollers (Dikshit and Kanhere 2000; Mittal et al. 2008), found that postural pains, eye problems and burning sensation in the throat are common ailments in women beedi rollers. (2003) researched on the cytogenetic toxicity caused by occupational exposure to tobacco. Although several occupational health problems have been reported for the women beedi rollers, information on the effects of tobacco dust various blood parameters of beedi rollers is lacking.

Meenashi and Solomon Raj (2014) in the article "The Status of Women Beedi Workers in Tirunelveli District", Beedi industry provides employment opportunities to lakhs of people in our country, especially in rural areas. Beedi rolling is one of the major informal sector activities in India, which employs a large number of women. The Government of India estimates that there are about 4.4 million workers in this industry. Of these, the majority are home-based women workers who live under the poverty line. There is a need to improve the living and working condition as well as to promote decent employment and income opportunities for women beedi rollers. An overwhelming majority of the beedi workers roll the beedies from 700 to 1200 per day. The beedi workers both literate, as well as illiterate, have grievances about the leave wages, wages, work-load, cutting beedies, and the quality of the tendu leaves.

ManiklalAdhikary* & Chandrasekhar Hajra (2016) in his study reveals that Beedi rolling is a primary job which is a source of subsidiary occupation and supplementary income to lakhs of poor rural people at Jharkhand. Tendu leaves are collected from the forest area in all the districts of Jharkhand. In the Beedi Industry, most of the works are done by women supported by children, elderly people, and even sometimes by male members also. Women work hard, for long periods and in an exploitative framework to earn money in this industry. A cross-section study among 698 rural workers (out of which 345 are beedi workers) of Bokaro District reveals that access to education is far less among children of beedi rollers than other workers. Nature of beedi rolling job is compelling girls not to go to school but enroll their names in school register to get government benefits if any. Benefits of different welfare schemes are to be properly utilized for better attainments of Millennium Development Goals in general and access to education in Particular.

Senthilkumar N, Bharathi PS. (2010), in their study reveals that Dimension of Physical Health 28% of the women workers are having skin diseases, 32% of the women workers having an anemic problem, and 77% of the women workers having eye disorders and knee troubles. The dimension of emotional fittings reveals that 83% of the women workers are attending job when they are not physically fit. 71% of them affected by sedentary occupation which bothers mettle, 65% of the women workers don't have a relish of foodstuff when they consume it. 93% of the women workers are forced towards this work because of poverty. 97% of the women workers are not consulting doctors when they are not physically fit. According to general awareness, 92% of the women workers are not aware of nicotine, 96%

13 of them are aware that this occupation will cause cancer and Tuberculosis, 49% of them are affected by sexual Urge and 93% of them are aware that occupying children in this job might cause their education, physical health, and general welfare. More than 75% of the respondents faced osteological problems. From the study is it understood that the health hazards level is very high. This study proposes a framework to be implemented with the Government agencies, NGOs, and Welfare organizations for the welfare of the beedi rollers.

Anil Gumber (2000), in his article, "Health Care Burden on Households in the Unorganized Sector: Implication for Social Security Assistance" studied specifically addresses issues related to health security for workers in the unorganized sector. Based on a study of 1200 houses holds in the rural and urban areas, Ahmadabad revealed that it is enormous. Out-of- pocket expenditure on health care of families of the unorganized sector existing health insurance plans has filled to cover, varied expenditures incurred by households. The outreach of ESIs facilities, especially to rural insured households, in poor. Low-income families have strongly urged the need for health insurance coverage for hospitalization and select OPD considered in developing a low-cost health insurance scheme. His study called for educating the rural and urban households on the aspects of insurance.

HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS RELATED REVIEW ON INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Muralidharan Nambiar (2015) did a study on "Health Hazards among Beedi Rollers in North Malabar". Beedi manufacturing the traditional agroforest based industry in India is highly labour intensive. The beedi rolling is generally done by women from poor socio- economic strata. The beedi industry at the beginning is generally located in the unorganized sector. Even though beedi rolling began in the factory sector during the early 20th century by the last three decades this system has increasingly shifted from factory to household work. In this circumstance, the production is widely dispersed and it is undertaken by a chain of contractors and there is no employer-employee relationship existing. This study is mainly focusing on the study of the origin and expansion of the beedi industry in North Malabar, the study of the commonly seeing occupational health problems among the beedi rollers and study of how far the globalization policies affect this industry and worsened the occupational safety and health of beedi rollers. .

J.K. Singh, S.V.S. Rana, N. Mishra (2014), revealed that the occupationally related health problems among women beedi rollers in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand region, India. Beedi rolling is a serious occupational health hazard as these workers are constantly exposed to tobacco dust, fumes, and other dangerous chemicals vi., nitrosamines, and nicotine which are readily absorbed by the body through the skin, respiratory epithelium and mucous covering of mouth, nose, and intestine. Exposure to tobacco dust is known to affect the respiratory tracts in humans. This study revealed that women beedi rollers face numerous health problems possibly due to the direct inhalation of tobacco flakes. This study included 216 females (mean age 39.17 ± 11.95 Years) actively involved in beedi rolling to ascertain the effect of beedi rolling on health. The study found that the majority of the respondents complained of problems i.e. joint pain, eye problems, Nervous and skin diseases. Increased systemic exposure to tobacco constituents was evident from the high levels of creatine in urine samples. Thus beedi rolling causes serious health problems in women.

Swaminathan,(2012) stated that Beedi workers in India, the third largest component of the workforce in India after agricultural workers and textile workers, live and work in conditions of poverty and exploitation. Rolling beedi, an indigenous, handmade cigarette, has provided employed for millions of Indians (Mehra-Kerpelman, 2007). Beedi rolling is a popular small- scale industry in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand region, India. It is an arduous, labour intensive task because each beedi is rolled individually. Beedi rolling is done by women and girls sitting at home and is regarded as primarily women's work. Yasmin et al. (2010) reported that more than 70% of the beedi rollers suffered from the eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems while more than 50% of the respondents suffered from respiratory problems, mostly throat burning and cough. More than 75% of the respondents faced astrological problems.

Sudina et al., (2015), in their study reveals that beedi rolling is the major occupation of the women and children residing in many villages in the country employing about 4.2 million beedi workers with the highest number in Madhya Pradesh (18.3%), followed by Andhra Pradesh (14.4%) and Tamil Nadu(13.8%). The beedi workers' welfare fund consists of a combination of schemes to improve the living conditions of beedi workers and their families. The study aimed at identifying awareness regarding these benefits among the beedi workers of the selected villages in Karnataka. The descriptive study design was carried out among conveniently selected two hundred women between 20 to 70 years of age. The awareness of

15 medical and social benefits was measured by a structured knowledge questionnaire. Among these 200 beedi workers, 67.5 percent had average awareness and 32.5 percent poor awareness on the available benefits. There was a statistically significant association found between the knowledge score and the age of the women (χ2 =9.204, p = 0.01). Lack of awareness on the available benefits reduces the utilization by the beedi workers making them vulnerable to exploitation. This ignorance also affects their health and quality of life. Imparting knowledge is imperative so that their quality of life can be improved.

ShahlaYasmin and BasriAfroz etc., (2010), the study revealed that the health problems of 197 female beedi rollers in Patna, Bihar, India to ascertain the effects of beedi rolling on health. The study found that more than 70% of the beedi rollers suffered from the eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems while more than 50% of the respondents suffered from respiratory problems, mostly throat burning and cough. More than 75% of the respondents faced astrological problems. Total RBC, WBC and platelet counts of the beedi rollers were significantly lower in comparison to the control subjects. Differential leucocytes count showed significantly risen lymphocytes and eosinophils and lowered neutrophils and monocytes in the beedi rollers as compared to the control group. Hemoglobin levels were lower among beedi rollers compared to the control group. SGPT (ALT) enzyme concentration, a parameter of liver dysfunction was significantly higher in the beedi rollers as compared to the control group. Thus, the study concluded that beedi rolling may cause significant health hazards. . Rupali V Sabale, Shobha, etc. (2012), Studies have been conducted on beedi workers but not many studies are carried out in urban areas. Thus, the study was carried out to understand the working condition and health hazards .in beedi workers residing in the urban slums of Mumbai and to know whether the beedi roller is in better condition in urban areas. The mean age was 45 years with SD of 12 years. All were Hindu females. Around 42.31% were illiterate. The mean years of service were 30 years and they work on an average for eight hours. Children were not involved in beedi rolling. The most common morbidity was fatigue. None were aware of the benefits provided for them. Awareness regarding health hazards and safety measures was poor. The working condition of beedi rollers in urban areas is not favorable.

