X Dissertation

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study
Chapter-1
Introduction
Chapter-1
1. Introduction:
Beedi rolling is one of the most popular amongst unorganized industries specially, in some parts of the
country. Women constitute a very high percentage of labour force in the industry. The reason for this is,
firstly, the work is done generally from home and women can do it while at the same time attending to
their children and other household chores; secondly, their deft fingers are more suited to the work of
beedi rolling. Besides, women are considered to be more sincere and hardworking.
The home based system is very convenient to the employer too since, a factory system would mean
regularization of the conditions of work and payment of minimum wages and other benefits as per the
law; it also involves substantial expenditure on premises for the work. Apart from that, at the factory
sites chances of workers collecting and interacting are much more which could mean demands and
collective action by the workers. This could cause problems to the employers. In the home based
systems the employer could reduce the production cost, deny proper wages and benefits to the workers
and also keep away from the possibility of any collective action by the workers. (ncw.nic.in, 2015)
The unorganized sector in India is broadly characterized as consisting of units engaged in the
production of goods and services with the primary objectives of generating employment and incomes to
the persons concerned. These units typically operate at a low level of organization, with little or no
division between labour and capital as factors of production and on a small scale. Beedi rolling is one
of the major unorganized sector activities in India. Beedi industry is one of the most important
unorganized agro industries which occupies important place in the national economy. Beedi rolling is
manual in all its stages. No tools are used except ordinary scissors, winnows and wire nets. The two
principal raw materials are used for beedi making. There are Beedi tobacco and Beedi leaves (Tendu or
kendo leaf). They fit a Beedi in the Beedi industry where no foreign exchange, machinery electric
power, skilled labour or any others infrastructures are required. It needs just two ingredients i.e. the
right type of tobacco and tendu leaves to wrap the tobacco in the blended tobacco and leaves for
2

wrapping are brought from indigenous sources. The instruments of production are only the unskilled
female labours that roll out the beedies and supplement their family income.
The Beedi industry discusses legislation and policies developed by the Indian Government aimed at
protection of consumers a society, monitoring working condition and providing social security benefits
for the welfare of laborers, and fiscal policies with regard to tobacco control. It argues that the absence
of policies on pricing and consumption, and that Government and other stakeholders need to consider
avenues for providing alternative employment to beedi workers. Beedi smoking, having originated in
India, is currently practiced all over the country and is the most popular form of tobacco use.
Inadequate awareness about the dangers of smoking, combined with the addictive potential of beedi
smoking, the low price, and marketing strategies of beedi rolling have increased its popularity.
The absence of pricing and taxation polices has contributed to beedies popularity, increasing
consumption in India and exports to other countries. The beedi Industry has also be accused of evading
taxes due to differential tax structures imposed by the Government.
About 19% of tobacco consumption in India is in the form of cigarettes while 53% is smoked as
beedies, the rest is used mainly in smokeless from 15 roughly eight beedies are sold for 17 cigarette 16
the total number of beedi smokers was estimated to be around 100 million in 1994 the majority of
whom were adult males 17 in 1996 the annual beedi consumption was estimated to be around 700
billion sticks. 17 National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data from 1987 to 2000 indicate a
down ward tendu in overall beedi consumption but less in the rural areas while the rural per capita
consumption decreased by nearly 23% the fall in the urban consumption was 43% beedi tend to be
smoked by the lower economic classes cad those with limited funds such as colleges students but not
by the upper leases.
Tobacco is the single largest cause of premature adult deaths throughout the work. Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death which has shown steady increase since 1950.
Since 1979, tobacco related deaths in Female population are rising. It is expected that by the year 2020
a million women will die annually due to tobacco illness. India consumes 6.3% of whole worlds raw
material tobacco & 1.7% of cigarettes. Among total tobacco consumption 40% by beedies and 20% by
3

cigarettes which indicate popularity of beedi in India. It is consumed all over south East Asia but it is
particularly popular in India. Each beedi consist of a small amount of tobacco (0.2-0.3 gem) prowler of
flacks wrapped in tendu or Tambourine leaves and tied with a string despite their smaller size. Beedies
yield more tar and nicotine than cigarette. (shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in, 2015)
1.1. History of the beedi industry in India:

Indian tobacco cultivation began in the late 17th century and beedies were first created in Gujarat when
tobacco workers took left-over tobacco and rolled it in leaves. Initially the leaf used was kachnar. In
1899, during the Gujarat famine, brothers Mohanlal Hargovindas Patel migrated to Jabalpur region as
railway contractors. They discovered that the local tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaves are ideal for
wrapping the tobacco and founded the beedi rolling factories locally. The first trademark was registered
by Haribhai Desai of Bombay (using kachnar leaves) 1901, and Mohanlal and Hargovindas obtained
their trademark in 1902 for tendu-rolled beedi. The commercial Indian beedi industry saw rapid growth
during the 1930s probably driven by an expansion of tobacco cultivation at the time but also helped by
Gandhi's support of Indian industry and Indian products. Perhaps due to this, educated classes in India
grew to prefer beedies to cigarettes although this is no longer the case. Muslim leaders, calling
cigarettes foreign products, have also endorsed beedies at times. By the middle of the 20th century
beedi manufacture had grown into a highly competitive industry. This stage of commercial productionat the height of the beedi's popularity-saw the creation of many new beedi brands as well as beedi
factories employing upwards of one hundred, primarily male, beedi rollers. Factory-based beedi
production declined as a result of increased regulation during the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, and beedimaking became a cottage industry with a home-based women workforce predominantly employed only
in the beedi rolling. (Lal, Pranay. 25 May 2009)
1.2. Characteristics of the Beedi Industry in India:
There are about 300 manufacturers of major beedi brands and thousands of small scale
contractors and manufacturers involved in bulk production in India.