DivyaHegde, Priya Kamath (2014), the study revealed that the health status of the beedi rollers could be relatively poorer when compared to that of non-exposed individuals. Adding to the above problems are factors like poor nutrition and illiteracy indirectly leading to further deterioration of health. The socio-economic aspect of the beedi rollers revealed that most beedi worker families earn about $6.40 per 7-day work week, leaving them below the poverty line. Who toil long hours in toxic environments. A single woman on an average rolls 1000 beedies per day, using around 500 grams of tobacco flake. A beedi roller may in the process inhale tobacco dust and other volatile components. 1,2 India tops in beedi consumption, followed by other Southeast Asian countries.6 Beedis are also exported to western countries where they are marketed in various flavors and are popular among middle school and high school students. The popular belief among teenagers in the west is that beedi is herbal and hence cannot cause cancer.

Sudina M, Ansuya, Alma Juliet Lakra (2015), the revealed that Beedi rolling is the major occupation of the women and children residing in many villages in the country employing about 4.2 million beedi workers with the highest number in Madhya Pradesh (18.3%), followed by Andhra Pradesh (14.4%) and Tamil Nadu(13.8%). The beedi workers' welfare fund consists of a combination of schemes to improve the living conditions of beedi workers and their families. The study aimed at identifying awareness regarding these benefits among the beedi workers of the selected villages in Karnataka. Among these 200 beedi workers, 67.5 percent had average awareness and 32.5 percent poor awareness on the available benefits. This ignorance also affects their health and quality of life. Imparting knowledge is imperative so that their quality of life

Chapter –III Research Methodology

INTRODUCTION

This chapter attempts to discuss the methods of data collected statistical techniques used to understand the over status of women beedi workers' health problems in particular deprived groups in groups of the Mukkudal town panchayat in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu.

OBJECTIVES

• To find out the socio-economic conditions of the women beedi workers in the study area. • To determine the health problems difficulties faced by the beedi workers. • To find out the common diseases and health issues caused by beedi workers. • To recognize to assess the awareness regarding benefits among beedi workers by using a structured knowledge questionnaire regarding benefits. • Find the association between awareness score and demographic variables such as age, education, marital status, type of family, family income and work experience and causes of various diseases. • To analyze the various welfare programs implemented for the betterment of women beedi workers.

Table 3.1 POPULATION STATISTICS IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

Population 2011 Population 2001

District Total persons Male Female persons Male Female Rural/Urban Tirunelveli Rural 3072880 1518595 1554285 2703492 1323882 1379610

Urban 1552235 765687 786548 1395246 678740 716506 Mukkudal Town 14983 7274 7709 13955 6788 7167 Total 1520645 752908 767737 1308246 645142 663104

Source: www.tn.gov.in/usefullinks/links-state.htm

From this Table 3.1, it is clear that the total urban population of Tirunelveli district is 1520645 with the female population as 767737 in 2011 and the total urban population of Tirunelveli district is 1308246 with the female population as 663104 in 2001. Whereas, the total rural population of Tirunelveli district is 1552235 with the female population as 786548 in 2011 and the rural population of Tirunelveli district as per Census of India (2011): District Census Handbook, Tirunelveli is 1395246 with the female population as 716506. Out of the total populace, males are 1518595 and females 1554285 as per the 2011 census.

PILOT STUDY The prepared interview schedule is used for the pilot study to understand the practicability of the tool in the field. It leads to reverse, delete or modify to enhance the potential of the tool. Accordingly, five questions are deleted, two questions are modified, and some questions are ordered. Thus the pilot study gives the opportunity for the researchers to frame the effective tool for the research.

Table 3.2 STATE-WISE NO.OF IDENTIFIED BEEDI WORKERS IN INDIA

State No. of Beedi Identity cards Workers issued Andhra Pradesh 6,25,000 5,18,954 Madhya Pradesh 7,50,000 6,92,014

Uttar Pradesh 4,50,000 2,39672 Tamil Nadu 6,21,000 6,04,949 West Bengal 4,97,758 4,97,758 Chhattisgarh 25,000 24800 Maharashtra 2,56,000 2,02,435 Rajasthan 1.00,000 70,930 Gujarat 50,000 48,396 Jharkhand 1,14,000 1,02,474 Assam 7,725 5.791 Bihar 3,,91,500 2,44,847 Tripura 5,000 4814 Karnataka 3,60,376 2,98,395 Kerala 1, 36, 416 1,12,887 Orissa 1,60,000 1,47,274 Total 4,550,275 3,816,390

*Source: Annual report 2000-2001Miniter of labour

SAMPLING PROCEDURE AND SELECTION OF RESPONDENTS

Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu was the universe of the study which consists of 11 taluks and 19 blocks. Tirunelveli district has 38 town panchayats and 559 revenue villages. Mukkudal is one of the town panchayat. The list of women beedi workers of the town (i.e., the respondents) has been obtained from the office of the Inspector of Labour at Palayamkottai. The list shows that the Palayamkottai taluk, mukkudal town panchayat has a population of 14,983 beedi workers out of which women beedi workers is numbered 7709. The town panchayat of Mukkudal has 4000 women beedi workers, among which 400 respondents were selected by purposive random sampling technique used for this study.

Table 3.3 SAMPLING PROCEDURE AND SELECTION OF RESPONDENTS

Beedi workers in Palayamkottai Women beedi workers in Sample Taluk Mukkudal Town Panchayat Respondents Women population Women population Tirunelveli 786548 9000 7,709 4000 400 Mukkudal Total 786548 7709 4000 400

Fig. 3.1. Area of the Study

ABOUT THE AREA (MUKKUDAL)

The beedi workers area survey study taken by the researcher is the Mukkudal Town panchayat Tirunelveli district under Tamilnadu state. Here, most of the peoples are engaged as beedi workers. Purposive Sampling Techniques has been adopted to select the study area for the present research. Purposive Sample means that instances appropriately selected to answer different evaluation questions, on various systematic bases, such as best or worst practices, a judgmental sample. If this sampling method conducted systematically, it can be widely used for a successful evaluation. The present study is based on the primary data collected as a sample from individual women beedi workers in the village, from the Tirunelveli district.

Mukkudal is a Town Panchayat city in the district of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The Mukkudal city is divided into 15 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Mukkudal Town Panchayat has a population of 14,983 of which 7,274 are males while 7,709 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.

The population of Children age 0-6 is 1664 which is 11.11 % of the total population of Mukkudal (TP). In Mukkudal Town Panchayat, the Female Sex Ratio is 1060 against a state average of 996. Moreover, the Child Sex Ratio in Mukkudal is around 951 compared to the Tamilnadu state average of 943. The literacy rate of Mukkudal city is 88.15 % higher than the state average of 80.09 %. In Mukkudal, Male literacy is around 93.80 % while the female literacy rate is 82.89 %.

Mukkudal Town Panchayat has total administration over 4,137 houses to which it supplies basic amenities like water and sewerage. It is also authorized to build roads within Town Panchayat limits and impose taxes on properties coming under its jurisdiction. Mukkudal is a Town Panchayat city in the district of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The Mukkudal city is divided into 15 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. The Mukkudal Town Panchayat has a population of 14,983 of which 7,274 are males while 7,709 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.

DIAGRAM 3.1

Purposive Sampling Techniques Adopted in the Study

Tamilnadu (34 Districts)

Tirunelveli District

Mukkudal Town Panchayat

(400 Respondents)

DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH TOOLS

The present research is based on the survey method, which is required to formulate a research tool for collecting feasible data. The investigator studied several reviews (reports, journals, books, etc.,) and constructed the tool based on the previous related studies and literature. Then, the investigator constructed a proper interview schedule based on the selected concepts and variables. The study subjects were interviewed and filled for the subject, which included details about their age, educational qualification, monthly income and health problems faced by them. Hence the sample size for this study is 400. For this research purposive random sampling and justified sampling methods are adopted. The questions are prepared with the aid of literature and consultation with safety experts and doctors. The safety experts' and doctors' opinions were taken in to account based on their remarks. Some questions were recorded, modified and eliminated.

SCALING AND SCORING TECHNIQUES

The investigator gave five-point scaling techniques such as: Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree The procedure is as follows for the response, "Strongly agree" a score of 5 is given, for the response "Agree" a score of 4 is given, for the response " Neutral" a score of 3 is given for the response "Disagree" a score of 2 is given, for the response "Strongly disagree" a score of 1 is given. These scores are added and converted into a percentage score.