The industry employs approximately 4.4 million full time workers and more than 6 million
persons are engaged in Beedi making processing and allied work. Most of them are largely poor
and illiterate.
4
The lack of organized production in the beedi industry creates difficulty in regulating the
working conditions of workers and in implementing welfare laws.

In 1999, the Indian beedi industry generated 165 million in excise and 200 million in foreign
exchange revenue for the Indian government. (shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in, 2015)
1.3.
Beedi Industry in India:
Beedi industry is the largest tobacco based industry in India. The beedi industry occupies an important
place, in terms of its capacity to offer potential employment opportunities to a large number of people
in India. Beedi is a crude cigarette in which tobacco is rolled in a small beedi leaf ('tendu') and tied with
a cotton thread. The industry has been classified as unorganized, falling under the small scale and
cottage industries sector. According to ILO reports, there are about 300 manufacturers of major beedi
brands and thousands of small scale contractors and manufacturers involved in the beedi production.
The tobacco is the major input used for beedi production.
Beedi is a forest product and also called the poor mans smoke or poor mans cigarette. Beedi sector is
an agro-forestry based, labour intensive industry characterized by low fixed capital requirements, high
wage sensitivity and a strong tendency to shift towards cheap labour. This sector encompasses
workforce involved in the collection and processing of the two main raw materials, tendu (beedi
wrapper) leaves and tobacco.
The industry is spread across the country. Concentrated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, beedies are also
manufactured in Gujarat, Kerala, Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan, Assam, Tripura and Delhi. Most of the beedi
making work is carried out in rural and semi-urban areas. It varies in the capital invested, size of beedi,
and extent of concentration, gender and child composition of workers and so on from place to place.
Most of the beedi making work is carried out under the contractual, home based, piece rate system.
Women and children predominate, constituting around 90 per cent of all home based workers.
Employed for their proficiency, yet ironically paid lower wages, these women and children involved in
beedi rolling tasks are discriminated. Arbitrary and ingenious ways are practiced by the
contractors/middlemen (known as sattedars or commissiondars) to exploit and harass these susceptible
5

and vulnerable workers. Added to this, they face tremendous health hazards. Levels of organization are
low and implementation of the legislations enacted for beedi workers welfare (as early as in 1966 and
1976) remains ineffective. (shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in, 2015)
1.4. Trading model in beedi industry:

The beedi industry is home-based and the work is done mainly through following three modalities:
Direct system: Workers employed in the factory to roll beedies under the direct supervision of the
management/owner. Company/ branch issues raw material (tobacco, thread and tendu patta)
directly to the workers. The employers provide the workers with raw materials and the workers
deliver back the ready beedi to them next day to the company.
Sale -Purchase System: In the books it is shown that the worker buys raw material from
Company A, while they give the prepared beedi to Company B, Company C does the
packaging and Company D does the marketing. All these companies are on paper only and their
owners are all from one family itself. This system is adopted so that the workers can be defined as
own account workers and employer-employee relationship cannot be established. This way the
employers can evade the labour laws.
Through Contractor: i.e. raw material is given to the beedi workers through the contractors
employed by the employers. The workers roll the beedi and deliver the finished product to the
contractor. (Tiwari, Pankaj & Parashar, Namrata. 2014)
1.5. Different stages in the process of beedi making:

The four main steps involved in the production of a beedi are as follows:
Rewinding the thread: Since the first step involves no expertise or training even children of very
tender age or the old can be involved. All that is required to be done is the re-rolling of the thread
from a small bundle onto an object, usually, an empty match box or a pulley -type object. It takes
about 30 minutes to an hour to rewind a bundle of thread.

Cutting the beedi leaves: Cutting the beedi leaves, which is the next step, requires some skill
because the maximum number of pieces cut from the leaf depends on the skill of the worker.
6
Rolling the beedi: Rolling the beedi leaf with tobacco is the main job in the process-tobacco is to
be rolled in the leaf and tied with the thread; the pinch of tobacco must be accurate.
Folding the beedi head: The folding of the beedi head, which is the final step, can be done by
assistants also; the complete beedies are then bundled and sent to the employer/ contractor.
(T.Nagalakshmi & A.Sudhakar , 2013)
1.6.
Beedi Workers in India:
The beedi or beedi rolling is one of the major informal sector activities in India a traditional activity with
highly labour intensive and predominantly unorganized. The beedi industry is one of the largest
employers of workers in India, after agriculture, handloom and construction (GoI, 1995). However, the
estimates of the numbers of beedi workers engaged in this industry vary depending on who is making
the estimates. According to the Indias Ministry of Labour, in India it is estimates that there are about 4.4
million workers in this industry. The majority are home based women workers who live below the poverty
line (BPL). Beedi is a kind of little cigarette, made of tendu leaves (instead of paper) and tobacco.
According to conservative estimate more than 6 million persons are engaged in Beedi making processing
and allied work.
The trade unions claim that there are over 7 million beedi workers. Beedi workers are vulnerable
segments of the countrys labour force which has increased involvement of women and child labour in
Beedi rolling activities. Women make the largest proportion of labor in the beedi industry with 96
percent of all female workers being in this sector. Published literature estimate women make up 76 per
cent of total beedi employment (Sudarshan and Kaur, 1999). Informal sector workers are generally not
represented in the institutions and organizations of the labour movement. The Parliamentary standing
committee on subordinate legislation (1990) says that 20 million labours and 6 million farmers are engaged
in cultivation of tobacco. The size of the unorganized sector indicates its importance as a major force both
economically and politically. The All India Beedi, Cigar, and Tobacco Workers Federation during 2001
estimates women comprise around 90 per cent of total employment in beedi manufacture. Women
constitute a very high percentage of labour force in the industry. The reason for this is, firstly, the work
is done generally from home and women can do it while at the same time attending to their children

and other household responsibilities; secondly, their deft fingers are more suited to the work of beedi
rolling.
The condition of Beedi workers at present as well as in the past have not been not very conducive. The
making of the Beedi is an industry that is widely spread over the country. Hence there is a need to improve
the living and working conditions, as well as to promote decent employment and income opportunities for
women Beedi rollers.
Beedi workers largely engaged in procurement of tendu leave, tobacco procurement, beedi rolling and
packaging. Beedi rolling activity is one of the most popular amongst unorganized activities in the country. As per
Standing Committee on Labour (2010-11), 49.90 lakh beedi workers in India (Ministry of Labour and
Employment, 2011). The trade unions claim that there are over 70 to 80 lakh beedi workers. Women workers
constitute a very high percentage of labour force in the beedi industry. In India, beedi industry spread over 16
States.
The Table-1.1 shows the distribution of beedi workers across the states. State-wise data on identified beedi
workers by Ministry of Labour (Government of India) shows that the largest number of workers is concentrated
in West Bengal (28.09%), Madhya Pradesh (16.22%), Tamil Nadu (11.33%) and Karnataka (8.18%). Majority of
the beedi workers are engaged in beedi rolling in home based work. Which involves sizing of tendu leaves,
filling the leaves with tobacco and binding which are labour intensive and can be done either in factory premises
or done in the homes, through a contract system.
Table- 1.1: State-wise details of the total number of Beedi workers

Sl. No
States
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Andhra Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
Jharkhand
Gujarat
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
No. of beedi Percentage (%)

workers
735000
15.09
7725
0.16
335000
6.87
115000
2.36
50075
1.03
287082
5.9
96324
1.98
827194
16.99
26110
0.54
8

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Maharashtra
Orissa
Rajasthan
Tripura
Tamil Nadu
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
Total
256000
265000
31736
9946
625000
450000
752225
4869417
5.26
5.44
0.65
0.2
12.84
9.24
15.45
100.0
Source: Ministry of Labour and employment, GOI, 2009.
1.7. Role of Women in the Beedi Industry:

There are different estimates of female involvement in beedi rolling. One source estimated that women
constitute 76% of the total employment in beedi manufacture. The All India Beedi, Cigar and Tobacco
Workers Federation pay the figure at 90% to 95%. In some regions of India, beedi making is largely
regarded as womens work, with the exception of young boys. In other areas, men roll beedies if and
when other work is not available or they are unable to engage in manual labor.
The beedi industry is male-dominated, where the manufacturer, the contractor and the consumers are
male and only the beedi rollers are female. This often makes women subject to economic exploitation.
Some middlemen reportedly supply low quality leaf, and reject bundles of beedies on grounds of poor
standards, but then eventually take them without paying. Female beedi rollers also report verbal and
physical abuse based on gender and caste differences.
In areas where the beedi cottage industry is pervasive, some women engage in beedi rolling as a fulltime occupation and are able to roll 8001200 beedies during an 8-12 hour day. Other women work
part-time while caring for children and attending to household duties and roll 300500 beedies a day. In
many cesses, several women from the same household will pool their efforts to fill quotas. Neither
observes that beedi rolling is often preferred to other manual labor, particularly in communities where
going outside the home to work in the fields of others is considered lower status than working at
home, especially if one can earn cash. Beedi wages are generally higher than those for manual labor
and in some areas, such as southwest coastal Karnataka, the siphoning off of women into the beedi
cottage industry has raised local agricultural wages and affected cropping patterns.
9

The upside of beedi work for women is that it pays in cash on a daily basis and provides small benefits.
Regular workers on a local beedi branch (outlet) list may receive minor loans, and be eligible for
layaway plans and bonuses, perks designed to retain womens loyalty to contractors and maintain a
steady supply of beedies. The downside is that raw materials are not always available, especially in
rainy season when poverty is worst. Women, who primarily rely on beedi work for survival, have
difficulty at this time. Households that rely strictly on beedi work are sometimes forced to go into debt
to beedi contractors who then gain control over them. For this reason, some households have
diversified, with some members rolling beedi and others doing manual labor. The increasing shift of
beedi rolling from the factory to a home-based setting and the constant relocation of beedi companies
in search of cheap transport and labor also cause insecurity and instability among beedi workers.
(shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in, 2015)
1.8. Rights of Beedi and Cigar workers:

A few state governments have indeed made efforts to ensure social justice to the workers by enacting
special laws for regulating the conditions or work of these laborers, but these laws are ineffective
because of the highly mobile nature of the industry producers who move from the area where any such
law is in force to places where no such law exists. The ability of these two sets of law in ensuring the
welfare of the workers has thus been far from satisfactory. To fill the void, union government felt it
necessary to formulate a central legislation that would deal exclusively with the worker's welfare and
by uprooting exploitation found to be exiting in the society.
In order to achieve this objective following laws came into existence:
The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act 1966
The Beedi Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1976
The Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act 1976
The beedi Workers Welfare Fund Rules, 1978
Amongst the other laws having a bearing on beedi workers are, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and
Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946, and the Maternity benefits Act, 1961.
The salient features of the Acts are:
10
Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966
provides for coverage
regarding daily hours of work, weekly rest, leave with wages, maternity leave, benefits and welfare
amenities such as drinking water, toilet facilities, canteen, etc. Although the term worker includes
home workers as well, in practice these provisions apply only to the factory/ common shed
workers.
The Beedi Workers Welfare Cess Act, 1976 aims to collect taxes by way of cess or by imposing
excise duty on manufactured beedi.
The Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1976 was passed with the objective to promote financial
assistance to the workers.
The beedi Workers Welfare Fund Rules, 1978 specify that the owner of an establishment or a
factory or contractor should maintain a register of works and provide statistics and other
information as required by the government from time to time. The main significance of the welfare
measures is in the health sector as the beedi workers as a category of workers is involved in health
hazardous occupations. (Tiwari, Pankaj & Parashar, Namrata. 2014)
1.9. Central Govt. facilities for the beedi workers in India:

Health facilities:
Free health check up in every 15 days and
Also bear medical treatment expenses, problems like Hearth, Kidney, TV, Eye Operation
and glasses.
Maternity benefit to the female beedi worker upto 2 children 1000 each.
Education:
Scholarship
Class 1-4
Class 5-8
Class 9
Class 10
Class 11-12
Degree
Professional Course
Boys
250
500
700
1400
2000
3000
8000
11
Girls
250
940
1140
1840
2440
3000
8000

Source: Labour Welfare Organization, GOI 2015.
Social Security:
Rs. 10,000 life Insurance
Funeral cost Rs. 1500
Housing:
Financial assistance of 40,000 for house.
Chapter-2
Review of Literature
12
Chapter-2
Review of Literature
A study was conducted by Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour (1995)1, on working and living
conditions of beedi workers in India. According to this report, home based workers constituted about
90% of total workers in beedi industry. Women workers constitute more than 60% of total home based
workers and child workers accounted for about 1% of home based workers. It has also confirmed that
an intensive exploitation of home workers has continued.
Prasad and Prasad (1985)2 conducted a study on working and living conditions of beedi workers in
Maharashtra. From this study it was found that incidents of high level of exploitation of workers due to
informal relations of production at every level, unorganized nature of workers in the production
process. No fixed norms about disbursement of raw materials on wage cuts or wage rates given to
workers and wage rates lower than the existing minimum wage rates have been observed. 42
percent of the households reported having children (up to 17 years of age) involved in beedi work and
in these households 50 percents beedi workers were children.
M. Mohandas (1980)3 studied on beedi makers in Kerala. In his study he considered various aspects of
living and working conditions of both factory and home based workers. He pointed out that there is
Virtual absence of any uniform or standard work norm due to multiplicity of independent branches
and differences in the system of work. This one of the major causes of exploitation of home based
13

beedi workers. He also points out that this trend of growing disorganization has effectively reduced the
bargaining capacity of workers.
A study was conducted by S Madheswaran, D.Rajashekar and K.G. Gayathri Devi (2005)4 on A
comprehensive study on the status of beedi industry in Karnataka carried out a comprehensive study
which deals with the problems of the beedi workers and industry in Karnataka. It seeks to analyze the
important issues relating to the industry, workers, government programmes and organizations working
for the upliftment of the beedi workers. This empirical study highlights the socio economic conditions
of the workers, impact of interventions by different organizations like Trade Unions, Non
Governmental Organizations and Self Help Groups etc.
V Ramakrishnappa, Priya Harish, Vishwanatha (2014)5 conducted a study on Women workers in
beedi industry in Dakshina Kannadadistrict of Karnataka. From the study it was found that women
make up 76 per cent of total beedi employment. Women constitute a very high percentage of labour
force in the beedi manufacturing. The beedi rolling activity has generated employment of 240 to 280
days in a year. As a whole, it has been found that the beedi rollers household earned an average total
income of Rs. 15,870 in a year from the rolling of 2, 37,543 beedies or 237.54 bundles (1000 beedies
per bundle). The average wage paid to beedi rollers in the study area worked out to Rs. 66.81 per 1000
beedies. Majority of the beedi rollers in the study area are poor and belong to the Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes, backward classes and minorities. In many families, the work has been passed on
from generation to generation. Majority of the beedi rollers do not have identity cards in the study area.
Lack of identity card prohibits beedi workers to access the government facilities.
V. Murugan and C. Venkatesh (2014)6 studied on Socio economic conditions of female beedi
workers in karugamputhur village, Vellore district of Tamil Nadu in 2014. The main objective of the
study was to understand the Socio economic condition of the female Beedi workers in Karugamputhur
Village, Vellore District. Majority 95percent of the Beedi workers was from the marginalized sections
of the society and therefore they were socially and economically backward. Poverty was the main
reason that induced the workers to take up Beedi work as an occupation. 58 per cent of the workers
earned less than Rs. 1500 per. Majority 70 percent of the workers stated that their health problems were
due to their occupation.
14