DATA COLLECTION

Data collection means using a written document describing the specific procedures to be used to gather evaluation information or data. The document describes who collects the information, when and where it is collected, and how it is obtained. The present study is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected by using an interview schedule form the 400 selected respondents in the study area. As a first step in conducting personal interviews, the researcher personally visited the houses, where the women engaged in beedi making process like rolling, labeling, etc., the purpose of the study was also explained to them and the investigator gives assurances of the information given by them, which will be used only for the research purpose. The interviews were conducted only with the women beedi workers. It took nearly 20 days to complete the data collection. It was done during February of 1st to 20. The investigator herself met all the respondents from the selected Mukkudal panchayat and collected data.

STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES APPLIED

After the collection, the data are edited as the first step towards further processing of classification. The data are collected from the study area were duly classified and tabulated for statistical techniques. After receiving the responses from women beedi workers from the study area, the task of data SPSS analysis and its interpretation is done. The collected data were statically analyzed and interpreted by using statistical tools like percentage and scoring of the questionnaire’s and hypotheses were tested. The find out the Mean medium of the percentage, and weighted average score, bie, bar diagrams also used to find out the variation for testing the hypothesis in this study.

Mean Mean was calculated by the formula

fd X = A + ------C N

Where X = Arithmetic Mean L = Length of the class interval F = Frequency N = Total frequency D = Deviation of the midpoint of different class intervals from assumed mean

Standard Deviation

Standard deviation was calculated by the following formula

fd² fd ² SD = –––– – ––– C N N

Where C = Length of the Class Interval F = Frequency N = Total frequency D = Deviation of the midpoint of different class intervals from assumed mean

Chapter- IV

Socio-Demographic Characteristic and Health Status of Women Beedi Workers

INTRODUCTION

The present study deals with the analysis and interpretation of the collected data on the problem of study based on the health status women beedi workers area, the primary data of the present study were collected from 4000 respondents at one panchayat in Mukkudal town panchayat of Tirunelveli district in Tamilnadu .the collected data were analyzed by using statistical tools. The classified data is quantitatively analyzed for framing interpretation between the dependent and independent variables of the study. The analyzed data are presented.

Table No.4.1 Distribution of the Respondents according to their Age Group

S.No. Age Group ( in years) No. of Respondents Percentage 1. 15- 25 Age Group 18 4.5 2. 26 – 35 Age Group 71 17.8 3. 36 – 45 Age Group 108 27.0 4. 46 and above Age Group 203 50.8 Total 400 100.0

250

203 200

150 108 100 No. of Respondents 71 50.8 % Percentage 50 27% 18 17.8% 4.5% 0 15- 25 Age 26 – 35 Age 36 – 45 Age 46 and Group Group Group above Age Group

Diagram- 4.1 Age Group of the Respondents The table 4-1 show that the majority half of the total of the respondents (50.8%) belongs to the age group of 46 and above age group, 27.0 percent are in the age group of 35-45 46 age groups, 17.8 percent are in the age group of 26 – 35 age groups in women beedi workers and remaining 4.5 percent of the respondents are under the age 15- 25 age groups.

Table – 4.2 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Religions

S.No. Particulars No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Hindu 387 96.8 2 Christian 12 3.0 3 Muslim 1 0.3 Total 400 100.0

Table – 4.2 the religion-wise segregated Beedi workers. Workers fall under three religious groups namely Christians, Muslims and Hindus. Percent of Christian workers, Hindu workers, and Muslim workers is given in this table. Among the 400 beedi workers taken for scrutinizing, major workers are Hindus.96.8 percent of beedi workers are Hindus. There are 387 Hindu beedi workers. Percent of Christian beedi workers and Muslim beedi workers is very less. Only 12 beedi workers are Christian (3.0 percent). There is only one Muslim beedi worker; hence the percent of Muslim beedi workers is only 0.3 percent.

Table 4.3 Distribution of the Respondents According to their caste wise

S.No. Particulars No. of Respondents Percentage

1 BC 276 69.0 2 MBC 21 5.3 3 SC 103 25.8 Total 400 100.0

Table 4.3 exposes the percent of caste wise divided beedi workers. As per their caste, the beedi workers are divided into three divisions namely, Beedi workers under the BC caste category, MBC category, and SC category. Maximum beedi workers fall under the BC caste category. 69.0 percent beedi workers (276 workers) belong to the BC category. Next, there are 25.8 percent SC category workers. 103 workers fall under the SC caste category. Beedi workers under the MBC caste category are very less. Only 5.3 percent of beedi workers are under this caste category. Only 21 beedi workers are under the MBC category.

Table 4.4 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Education Qualification

S.No. Education Qualification No. of Respondents Percentage 1 Illiterates 116 29.0 2 1-5 Std 145 36.3 3 6-8 Std 76 19.0 4 9-12 Std 57 14.3 5 UG Degree & Above 6 1.5 Total 400 100.0

Education of the Respodents

160 145

140 116 120

100 76 80 57 60 40 36.3% 20 29 % 6 19 % 14.3% 1.5% 0 Illiterates 1-5 Std 6-8 Std 9-12 Std UG Degree & Above

No. of Respondents Percentage

Diagram- 4-2. Educational Qualifications

Table 4.4 Relying on their educational qualification of Maximum beedi workers educated up to 5th standard. 36.3 percent of beedi workers come under the 1-5 std educated group (145 respondents). Next, come the beedi workers who are illiterates. These workers are of 29.0 percent (116 workers). Beedi workers educated 6-8 standards and 9-12 standards are of average level. These workers are 19.0 and 14.3 percent respectively. Beedi workers those who are better educated with UG degree and above are very less. Only 6 workers (1.5 percent) are educated up to UG degree & above level.

Table 4.5 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Marital Status

S.No. Marital Status No. of Respondents Percentage 1 Married 318 79.5 2 Unmarried 10 2.5 3 Widow 71 17.8 4 Divorce 1 .3 Total 400 100.0

Table 4.5 exposes the percent of marital status wise divided beedi workers. As per their marital status, the beedi workers are divided into four divisions namely, Beedi workers those who are married, unmarried workers, Divorcee, and Widows. Maximum beedi workers are married. 79.5 percent of beedi workers (318 workers) are married. Next, there is 17.8 percent of widow workers. 71 workers are widows. Unmarried Beedi workers are less. Only 2.5 percent of beedi workers are unmarried. Only one beedi worker is a divorcee. Hence percent of beedi workers are of .3 percent.

Table 4-6 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Nature of family

S.No. Nature of family No. of Respondents Percentage 1 Nuclear Family 308 77.0 2 Joint Family 87 21.8 3 Lonely 5 1.3 Total 400 100.0

350 308 300

250

200 No. of Respondents 150 Percentage 87 100 77%

50 21.8% 5 1.3% 0 Nuclear Joint Family Lonely Family

Diagram: 4.3 Nature of the family

Table 4.6 this table family type-wise segregated Beedi workers. Workers fall under three groups relying on their family type namely Nuclear family, Joint family and Respondents living lonely. Percent of workers living in a nuclear family, joint family and loneliness are given in this table. Among the 400 beedi workers taken for scrutinizing, Major workers are in the Nuclear family. 77.0 percent of beedi workers are under a nuclear family. There are 308 beedi workers in the nuclear family. Percent of joint family beedi workers are of 21.8 percent (87 workers). Only 5 beedi workers are living lonely (1.3 percent).

Table -4.7 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Monthly Income of Family

S.No. Monthly Income of Family No. of Respondents Percentage 1 1000-5000 379 94.8 2 5001-10000 18 5 4 10001` & above 2 .1 Total 400 100.0

Monthly income of the Respondents

5001-10000 10001& above 5% -1%

1000-5000 95%

Diagram- 4.4 Monthly Incomes of the Respondents

Table 4.7 this table shows that relying on their monthly income of Maximum beedi workers earn the very least income of 1000-5000 per month. 94.8 percent of beedi workers come under the monthly income group of 1000-5000 (379 respondents). Beedi workers earning 5001-10001 are less. These workers are of 4.5 percent (18 workers). Beedi workers earning the monthly income of 10001-15000 and 15000 and above are very less. These workers are of only .5 and .3 percent respectively. 2 workers alone have 15000 and above monthly income and only one worker earns 10001 -15000 per month.

Table 4.8 Distribution of the Respondents According to their many years are you doing this beedi work

How many years are you doing S.No. this beedi work No. of Respondents Percentage

1 1-15 year 135 33.8 2 16-25 year 106 26.5 3 26-35 year 79 19.8 4 36- 45 year 51 12.8 5. 46 and above 29 7.2 Total 400 100.0

Respondents of the years doing this beedi work

36- 45 years 46 and above 51(12.8%) 29 (7%) 1-15 years 135 (33.8%)

16-25 years 26-35 years 106 (26.5%) 79(19.8%)

Diagram- 4.5 How many years are you doing this beedi work

The Table –4-8 state that, the majority 33.8 percentage of the respondents 1-15 years doing this beedi work, 26.5 percentages of the respondents 16-25 doing beedi work. 19.8 percent of the respondent’s beedi work 26- 35 years working. 12. 8 percent of the respondents 36 – 45years doing this beedi work only 7.2 of the respondents 46 and above doing this work.

I. HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS: 5. Strongly agree 4. Agree 3. Neutral 2. Disagree 1. Neither agree nor Disagree

Table 4.9 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Beedi Workers Opinion on their Health Status

Weighted SI.No. Name of variables Average Result Score 11. Are you do this work with your own interest? 4.21 Agree

Is this beedi work (job) is satisfied to your husband/ 12. 4.11 Agree father and other family members? Are do this Beedi work along with the housekeeping 13. 4.42 Agree work? Did you concentrate on your health (husband/wife) 14. 3.81 Agree after marriage? 15. Did your children’s doing this Beedi work? 2.00 Disagree 16. Did you like your children’s doing this beedi work? 1.65 Disagree Doing this beedi work, is any diseases affected your 17. 1.97 Disagree children or husband? Did you affected by any skin diseases because of 18. 2.25 Disagree doing this beedi work? Did you feel a healthy body condition while doing this Neither Agree 19 2.88 beedi work? Nor Disagree Neither Agree 20. Did you feel tiredness during the beedi working time? 3.31 Nor Disagree Is there is any problem while walking? Neither Agree 21. 3.18 Nor Disagree Neither Agree 22. Are you having any sinus problem? 2.69 Nor Disagree Neither Agree 23. Is there any difficulty while eating food? 2.52 Nor Disagree Is there any health problem for the women’s in your 24. 2.34 Disagree family? Did you feel shoulder pain or back pain while doing 25. 3.55 Agree the beedi work for long time? 26. Are you having any menstruation problem? 2.30 Disagree 27. Is there any problem during the pregnancy time? 2.12 Disagree

Table 4.9 Table deals with the beedi workers opinion on their health status attained after indulging in beedi work. Major workers have agreed that they are doing beedi work along with their housekeeping work, doing beedi work under their interest, their work is done under the satisfaction of their family members and they also agree that they concentrate on their health after marriage. At the same time, major respondents agreed that their long time beedi work brings out shoulder pain or back pain. Hence the received weighted average scores are high respectively, 4.42, 4.21, 4.11, 3.81 and 3.55. Respondents have disagreed that beedi work doesn't bring any sort of health problem for women in their family (weighted average score=2.34), menstruation problem (weighted average score=2.30), pregnancy time problem (weighted average score=2.12) and skin diseases (weighted average score=2.25). Few workers disagreed that they never wish their children to do beedi work (weighted average score=1.65) and their children are not doing any sort of beedi work (weighted average score=2.00). Several respondents disagreed that their husband and children don't have any disturbances or diseases due to their beedi work (weighted average score=1.97). In the case of the emergence of Health conditions and problems, walking problems, sinus problems, tiredness and eating difficulty because of beedi work, the respondents can neither agree nor disagree with the fact.

Table – 4.10 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Doctor Consultation about the Diseases

Having any doctor S.No. consultation about the No. of Respondents Percentage diseases 1 Yes 194 48.5 2 No 206 51.5 Total 400 100.0

Table 4.10 reveals the percent of beedi workers having doctor consultation about the diseases and beedi workers without any doctor consultation about the diseases. Among the total of 400 beedi workers, more than half of the workers don't have any sort of doctor consultation. 206 workers are out of doctor consultation for diseases. Meanwhile, 48.5 percent of beedi workers (194 workers) consult a doctor for diseases.

Table 4.11 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Continuous Medical Treatment

S.No. Particulars No. of Respondents Percentage 1 Yes 263 65.8 2 No 137 34.2 Total 400 100.0

Table4.11. Percent of workers having continuous medical treatment for their diseases and percent of workers without any continuous medical treatment for diseases is revealed in this table. Maximum workers have continuous medical treatment for their diseases. Beedi workers having continuous medical treatment for their diseases are of 65.8 percent (263 workers). Workers without any continuous medical treatment for diseases are less. Only 137 workers (34.2 percent) are not having any continuous medical treatment for their diseases.

Table 4.12. Distribution of the Respondents According to their without knowing the Disease

S.No. Particulars No. of Respondents Percentage 1 Yes 286 71.5 2 No 114 28.5 Total 400 100.0

Table 4.12 this table deals with without knowing the duration of their disease and its initiative period. Amidst of the 400 total beedi workers, utmost workers are aware of the starting period of their disease that how long they are suffering from that disease. 71.5 percent of workers (286 workers) know how long they are suffering from their disease. Workers who are unaware of their disease period are very less. Only 28.5 percent of respondents (114 workers) are under the category of those who don't know the period they are suffering out of disease.

Table 4.13 Distributions of the Respondents According to their Good Health and Completely Recovered

S.No. Particulars No. of Respondents Percentage 1 Yes 289 72.2 2 No 111 27.8 Total 400 100.0

Table 4.13 the table consists of respondents those who are with good health and completely recovered from their disease after treatment and workers with health problem even after treatment. Out of 400 workers 289 workers taking the major percent of 72.2 suffered from health problems though they got treatment. Workers with good body condition after treatment are very less. Only 27.8 percent of workers (111 workers) is completely recovered after treatment and have a good health condition.

Table 4.14 Distribution of the Respondents According to their received others' advice about stopping

Is anybody advice to stop the S.No. No. of Respondents Percentage beedi work 1 Yes 321 80.3 2 No 79 19.7 Total 400 100.0

Table4.14. the table depicts the percent of workers received others' advice about stopping beedi work and percent of workers those who yet not received any sort of advice about stopping beedi work. Amongst 400 beedi workers taken for analysis, more than half of the total workers received advice from others to stop beedi work. These workers are of 80.3 percent (321 workers). Only 19.7 percent of workers (79 workers) are away from others' advice related to quitting beedi work.

Table 4.15 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Receive Efficient Salary

Did you receive efficient S.No. salary for doing this beedi No. of Respondents Percentage work 1 Yes 184 46.0 2 No 216 54.0 Total 400 100.0

Table 4.15 exhibits the percent of workers considering their salary as efficient for their beedi work and percent of workers dissatisfied with their salary for their work. More than half of the total workers are dissatisfied with the salary that they receive. They consider that their salary is inefficient while comparing their work. These workers are of 54.0 percent (216 workers). There is no much difference between the respondents who feel satisfied and workers dissatisfied with their salary. 46.0 percent of workers (184 workers) are satisfied with the salary that they receive and they think that their salary is worth their work.

Table.4.16 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Beedi Workers Health

No. of S.No. Percentage Particulars Respondents Total

Yes No Yes No If anybody in your family affected 1. 330 70 82.5 17.5 100.0 by the dangerous diseases 2. Nature of diseases 303 97 75.8 24.2 100.0 If yes, who is affected by this 3. 320 80 80.0 20.0 100.0 diseases in your family Is the affected respondent getting 4. any medical allowances for the 319 81 79.8 20.2 100.0 disease  Multiple Responses

Table 4.16 indicates that, the workers having victims and without any victims of dangerous diseases in their families. Here percent of these workers are calculated. Being pathetic; utmost workers have victims of dangerous diseases in their families. These workers are of 82.5 percent (330 workers). Only 17.5 percent of workers are out of danger. They don't have any victims of dangerous diseases in their families. There are 70 workers under this category.

Among the total 400 workers, most of the workers in the highest percent of 75.8 are aware of their disease's status. In the same case, 24.2 percent of workers are unaware of their disease status. Only 97 workers don't know the status of their disease.

It is deals with the percent of workers aware of the victim who are unaware of the victim of the dangerous disease in their Major workers know the person affected by the disease in their family. 80.0 percent of workers (320 workers) are aware of the victim of the disease in their families. But 20.0 percent of workers (80 workers) don't know the victim. They are unaware of the affected person in their family.

Maximum respondents' family member those who is affected by dangerous disease receive medical allowances for the disease. 319 workers accepted that the victims of dangerous diseases in their family get medical allowances. Only 20.2 percent (81 respondents) respondents' affected family member didn't receive any sort of medical allowances for their disease.