A study was done by R. Thanga Selvan, & Dr. D. Jacqulin Pon Mabelon (2013)7 on Income and
Expenditure Pattern of Women Beedi Workers in Radhapuram Taluk of Tamil nadu, India. The study
highlights the educational qualification, marital status, residence, type of family, savings, borrowings
and economic position of women beedi workers in Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District, and Tamil
Nadu. Through this research it is learned that even though beedi rolling is an alternative employment
opportunity to the women in the rural area they are able to earn a substandard income compare to other
sectors. This is due the exploitation of the companys management. They are able to survive because of
their other family members contribution. The women workers are treating this work as a part time job
though they spare most of their valuable resources like time, effort and health. Considering the amount
of time taken and also the nature of the work, the wages paid to them are very low and therefore it is
suggested that the minimum wage rate should be increased. If fair wage system is enforced in the beedi
industry the socio economic condition of the beedi workers will certainly improve.
A study was conducted by S. Srinivasan and Dr. P. Ilango (2012) 8 on the Socio Economic
Conditions of Female Beedi Workers at Khajamalai, In Trichirapalli, Tamil Nadu in 2012. It was found
that majority 98 percent of the Beedi workers were from the marginalized sections of the society and
therefore they were socially and economically backward. Poverty was the main reason that induced the
respondents to take up Beedi work as an occupation. Majority 72 percent of the respondents were
working for contractors which showed that they were subjected to exploitation. Sixty four per cent of
the respondents earned less than Rs. 2000 per month which is not adequate to maintain their family.
Majority 70 percent of the respondents stated that their health problems were due to their occupation.
A study was conducted by Pankaj Tiwari & Dr. Namrata Nehru (2014)9 on Socio-economic
Conditions of Female Beedi Workers in Allahabad District. From this study it was found that the
women beedi workers do not have any basic facilities. The welfare schemes for women are not boring a
desired result or we can say such schemes failed to reach them. They are deprived of their basic rights
and they are exploited by the contractors too. It was also found that Poverty was the main reason that
induced the respondents to take up beedi work as an occupation. Majority 72% of the respondents were
working for contractors which showed that they were subjected to exploitation. 58 % of the
15

respondents earned less than Rs. 3000 Rs per month which is not adequate to maintain their family.
Majority 45 percent of the workers were members of Self Help Groups (SHG) groups.
Arindam Nandi, Ashvin Ashok, G Emmanuel Guindon, Frank J Chaloupka, and Prabhat Jha
(2014)10 have done a study on estimates of the economic contributions of the beedi manufacturing
industry in India. In this study they find that the economic footprint of the industry is rather small when
measured in terms of output, value added and employment. The employees in this industry are also
severely underpaid. They argue that the positive gains from higher taxes and reduced beedi
consumption, therefore, may well outweigh any temporary loss in economic activity. In addition, as
with many declining industries, the displaced workforce could be rehabilitated in other industries,
resulting is a net gain.
Dr. Avijit Roy Choudhury (2012)11 studied on Home-Based Beedi Workers of Malda & Murshidabad
Districts OF West Bengal, India. Though unconstitutional and unaccounted for, a large number of girl
child workers are engaged to add into the earnings of the family, which is plagued with different types
of atrocities like rejection of beedies, reduced wages etc. They are also severely exposed to health
hazards. This study was primarily concerned with the analysis of working and living conditions of girl
child workers in the beedi industry.
Selvi V.D (2006)12 in her study Plight of women in beedi industry argues that the beedi industry as
labour intensive, weak capital base and unorganized sector. Author highlights it as the work preferred
by women, poor people, children and mainly uneducated women as employment opportunity is limited
in agriculture.
Dharmalingam (1993)13 on Female Beedi Workers in a South Indian Village, Tamil Nadu. In his study
he argues that the beedi workers work longer hours for meager wages. They are exposed to economic
and sexual ex-ploitation and health hazards. Female workers are under constant pressure from
employer and their parents/ husbands Party and exploitation succeed in pitting daughters against
parents.
16

T. Nagalakshmi and A. Sudhakar (2013)14 done a study on Problems and Prospects of Women Beedi
Workers OF Mustabad, Andhra Pradesh. In their study they tried to point out the problems faced by the
women beedi workers, their socio-economic background, problems faced by Takedhar. From the study
it was found that due to the operation of middle men/Takedhar, no employer-employee relation is
established in between worker and employer. Most of the work has been supervised by the Takedhar.
Women Beedi workers are working under very poor and unhygienic conditions. Timely wages are not
been paid to these workers. The signatures are obtained on the amount, which is higher than the actual
amount paid to them. Almost no women Beedi workers are satisfied with the wages paid by the
organization. Apart from the women Beedi workers, their family members are also getting tobacco
related diseases such as tuberculosis, cough, cancer etc. Inferior quality, underweight tendu leaves have
been supplied by the Takedhar which is major cause for financial loss, because of this more beedies
will be weighted.
A study was done by Saurabh Mittal, Apoorva Mittal, and Ramakrishnan Rengappa (2006) 15
which included 310 females actively involved in beedi rolling presenting with eye symptoms to tertiary
eye care hospital Tirunelveli, Tamil nadu has shown that 62.9% of beedi workers presented with
defective vision,53.5% with headache, 38.1% with irritation/foreign body sensation in eyes, 6.5% with
redness of eyes ,6.5% with watering/discharge from eyes,3.5% with photophobia ,and associated
systemic illness like 22.9% with skin tanning, 11.9% with rough skin, 11.6% with peripheral
neuropathy, 5.8% with obstetric diseases, 4.8% with miscarriages, 1.6% with tuberculosis, 2.3% with
upper respiratory tract infection, 1.9% with joint pain, 0.6% migraine, 0.6% with diabetes mellitus,
0.3% hypertension.
Vinod Sen (2003)16 done a study in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh which included 70 beedi
rollers, of which 72.86% were female beedi rollers and 27.14% were male beedi rollers ,has
shown that 64.29% workers were earning less than Rs.25,000 per annum and 34.71% were
earning Rs.25 to 50,000 per annum from beedi rolling, 67.14% beedi workers experienced pain in
limbs and shoulders, 62.86% reported headache while working and after that, 51.43% of workers
had back pain,44.29% had continuous cold and allergy, 20% had eye problems, 17.57% had gas
trouble, and 11.13% had asthma.
17