Tables 4.17 Distribution of the Respondents According to their victim in their family being affected by the Dangerous Disease

Family Relationship between them ?a. Mother b. Father S.No. c. Husband d. Brother e. No. of Respondents Percentage Sister f. Children’s g. Respondent 1 Mother 249 62.3 2 Father 69 17.3 3 Husband 10 2.5 4 Brother 8 2.0 5 Sister 1 .3 6 Children 27 6.8 7 Respondent 36 9.0 Total 400 100.0

Tables 4.17 as per the victim in their family being affected and major Beedi workers' mother is affected by the dangerous disease. Nearly 62.3 percent of workers have their mother as a victim of a dangerous disease. Next to the mother, major respondents' father is being affected by the dangerous disease. These workers are of 17.3 percent. In the third place stand the respondents who are themselves affected by the dangerous disease. These self-affected respondents are of 9.0 percent (36 respondents). 6.8 percent of beedi workers' children are affected by dangerous diseases. Respondents having an affected husband are of 2.5 percent. 2.0 percent of respondents have their brothers as the victim of a dangerous disease. Respondents having their sisters being affected by the dangerous disease are very less. They are only .3 percent.

Differentiate the types of Diseases.

The following tables consist of percent of beedi workers affected by various diseases such as breathing problems, Asthma, Cancer, Leg pain, Spinal cord pain, cough, stress, piles, eye problems, Back pain, dysentery, Lung diseases, Blood vomiting and Hand stroking others diseases.

Table 4.18 Table consists of percent of Beedi Workers Affected by the following Diseases and workers being unaffected

S.No. Particulars No. of Respondents (%) Total Yes (%) NO (%) • Breathing problem 76 19.0 324 81.0 100.0 • Back pain 201 50.2 199 49.8 100.0 • Spinal Cord pain 171 42.8 229 57.2 100.0 • Cancer 13 3.3 387 96.7 100.0 • Piles 4 1.0 396 99.0 100.0 • Asthma 31 7.8 369 92.2 100.0 • Cough 120 30.0 280 70.0 100.0 • Leg Pain 151 37.8 249 62.2 100.0 • Blood Vomiting 5 1.3 395 98.7 100.0 • Stress 40 360 10.0 90.0 100.0 • Lung diseases 20 380 5.0 95.0 100.0 • Eyes problem 99 24.8 301 75.2 100.0 • Dysentery 35 8.8 365 91.2 100.0 • Hand stroking 98 24.5 302 75.5 100.0 • Others 73 18.3 327 81.7 100.0 * Multiple Responses

Table 4.18 Beedi workers affected by breathing problems are very less. Only 19.0 percent of total workers are affected by the breathing problem. Most of the workers (81.0 percent of workers) are out of breathing problems. 324 workers answered that they are not affected by any sort of breathing problems.

Back pain problem is very high among the beedi workers. More than half of the total workers by 50.2 percent (201 workers) are affected by back pain. Workers without back pain problems are of 49.8 percent.

Beedi workers affected by Spinal Cord Pain are less than the unaffected. 42.8 percent of total workers are affected by Spinal Card Pain. Most of the workers (57.2 percent of workers) are out of Spinal Cord Pain. 229 workers answered that they are not affected by Spinal Card Pain.

Beedi workers affected by cancer are very less. Only 3.3 percent of beedi workers taken here are affected by cancer whereas 96.7 percent of remaining workers are not having cancer. 387 workers are unaffected by cancer.

Beedi workers affected by Piles are very less. Only 1.0 percent of workers are affected by Piles. The rest of the workers, in the highest percent of 99.0 (396 workers) are not affected by Piles.

Asthma affected workers are also very less among the beedi workers. 7.8 percent of workers (31 workers) are feeling stressed. The rest of the workers (369 workers) holding a major percent of 92.2 don't have asthma. Beedi workers affected by Cough are less. 30 percent of workers are affected by Cough. The rest of the workers, in the highest percent of 70.0 (280 workers) are not affected by cough.

Leg pain is uncommon among the workers. 37.8 percent of workers are having leg pain. These workers with leg pain are 151 in numbers. 62.2 percent of workers don't have any leg pain. Workers being unaffected by leg pain are 249 in numbers. Blood Vomiting is also very less among the beedi workers. Only 1.3 percent of workers (5 workers) are having Blood Vomiting. The rest of the workers (395 workers) holding a major percent of 98.7 are not having Blood Vomiting.

Stress is also very less among the beedi workers. They don't feel much stress in their work. 10 percent of workers (40 workers) are feeling stressed. The rest of the workers (360 workers) holding a major percent of 90.0 are out of stress. They exist in peace. Only very least percent of workers are affected by lung diseases. 5.0 percent of workers have lung diseases whereas 95.0 percent of remaining workers don't have lung diseases. Hence 20 workers have lung diseases and 380 workers are out of lung diseases.

On the whole, only 24.8 percent of workers (99 workers) are having eye problems. Rest 75.2 percent of workers are not having any sort of eye problems. 301 workers don't have any eye problems. Among the total workers, utmost workers are not affected by dysentery whereas only 8.8 percent of workers are suffering from dysentery.91.2 percent of workers are not exposed to dysentery. Here only 35 workers are affected by dysentery and 3665 workers are not affected by dysentery.

Workers suffering from hand stroking are less. 24.5 percent of workers are affected by hand stroking. These workers are 98 in numbers. 302 workers are being unaffected by hand stroking disease. Maximum workers are unaffected by hand stroking. Beedi workers suffering from other diseases than the listed diseases are very less. Only 18.3 percent of workers are affected by other diseases (73 workers). 81.7 percent of workers are not affected by any other diseases.

Some of the Respondents Affected Diseases

Others 18.3 Breathing % problem 19% Dysentery Hand stroking 8.8% 24.5% Back pain 50.2%

Eyes problem 24.8%

Lungs diseases Spinal card pain 5% Stress 10% 42.8%

Blood Vomiting 1.3% Leg Pain 37.8% Cancer Cough 3.3% 30% files 1% Asthma 7.8%

Diagram- 4.6 Some of the Respondents Affected Diseases

Table 4.19 Distribution of the Respondents According to their Children’s Receiving the Educational Scholarship

Did your children’s receiving the No. of S.No. Educational scholarship for the Beedi Percentage Respondents work 1 Yes 273 68.25 2 No 127 31.75 Total 400 100.0

In this table 4-19 Percent of workers whose children get educational scholarship and percent of workers whose children didn't receive any sort of educational scholarship are listed in the table. Children of Maximum number of total workers receive educational scholarship. 68.25 percent workers’ children are getting educational scholarship. Children of 31.75 percent workers didn’t get any educational scholarship (127 workers).

Chapter -V

Summary, Findings, Results and Discussion

INTRODUCTION

The beedi industry in Tamilnadu is 95 years old, though it came to be established here, much later than the rest of India. Several companies have been engaged in the production of beedi on a large scale. Beedi rolling is the major influencing part of the overall rural economic development of our country even today. Beedi rolling contributes to being the major part of the livelihood of the total working population of the country. In Tirunelveli, beedi industries are located in Mukkudal, Melapalayam, Ambasamuthiram Alangulam, Pavoorchatram, Surandai, and Tenkasi. The above discussion of literature points out that most of the studies pertaining to occupational health hazards are studies related to develop and developing countries. Hence, the present study deals with the status of women beedi workers in the Tirunelveli district. The studies have also enlightened the researcher on the concepts, data, and methodology relevant to this research. The review of the earlier studies and other similar studies enabled the researcher to identify the fact that no comprehensive study has been made so far to assess the status of women beedi workers at the district level. From the foregoing section on the profile of the study area, it is clear that the majority of the people Mukkudal town panchayat earn their income through beedi work. Further, the poverty in the Tirunelveli district is estimated to be at 28.60 percent. Generally, urban poverty is lower than the rural poverty in the Tirunelveli district. Awareness regarding health hazards and safety methods are poor. Since the working condition of the beedi workers is unfavorable. The present study seeks to analyze the status health of women beedi workers in Mukkudal, Tirunelveli district.

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Beedi work was found to be by and large female-dominated especially in the rolling of beedi and blending of tobacco. The All India Beedi, Cigar, and Tobacco Workers Federation estimation comprise 90 to 95 percent of total employees in beedi manufacture. They are primarily beedi rollers and typically operate from homes. In the present investigation women beedi rollers who work are confined in unventilated houses under poor sanitary and hygienic conditions, predispose chronic inhalation of tobacco dust, and accompanying biohazards. Hence studying the health dimensions of home-based beedi women workers is important. Therefore, the researcher takes the venture to study the health status of the women Beedi workers in Mukkudal.

Still, anyone can identify a few gaps in the previous studies or past literature concerning the status of women beedi workers such as health status in this Mukkudal area. In light of such research gaps, the present researcher has been designed and completed. This study tries to fill in the research gaps in a modest manner. The researcher has been optimistic that this task is well met to a very great extent.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the are to find out the personal profile of the selected respondents in the study area, to find out the socio-economic conditions of the women beedi workers in the study area. To determine the health problems difficulties faced by the beedi workers. To find out the common diseases and health issues caused by beedi workers. To recognize to assess the awareness regarding benefits among beedi workers by using a structured knowledge questionnaire. Find the association between awareness weighted Average Score and demographic variables such as age, education, marital status, type of family, family income and work experience, and causes of various diseases. To analyze the various welfare programs implemented for the betterment of women beedi workers.

METHODOLOGY

The present study based on Survey Method. It consists of both independent and dependent variables among the selected respondents in the research area, which were detailed in chapter III. It is the most popular method to gather primary data. The primary data collected from the selected respondents in the research area through an interview schedule. The pre-tested structured interview scheduled interview was used which was specially designed for this study with the help of purposive sampling techniques. The sampling consists of 400 respondents (women) who are associated with women beedi workers in Mukkudal, Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu. After the collection, the data are edited as the first step towards further processing of classification. The data are collected from the study area were duly classified and tabulated for statistical techniques. After receiving the responses from women beedi workers from the study

area, the task of data SPSS analysis and its interpretation is done. The collected data were statically analyzed and interpreted by using statistical tools like is used to find out the association and to find out the Mean medium of the percentage and also used a weighted average of Score and bar, bie diagrams in this study.

MAJOR FINDINGS

The majority half of the total of the respondents (50.8%) belong to the age group of 46 and above age group.

Among the 400 beedi workers taken for scrutinizing, Major workers are Hindus. 96.8 percent of beedi workers are Hindus. There are 387 Hindu beedi workers. Percent of Christian beedi workers and Muslim beedi workers is very less.

Maximum beedi workers fall under the BC caste category. 69.0 percent of beedi workers (276 workers) belong to the BC category. Next, there is 25.8 percent of SC category workers. 103 workers fall under the SC caste category.

Maximum beedi workers educated up to 5th standard. 36.3 percent of beedi workers come under the 1-5 std educated group (145 respondents). Next, come the beedi workers who are illiterates.

Maximum beedi workers are married. 79.5 percent of beedi workers (318 workers) are married. Next, there is 17.8 percent of widow workers. 71 workers are widows. Unmarried Beedi workers are less.

Among the 400 beedi workers taken for scrutinizing, Major workers are in the Nuclear family. 77.0 percent of beedi workers are under a nuclear family. There are 308 beedi workers in the nuclear family. Only 5 beedi workers are living lonely (1.3 percent

Maximum beedi workers earn the very least income of 1000-5000 per month. 94.8 percent of beedi workers come under the monthly income group of 1000-5000 (379 respondents).

Major workers have agreed that they are doing beedi work along with their housekeeping work, doing beedi work under their own interest, their work is done under the satisfaction of their family members and they also agree that they concentrate on their health after marriage. At the same time, major respondents agreed that their long time beedi work brings out shoulder pain or

back pain. Hence the received weighted average scores are high respectively, 4.42, 4.21, 4.11, 3.81 and 3.55. Respondents have disagreed that beedi work doesn't bring any sort of health problem for women in their family (weighted average score=2.34), menstruation problem (weighted average score=2.30), pregnancy time problem (weighted average score=2.12) and skin diseases (weighted average score=2.25). Few workers disagreed that they never wish their children to do beedi work (weighted average score=1.65) and their children are not doing any sort of beedi work (weighted average score=2.00). Several respondents disagreed that their husband and children don't have any disturbances or diseases due to their beedi work (weighted average score=1.97). In the case of the emergence of Health conditions and problems, walking problems, sinus problems, tiredness and eating difficulty because of beedi work, the respondents can neither agree nor disagree with the fact.

Among the total 400 beedi workers, more than half of the workers don't have any sort of doctor consultation. 206 workers are out of doctor consultation for diseases. Meanwhile, 48.5 percent of beedi workers (194 workers) consult a doctor for diseases.

Maximum workers have continuous medical treatment for their diseases. Beedi workers having continuous medical treatment for their diseases are of 65.8 percent (263 workers).

Amidst of the 400 total beedi workers, utmost workers are aware of the starting period of their disease that how long they are suffering from that disease. 71.5 percent of workers (286 workers) know how long they are suffering from their disease.

Out of 400 workers, 289 workers taking the major percent of 72.2 suffered from health problems though they got treatment. Workers with good body condition after treatment are very less.

Amongst 400 beedi workers taken for analysis, more than half of the total workers received advice from others to stop beedi work. These workers are of 80.3 percent (321 workers).

More than half of the total workers are dissatisfied with the salary that they receive. They consider that their salary is inefficient while comparing their work. These workers are of 54.0 percent (216 workers).

Being pathetic, utmost workers have victims of dangerous diseases in their families. These workers are of 82.5 percent (330 workers).

Among the total 400 workers, most of the workers in the highest percent of 75.8 are aware of their disease's status.

Major workers know the person affected by the disease in their family. 80.0 percent of workers (320 workers) are aware of the victim of the disease in their families.

Major Beedi workers' mother is affected by the dangerous disease. Nearly 62.3 percent of workers have their mother as a victim of a dangerous disease. Next to the mother, major respondents' father is being affected by the dangerous disease.

Maximum respondents' family member those who are affected by dangerous disease receive medical allowances for the disease. 319 workers accepted that the victims of dangerous diseases in their families get medical allowances.

Differentiate the types of diseases.

Beedi workers affected by the breathing problem are very less. Only 19.0 percent of total workers are affected by the breathing problem. Most of the workers (81.0 percent of workers) are out of breathing problems. 324 workers answered that they are not affected by any sort of breathing problems.

The back pain problem is very high among the beedi workers. More than half of the total workers by 50.2 percent (201 workers) are affected by back pain. Workers without back pain problems are of 49.8 percent.

Beedi workers affected by Spinal Card Pain are less than the unaffected. 42.8 percent of total workers are affected by Spinal Card Pain. Most of the workers (57.2 percent of workers) are out of Spinal Card Pain. 229 workers answered that they are not affected by Spinal Card Pain.

Beedi workers affected by Piles are very less. Only 1.0 percent of workers are affected by Piles. The rest of the workers, in the highest percent of 99.0 (396 workers) are not affected by Piles.

Asthma affected workers are also very less among the beedi workers. Only 7.8 percent of workers(31workers)are feeling stressed.

The rest of the workers (369 workers) holding a major percent of 92.2 don't have asthma.

Beedi workers affected by Cough are less. 30 percent of workers are affected by Cough. The rest of the workers, in the highest percent of 70.0 (280 workers) are not affected by cough.

Blood Vomiting is also very less among the beedi workers. Only 1.3 percent of workers (5 workers) are having Blood Vomiting. The rest of the workers (395 workers) holding a major percent of 98.7 are not having Blood Vomiting.

Only very least percent of workers are affected by lung diseases. 5.0 percent of workers have lung diseases whereas 95.0 percent of remaining workers don't have lung diseases. Hence 20 workers have lung diseases and 380 workers are out of lung diseases.

On the whole, only 24.8 percent of workers (99 workers) are having eye problems. Rest 75.2 percent of workers are not having any sort of eye problems. 301 workers don't have any eye problems.

Among the total workers, utmost workers are not affected by dysentery whereas only 8.8 percent of workers are suffering from dysentery.91.2 percent of workers are not exposed to dysentery. Here only 35 workers are affected by dysentery and 365 workers are not affected by dysentery.

Workers suffering from hand stroking is less. 24.5 percent of workers are affected by hand stroking. These workers are 98 in numbers. 302 workers are being unaffected by hand stroking disease. Maximum workers are unaffected by hand stroking.

Beedi workers suffering from other diseases than the listed diseases are very less. Only 18.3 percent of workers are affected by other diseases (73 workers). 81.7 percent of workers are not affected by any other diseases.