Dr. Vandana Dave (2012)17 made an attempt to understand the socioeconomic condition of women
laborers, nature of their work, their working conditions, wage pattern, wage discrimination and other
difficulties faced by them at their work place. It was carried out with 350 respondents including women
construction workers, agriculture labourers and domestic helpers working in the unorganized sector.
The results showed that majority of the migrant women were engaged in the construction industry and
were only employed in unskilled and low paying jobs as coolies, laborers and helpers and women were
exploited to a greater degree as they were paid less compared to men for similar nature of work and
hours spent on work. The conditions of work in the unorganized sector were unsatisfactory and the
problems confronted by them were acute. And that their illiteracy, poverty and indebtedness forced
them to work for lower wages and under unjust conditions.
After doing review of literature, it was found that no specific study was done on beedi sector as well as
beedi workers in Tripura. So, under this circumstance the study was conducted with following
objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To review the present scenario of beedi sector in Tripura.

To study the socio-economic condition of beedi workers.
To study the working process of beedi making of beedi sector.
To find out the challenges and problems of beedi sector as well as beedi workers.
18
Chapter-3
Research
Methodology
19
Chapter-3
3. Research Methodology:
Methodology is the analysis of the principles or procedures of inequality in a particular field. It is
systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study or the theoretical analysis of
the body method and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. It, typically, encompasses
concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques.
3.1.
Study area:
The study was conducted in three hamlets namely Jangalia, Purba Jangalia, Rabindranath Koloni of
RouthKhala Gram Panchayat under Bishalgarh Rural Development Block, Sipahijala district, Tripura.
Table- 3.1 Population of RouthKhala Gram Panchayat (2013-14)

Male
STPopulation SCOBCMinoritiesGeneralTotal-
Female
329
1033
119
494
1975
STSC364
OBC-20
1013
Minorities- 114
General529
Total2020
Total
(M+F)
693
2046
233
1027
3995
Total
Family
173
551
59
292
1075

Source: RouthKhala Gram Panchayat (2013-14)
3.2.
Sample design:
Tripura
Sipahijala District
Bishalgarh R.D Block
RouthKhala Gram Panchayat
Jangalia
28 Samples
Purba Jangalia
42 Samples
Total Samples
21
102
Rabindranath Koloni
32 Samples
3.3.
Sample size:
The study was conducted with 102 samples.
3.4.
Sampling method:
The study was conducted through purposive random sampling method.
3.5. Sources of Data collection:

Data were collected from primary source and secondary source.
The secondary data were collected from labour departments, beedi office, Rural Development
Block, Gram Panchayat, Relevant websites, periodicals, and journals also reviewed.
For this study, primary data were collected from an individual respondents working in Beedi
making through interview method with well structure and designed questionnaire.
3.6. Tools of Data Collection:

Data was collected through structured interview schedule. Face to face interview was conducted
with the respondents. Apart from interview focus group discussion (FGD) with the beedi
makers and SSI was done with some beedi factory owners.
3.7. Method of data analysis:
22

The data analysis for this study were done through simple arithmetic tools like addition,
substations, multiplication, statistical tools like percentage, mean and Ms Excel, pie chart, bar
chart, column chart and represented through table & graphical representation.
3.8. Limitation of the study:

Lack of Secondary Data, time, resource etc.
Chapter-4
Result & Discussion
23
Chapter-4
4. Result & Discussion
4.1. Beedi sector in Tripura:
Beedi rolling is a major occupation for the women in Bishalgarh Subdivision, Tripura. This area
accounts for as much 50 percent of the total beedi production of the Tripura. State with 18 registered
beedi companies and also has unregistered beedi companies, and around 250 beedi contractors and also
has7 beedi brands from outside of Tripura. Due to this competition and the shifting nature of this sector,
it has declined. Competition has risen in the form of unregistered and small (excise exempt) beedi
manufacturers in the region, According to Labour Welfare Organization, Tripura has around 13,600
registered beedi workers and also has some unregistered workers. Among 13,600 beedi workers 88
Percent workers are female. Besides that, Children also make a significant contribution in the beedi
24

rolling households. Raw materials are imported from Orissa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra and
also others parts of the country
The diagram 4.1.1 shows the production process of beedi in Tripura. Starting from raw materials
(Tendu leaves and Tobacco) is imported from Orissa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra and also
others parts of the country. As the beedi industry is home-based, in Tripura the work is done mainly
through following two models: one is direct system - Workers employed in the factory to roll beedies
under the direct supervision of the management/owner. Company/ branch issues raw material (tobacco,
thread and tendu patta) directly to the workers. The employers provide the workers with raw materials
and the workers deliver back the ready beedi to them next day to the company. Other one is through
Contractor: i.e. raw material is given to the beedi workers through the contractors employed by the
employers. The workers roll the beedi and deliver the finished product to the contractor in every 7 days
or 15 days, in Tripura the middleman is known as Munsi. But mainly contractor or Munsi system is
very much popular in Tripura. Workers are paid Rs. 95 for per 1000 beedi making.
Diagram- 4.1.1: Working Process of Beedi Sector in Tripura

Raw Materials,
Tendu leaves and Tobacco
Process in Beedi
Factory
Factory
Filtering
Middleman/ Munsi
Heating
Packing
Market
Workers Home
Rewinding
the thread
Cutting the
beedi leaves
Rolling the
beedi
25
Folding the
beedi head
Finished
product
At home beedi workers follow four main steps in the production of a beedi:
Since the first step involves no expertise or training even children of very tender age or the old can
be involved. All that is required to be done is the re-rolling of the thread from a small bundle onto
an object, usually, an empty match box or a pulley -type object. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour
to rewind a bundle of thread.