Children of a Maximum number of total workers receive an educational scholarship. 68.25 percent of workers' children are getting educational scholarships. Children of 31.75 percent of workers didn't get any educational scholarship (127 workers).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The current study findings show that out of 400 beedi workers On the whole only 24.8 percent of workers (99 workers) are having eye problems. The back pain problem is very high among the beedi workers. More than half of the total workers by 50.2 percent (201 workers) are affected by back pain. Workers without back pain problems are of 49.8 percent. Beedi workers affected by Cough are less. 30 percent of workers are affected by Cough. Leg pain is uncommon among the workers.37.8 percent of workers are having leg pain. Beedi workers affected by Spinal Card Pain are less than the unaffected. 42.8 percent of total workers are affected by Spinal Card Pain. Similar findings were observed in a study to assess to the Gupta et al., (2005), Beedi smoking and public health', published by the Ministry of health and family welfare, suffering from hazardous health problems like backache, spondylitis, asthma, tuberculosis another study carried out in the Senthil Kumar et al., (2010) A Study on Occupational Health Hazards among Women Beedi Rollers in Tamilnadu, suffered from respiratory problems, mostly throat burning and cough. Another study carried out in the Yasmin et al., (2010) Occupational Health Hazards in Women Beedi Rollers in Bihar, suffered from respiratory problems including COPD and asthma, while more than 40 percent of the beedi rollers suffered from the eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems Another study carried out in the Nakkeeran et al., (2010) A study on occupational health hazards. Munich Personal Repec Archive rollers residing in the urban slums of Mumbai eye, gastrointestinal and nervous problems mostly throat burning and cough another study carried out in the Bharathi (2010) the beedi workers are affected by diseases like tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, back pain, headache and eye irritation another study carried out in the According to Bagwe and Bhisey (1991) and Swami et al. (1995) Occupational exposure to unburnt beedi tobacco elevates mutagenic burden among tobacco processors, of the fingers, breathlessness and stomach pains including cramps and gas, also supports the same, where

findings suggest that among women beedi workers in health problem. This may be due to the majority of women illiterate and the majority of the respondents belong to 46 and age groups in this study.

Chapter - VI

Conclusion and Suggestions

CONCLUSION

Beedi industry is predominantly a home-based industry in India that employs over 4 million people, the lion share being home. Women constitute a very high percentage of lower force in the beedi industry. Beedi workers are exposed to unburnt tobacco dust through skin diseases and threatening diseases. due to unaware of their health issues, Beedi workers in the Mukkudal area are accounted for respiratory problems, back pain, knee pain, severe headache, dysentery, eye defects, few of them are affected by cancer. The tobacco dust contains toxic nitrosamines that are readily absorbed by body tissues giving rise to cough, breathlessness, ocular, and dermatological health issues. The women were not able to get the salary as much as they work. They have been working for a long time per day. Women beedi workers are very much supported by their family members like parents, husbands sometimes their children encaged to roll beedi. Some of them have restricted their children from doing beedi work by family members. Finally, the report has a major impact on women those who are doing beedi workers are reliable for health issues. The government should take the necessary steps to eradicate all these problems.

The majority of the beedi workers have no adequate knowledge of the benefits available from the Government. Thus it is concluded that periodic education regarding the benefits available for them will encourage them to utilize their benefits. Most of the girls help their mothers in regular household activities and also in income-earning activities through beedi rolling so they are lagging in school attendance. Poor families will go for the use of family labour but due to gender discrimination girls are suffering and missed their studies more than the boys of the same ages. Given the situation and the following suggestions are forwarded for the fulfillment of the objective of universalization of basic education.

The researcher before conducting the research made the pilot study for preparing the questionnaire. During the pilot study, the researcher discussed with doctors and other health professionals regarding the respondents' community health issues and their related solutions and awareness.

The questionnaire is then prepared in such a way that a detailed study can be prepared to study the health challenges of the people in the Mukkudal area in the Tirunelveli district. This study

made by the researcher can be elevated to the next level of findings alternate solutions to improve the sanitized living and a better alternate job with a decent salary.

Hence, it is women beedi workers living and working conditions, as well as to promote women beedi rollers. They are to struggle for survival despite low wages, steady exploitation by contractors, lack of education and medical facilities, and abandonment in government policies. Lack of information on the provision of the beedi workers, the majority of them are from backward castes and illiterate need education and training programs. A large proportion of beedi workers are illiterate and oblivious. Therefore, there is a need to improve the living and working conditions as well as to promote decent employment and income opportunities for women beedi workers.

The present situation of the beedi workers is still pathetic and it should be studied properly to make a social transformation of the beedi workers. The study will enlighten the future generation and policymakers to provide an improvement in the existing situation of the beedi workers in the state and provide guidelines to think further for the welfare of the beedi workers.

SUGGESTIONS

One of the main requirements that lean towards to be ignored is the health hazards to which the children are exposed. There is a direct connection between certain occupational diseases like Breathing problems, Back pain, Spinal cord pain, Cancer, files, Asthma, Cough, Leg Pain, Blood Vomiting, Stress, Lung diseases, Eyes problem, dysentery, Hand stroking, etc. Beedi rollers experience an exacerbation of asthma, anemia, giddiness, postural and eye problems, and gynecological difficulties.

In south India also it has been highlighted that the health hazards existing in the beedi rolling environment experienced by the women beedi rollers are at an alarming rate. All the health facilities to the workers of beedi industry should be extended and regular medical checkup and camps for beedi workers and their children should be organized to detect occupational diseases like Tuberculosis, Asthma, skin ailments, postural difficulties, etc., Mobile health units can also be used in beedi workers areas as it would facilitate early recognition of diseases. Implementation of Minimum Wages and social safety benefits to their workers particularly women.

The majority of the workers are not provided with identity cards by the manufacturers/ contractors. The Beedi Workers Welfare Association has to ensure the workers are to be registered in the association and are provided with ID cards that will pave the way to get rid of this aspect.

Bibliography

Adithya Pradyumna, (2015), Health Aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment Process in India, Economic & Political Weekly, vol. - L No. 8, February 21, 2015.

Alamelumangai S. and Lakshimanan, (2019), Health Status of Women Beedi Workers in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, International Journal of Reach in humanities Arts and literature Vol. 07, special issues -3 244-248.

Alamelumangai S. and Ronald (2013), Occupational Health: A Study on Women Beedi Workers in Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Tribal Development and Management, problems and empowering strategies, pune.

Annalakshmi T, (2015), Health Assessment in Women Beedi rollers in Melapalyam, Tirunelveli, Retrieved from shodhaganga.inflibnet.ac.in: http://hdl.handle.net/10603/36794.

Bhanumate, C.S., (2011), “Process of Female Beedi Workers: A Case Study of Maharashtra”. Golden Research Thought, Vol.1, No.3, p.1-4.

Bhisey RA, Bagwe AN, (1995), Occupational exposure to unburnt beedi tobacco Elevates mutagenic burden among tobacco processors. Carcinogenesis 16(5): 1 095-1 099.

Bhisey RA, Bagwe AN, Mahimkar MB, Buch SC, (2006), Biological monitoring of beedi Industry workers occupationally exposed to tobacco Indian J Public Health, 231-235.

Bhisey, RA and Bagwe, AN, (1995), Occupational exposure to unburnt beedi tobacco Elevates mutagenic burden among tobacco processors

Census of India, (2011), District Census Handbook, Tirunelveli. Chatterjee, M. (1993), "Occupational Health of Self Employed Women Workers: Experiences from Community Based Studies of the Self Employed Women's Association (SEW A)", Health for Million, Vol. 1, No.1, pp. 15-17.

Chattopadhyay, (2006), “Occupational Effect on Health among Male Beedi Workers in Aurangabad, West Bengal”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 3, 9, No.3, p. 391-401. Chauhan Y, (2001), Descriptive Report, History and Struggles of Beedi Workers in India. All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), New Delhi, November 2001, 114 pages. 12.

Chavan B, (2011), Process of Female Beedi Workers: A Case Study of Maharashtra.Golden Research thoughts. ; 1:1-4.

Chelliah M, (2018), an economic analysis of female beedi workers in Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. B1.

Chowdhary, PH, Kowli, SS, and Sabale, RV, (2012), working condition and Health hazards in beedi District of Madhya Pradesh, Social Cohesion and development, 133-147.

Das S.K, (2000), the Beedi Industry in India: An Overview Improving Working Conditions and Employment Opportunities for Women Workers in Beedi Industry, ILO Dept. of Labour, Karnataka, Beedi Industry Workshop, 22 – 23 February 2001, Mangalore (Karnataka).

Dharmalingam, (1993), “Female Beedi Workers in a South Indian Village”. Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 28, No. 27, p. 1461-1468.

Dikshit, RP and Kanhere, S. (2000), Tobacco habits and risk of lung, oropharyngeal and oral Cavity cancer: a population based case control study in Bhopal, India. Int. J. Epidemic., 29(8):609-614

DivyaHegde, Priya Kamath, (2014), Possibility of increased general health related problems in Women involved in beedi rolling the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Sep;3(3):870-871.

Ganesh kumar.S SitanshuSekar, et.at, (2011), Health and Environmental Sanitation in India issues for prioritizing control strategies, Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine · September 2011

Gupta, Prakash C. and Asma S., (2008), ‘Beedi smoking and public health’, published by the Ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India, New Delhi

J.K. Singh*, S.V.S. Rana1, N. Mishra (2014) J. Ecophysiol. Occupational Health.14 (1 & 2) 17–22.the Academy of Environmental Biology, India.