Cutting the beedi leaves, which is the next step, requires some skill because the maximum number
of pieces cut from the leaf depends on the skill of the worker.
Rolling the beedi leaf with tobacco is the main job in the process-tobacco is to be rolled in the leaf
and tied with the thread; the pinch of tobacco must be accurate.
The folding of the beedi head, which is the final step, can be done by assistants also.
It takes 450 gram of tendu leaves and 220 gram of tobacco for making 1000 beedies.
The complete beedies are then bundled in 25 beedies which one packet and sent to the employer/
contractor. Finished products than send to factory by the contractors (Munsi), for that he received some
commission per thousand beedies from the factory. When all the prepared beedies are send to factory
than the factory workers filtered the beedies, the damaged beedies are taken out, after that the beedies
are send to heating room for almost one hour, after that all the beedies are packed, after all this beedies
are send to the market.
Table 4.1.2: An Estimated overview of Beedi Sector in Tripura

Registered Branded Beedi factory in Tripura
18 factory
Estimated contractor/ middleman/ munsi
More than 250
Number of Registered beedi workers
13,600
Total Number of days employment generated in a year
260-290 days
Total number of beedi produced in the State in a year
25,70,40,000 beedies
Total Number of Packet rolled in a year
10,281,600 Packets
Average Price of Per Beedi packets
Rs. 10
26

Total sale in amount in a year
Rs. 102,816,000
Wage paid to workers per 1000 beedi making
Rs. 95
Source: Estimated by Researcher
4.2. Socio-economic Condition of Beedi workers:

Table-4.2.1: Age composition
Age group
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
Total
Number of
Respondent
13
37
38
13
1
Percentage (%)
102
Mean Age: 36 Year
Source: Field Survey 2015
Figure-4.2.1: Age composition
27
12.75
36.27
37.25
12.75
0.98
100.0

40
30
Pe rce ntage % 20
10
0
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
Age Group
The table shows the age groups of the respondent women. It was found that highest number of
respondent, 37.25 percent of beedi makers belong to age group 36-45 and the majority of the
respondent were found between 26 years to 45 years. And the mean age of the respondent was 36 years.
Table-4.2.2: Social category

Social category
ST
SC
OBC
UR
Total
Number of
Respondent
13
64
25
102
Percentage (%)
Figure-4.2.2: Social category
28
12.74
62.74
24.20
100.0

ST
SC
OBC
UR
13%
24%
63%
The table shows that highest number of respondent, around 63 percent beedi makers belong to OBC
and others 24 percent found others caste. And no schedule Tribe respondent found among 102 samples
which clearly shows that schedule Tribe people were not found in beedi making work in the study area.
Table 4.2.3- Economic status

Poverty status
APL
BPL
Listed BPL
NO
Total
Number of
Respondent
41
40
19
2
102
29
Percentage (%)
40.19
39.21
18.62
1.96
100.0
Figure-4.2.3: Economic status

50
40.19
40
39.21
30
18.62
20
10
1.96
APL
BPL
Listed BPL
NO
Pe rce ntage (%)
The above table shows the economic status of the respondent. It was found that 40.19 percent
respondents belong to APL category and 39.21 percent respondents belong to BPL category and 19
respondents were listed in BPL category and 2 respondent found without ration card. It shows that the
percentage of below poverty line & newly listed BPL family is very high among the total number of
respondent around 58 percent.
Table-4.2.4: Religious Status

Religion
Hindu
Muslim
Christian
Number of
Respondent
102
00
00
30
Percentage (%)
100.0
00
00

Others
Total
00
102
00
100.0
Figure-4.2.4: Religion
Hindu
Muslim
Christian
Others
Table shows that total 102 respondents belong to Hindu religion. Apart from Hindu religion no other
religion beedi maker were found.
Table-4.2.5: Marital Status

31

Marital Status
Number of
Respondent
Unmarried
2
Married
84
Widow
11
Divorcee
00
Disserted
5
Total
102
Percentage (%)
1.96
82.35
10.78
00
4.90
100.0
Figure-4.2.5: Marital Status

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Unmarrie d
Marrie d
Widow
Divorce e
Disse rte d
Table shows the marital status of the respondents. It shows that 82.35 percent respondents were
married, 11 respondents were found widow and 5 respondents are found disserted by the husband.
32
Table-4.2.6: Educational status

Literacy status
Number of
Respondent
5
24
34
34
5
102
Illiterate
Literate
Primary
Secondary
Madhyamik
Total
Percentage (%)
4.90
23.52
33.33
33.33
4.90
100.0
Figure-4.2.6: Educational status

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Illiterate
Literate
Primary
Numbe r of Responde nt
S econdary
Madhyamik
Pe rce ntage (%)
Table shows the Education status of the respondents. From the above table it was found that majority of
the respondents studied in primary section and secondary stage 33.33 percent each. Only 5 respondents
were Madhyamik pass. Literate were 23.52 percent and 5 illiterate respondents were found. It shows
that level of education among these beedi makers was very low which was one of the main reason
behind opting beedi making work, as this work requires no educational qualification and also leads
them to economic empowerment.
33
Table-4.2.7: Benefit received under different government programmes

Schemes
Yes
No
RSBY
NOs
94
%
92.15
NOs
8
7.84
Total
Nos
102
MGNREGA
Adhaar Card
95
102
93.13
100.0
7
00
6.86
00
102
102
Total
Percentage
100.0
100.0
100.0
Figure-4.2.7: Beneficiary of different government programmes