Jasdeep Kaur Bedi, R S Ghuman., (2015) Health and economic impact of unsafe drinking water, a Study of Ludhiana. Economic & Political Weekly, Vol - No. 2, January 10, 2015.

Jashodara Dasgupta , (2010), Too poor and too Far: Impact of Wage Work on Health axis of Women workers in Informal Sector’- Women’s Link vol.16, No.1, Jan – Mar 2010.

Mahimkar, MB and Bhisey, RA. (1995). Occupational exposure to tobacco increases chromosomal aberrations in tobacco processors. Mutat. Res., 334(2): 139-144

ManiklalAdhikary and Chandrasekhar Hajra,( 2016), Choice between Education and Work amongst Children of Beedi Workers : A Case Study of Bokaro District in Jharkhand, Journal of Economic & Social Development, Vol. - XII, No. 1, June 2016.

Manjula Anil., (2012) “A Study on Morbidity Pattern of Female Workers in the Urban Field of Mangalore”. Southern India, International Journal. A. J Institute of Medical Science, Vol.1, No.1, p. 41-46. B2.

Medico Friend Bulletion, (2000), “Health of Human Workers in the Bidi Industry”, January- February.

Meena Gopal (Feb 2000), “Women Workers in the Beedi Industry medico friend circle bulletin”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 23, No. 3, p. 268- 269.

Meenashi P., (2018), Status of Women Beedi Workers in Tirunelveli District, Manonmaiam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli.

Mohandas (1980) Mohandas M (1980), “Beedi Workers in Kerala: Conditions of Life and Work”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 15, No. 36, pp. 1517-1523.

N. Senthil Kumar1, & P. Subburethina Bharathi, (2010), A Study on Occupational Health Hazards among Women Beedi Rollers in Tamilnadu, India.

Nakkeeran S K and Pugalendhi S B, (2010), “A study on occupational health hazards among women beedi rollers in Tamilnadu India.

Nakkeeran, S K, &Bharathi, S (2010), A study on occupational health hazards. Munich Personal Repec. Archive rollers residing in the urban slums of Mumbai, Indian J Occupational Environ Med, 72-4.

Ranjitsingh and Padmalatha, (1995), Occupational illness of beedi rollers in south India. Env. Econ., 13(4):875-879.

Reddy, B S (2008), A study of legal and economic status of beedi workers in Karnataka with special reference to Davangere district.

Report of District Labour Office, (2018), Tirunelveli.

Report on Socio-Economic Condition of Women Worker in Selected Beedi Units in India (1994-95). Labour Bureau. Ministry of Labour Chandigarh/Shimla.

Rupali V. Sabale, Shobha S. Kowli, and Padmaja H. Chowdhary (2012), Working condition and health hazards in beedi rollers residing in the urban slums of Mumbai,| Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Page : 72-74.

Sardesai Suman, p., (2011), “Tobacco handling by pregnant bidi Workers: As hazardous as smoking during pregnancy”. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, Vol. 57, No.4, p. 335-338.

Sen, V (2011), Impact of social security schemes and welfare program on beedi rollers in Sagar.

Senthilkumar N, Bharathi PS, (2010),A study on occupational health hazards among women beedi rollers in Tamilnadu, India. Int J Current issues Res. 2010; 11:117–22. B3.

Shahla Y, Basri A, Bushra H, Doris D. (2010) Occupational health hazards in women beedi rollers in Bihar, India. Bull Environ Contamination Toxicol ,85(1):87-91.

Srinivasan, S., and Ilango, (2001), “A Study on the Socio – Economic Conditions of Female Beedi Workers at Khajamalai, In Trichirapalli, Tamilnadu”. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development Vol. 10, No.2, p.69-73.

Sudina M, Ansuya, Alma Juliet Lakra,(2015), Awareness on health and social welfare benefits among beedi workers – a community survey, Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences, July ,(Volume 1, Issue 2).

Swami, S., Suryakar, A.N., Katkam, R.V., (1995), Absorption of nicotine induces oxidative stress among beedi workers. Toxicol.Lett., 18, 259-26.

Thanga Selvan R (2016), A study on beedi industries in Tirunelveli district.

THE HINDU,(2011), Health risk high among women beedi workers, Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011, Andhra Pradesh – Karim Nagar.

Thenguzhali, T., Veerachamy, (2015), Occupational Health Hazards of Women Construction Workers: A Critical Survey of the Literature, Language in India, August 2015, Vol. 15 Issue 8, p288-319.32p. 22.

Varma, Uday Kumar and Rehman M. M. (2005), Tobacco, Tendu Leaf and Beedi Workers in India: Problems and Prospects. Delhi, Shipra Publications (Forth Coming).

Vijayalakshmi N, SwamyAM, Narayana, (2014.) Environment issues and health problems of Slum Dwellers. Afro Asian journal of anthropology and social policy year: volume: 5. 2014.

World Health Organization, (1999), World Health Organization Fact Sheets.

Yasmin, S., Afroz, B., Hyat, B. and D’Souza, D. (2010) Occupational Health Hazards in Women Beedi Rollers in Bihar, India. Bull. Environ. Contam.Toxicol. 85.

Appendix

A SURVEY ON HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS IN MUKKDAL

Interview schedule (Confidential for Research Purpose Only) Investigator Dr.S.Alamelumangai Socio Economic Particulars

1. Name of the Village : 2. Age : 3. Religion: 1. Hindu 2. Christian 3.Muslim 4. Caste: 1.BC 2. MBC 4.SC 5.ST 5. Education qualification :( 1).Illiteracy (2). .1-5 (3).6-8 (4).9-12 (5.) UG-degree and above 6. Status of marriage :( 1) married (2). Unmarried (3). widow (4).divorce 7. Nature of family: (1) Nuclear family (2). Joint family (3). living separately 8. Monthly income of family: (1).Rs.5000 (2).Rs.5001- 10000 (3).10001- 15000 (4).above 15000. 9. How many years are you doing this beedi work______. 10. Did you do this beedi work during the school days ______.

II. HEALTH STATUS OF WOMEN BEEDI WORKERS:

5. Strongly agree 4. Agree 3. Neutral 2. Disagree 1. Neither agree nor disagree

S.No. Name of variables SA A N DA NAD 5 4 3 2 1 11. Are you do this work with your own interest?

12. Is this beedi work (job) is satisfied to your husband/ father and other family members? 13. Are do this Beedi work along with the housekeeping work?

14. Did you concentrate on your health (husband/wife) after marriage? 15. Did your children’s doing this Beedi work? 16. Did you like your children’s doing this beedi work? 17. Doing this beedi work, is any diseases affected your children or husband? 18. Did you affected by any skin diseases because of doing this beedi work? 1Did you feel a healthy body condition while doing this beedi 9work? 20. Did you feel tiredness during the beedi working time? 21. Is there is any problem while walking? 22. Are you having any sinus problem? 23. Is there any difficulty while eating food? 24. Is there any health problem for the women’s in your family? 25. Did you feel shoulder pain or back pain while doing the beedi work for long time? 26. Are you having any menstruation problem? 27. Is there any problem during the pregnancy time?

III. if any others disease doing the beedi work following.

28. Define the status of the diseases. 3P 2T 1 CD (3) Permanently (2) temporally(1)cure disease

3 2 1 29. Are you having any doctor consultation about the diseases? yes No don’t know 30. Are you taking any medical treatment to cure this disease? 31. Are you having continuous medical treatment for any diseases? 32. Did you know? How many Days/Weeks/Month are you suffer from this disease? 33. Are you suffered from a health problem again after the complete treatment with good body condition? 34. Is anybody advice to stop the beedi work?

35. Did you receive efficient salary for doing this beedi work? 36. If anybody in your family affected by the dangerous diseases? 37. Status of disease. 38. If yes, who is affected by this disease in your family? 39. If yes? What is the relationship between them? a. Mother b. Father c. Husband d. Brother e. Sister f. Children’s g. Respondent 40. Is the affected respondent getting any medical allowances for the disease?

41. If yes? Differentiate the types of diseases.

Diseases yes No Diseases yes No Diseases yes No Breathing yes No Asthma yes No Lungs diseases yes No problem Back pain yes No Cough yes No Eyes problem yes No Spinal card pain yes No Leg Pain yes No dysentery yes No Cancer yes No Blood Vomiting yes No Hand stroking yes No Files yes No Stress yes No Others yes No

42. Did your children’s receiving the Educational scholarship for the Beedi work? Yes / No.

Picture Showing actual scenario of beedi rolling inside and outside the home