100
90
80
70
60
Yes
No
50
40
30
20
10
0
RS BY
MGNREGA
ADHAAR CARD
From the above table, it shows the beneficiaries of the different govt. programmes. 92.15 respondents
had RSBY card, MGNREGA job card holder were 95 respondents and Adhaar card holder were 100
percent respondent. It shows that they are taking the benefits of the different govt. programmes and
awareness about the govt. programmes among them which is a good sign.
34
Table-4.2.8: Member in SHG

Response
Number of
Respondent
Yes
No
102
Total
102
Percentage (%)
100.0
100.0
Figure-4.2.8: SHG member
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Percentage
Yes
No
From the above table, it was seen that no SHG member was found, it means they are lacking behind an
opportunity of earning more through forming an SHG.
35
Table-4.2.9: Beneficiary of different programs

Schemes
Yes
No
Total
Nos
Total
Percentage
NOs
NOs
Bank A/C
98
96.08
3.92
102
100.0
LIC
14
13.72
88
86.28
102
100.0
Health
Insurance
102
102
100.0
Figure-4.2.9: Beneficiary of different programs
36
100
90
80
70
60
Yes
No
50
40
30
20
10
0
Bank A/C
LIC
He alth Insurance
From the above table, it shows that 96.08 percent respondents had bank account which is a very good
side from the point view of economic inclusion. And only around 14 percent respondent had life
insurance coverage. And no one have health insurance coverage, as beedi making work is very much
vulnerable to health hazards.
Table-4.2.10: Monthly income (In Rs.)

Group
500-1000
1001-1500
1501-2000
2001-2500
2501-3000
3001-3500
Number of
Respondent
13
28
29
24
3
5
37
Percentage (%)
12.75
27.45
28.43
23.52
2.94
4.91

Total
102
100.0
Mean Income: Rs. 1775

Figure-4.2.10: Monthly income (In Rs.)

30
27.45
28.43
23.52
25
20
15
12.75
Percentage (%)
10
4.91
5
0
2.94
500-1000
1001-1500
1501-2000
2001-2500
2501-3000
3001-3500
This above table shows that around 29 percent of the respondents earned Rs.1501-2000 per month. 28
percent of the respondents earned Rs.2001-2500 per month. More than 40 percent of the respondent
earned less than Rs.1500 per month. Few percentage respondents found who earned more than Rs.
3000 per month. Therefore the income they got was not enough to help the family. But the respondents
were involved in very hard work.
Table-4.2.11: Monthly income of the respondent family (In Rs.)

Group
3000-5000
5001-7000
Number of
Respondent
16
64
38
Percentage (%)
15.66
62.76

7001-9000
Above 9000
Total
19
3
102
18.63
2.95
100.0
Mean Income: Rs. 6516

Figure-4.2.11: Monthly income of the respondent family (In Rs.)

70
60
50
40
Percentage (% )
30
20
10
0
3000-5000
5001-7000
7001-9000 Above 9000
This above table shows the monthly family income of the respondents family including her monthly
income. It shows that around 63 percent of the respondents family earned between Rs. 5001-7000 per
month. 18.63 percent of the respondents earned between Rs. 7001-9000 per month. Only 3 respondents
family were found who earned more than 9000 per month. And around 16 percent of the respondent
earned less than Rs. 5000 per month.
Table-4.2.12: Average monthly expenditure of the Respondent family

39

Areas
Average monthly
expenditure
3383.33
434.31
246.03
401.53
809.55
948.52
6223.27
Food
Cloths
Health
Cocking Fuel
Education
others
Total
Percentage (%)
54.64
6.98
3.62
6.40
13.02
15.34
100.0
Figure-4.2.12: Average monthly expenditure of the Respondent family
Average monthly expenditure

othe rs; 15%
Education; 13%
Food; 54%
Cocking Fuel; 6%
Health; 4%
Cloths; 7%
From the above table, it was found that majority i.e. 55 percent of their total family expenditure spent
on food. They spent 13 percent in education, 7 percent in cloths, 6 percent in cocking fuel, 4 percent in
health and 15 percent in others sectors of their total family expenditure.
40
Table-4.2.13: Own house/Land of the respondent

Types
Own house/Land
Reserved land
Total
Number of
Respondent
35
67
Percentage (%)
102
100.0
34.32
65.68
The above table shows that 35 respondents have their own land and 67 respondents are living in Govt.
reserved land which is under Sipahijala Wildlife Park, they are only resident of that land. The land is
not belongs to them.
Table-4.2.14: Types of the house

Types
Kutcha
Semi- Pucca
Pucca
Total
Number of
Respondent
77
22
3
102
Percentage (%)
75.49
21.56
2.94
100.0
The above table shows that 75.49 percent respondents house is Kutcha and only around 3 percent
respondents house is Pucca. It shows that their financial status is low.
Table-4.2.15: Toilet availability

Types
Private
Community
Open defecation
Total
Number of
Respondent
102
00
00
102
Percentage (%)
100.0
00
00
100.0
The table shows that total 102 respondents family have private toilet in their home which is a very
good sign from the point of view of total sanitation campaign in India.
41
Table-4.2.16: Source of Drinking Water

Types
Supply (Pipeline)
Tube well
Total
Number of
Respondent
49
53
102
Percentage (%)
49.98
51.96
100.0
From the above table, it shows that the source of availability of water in the respondents house. It
shows that 49 respondents have water supply pipe line connectivity in their house for that they need to
pay 60 Rs. per month and 53 respondents have tube well in their house. But the respondents who are
having water supply connectivity in their house often face water shortage and crisis.
Table-4.2.17: Availability of Electricity

Response
Yes
No
Total
Number of
Respondent
99
3
102
Percentage (%)
97.05
2.95
100.0
From the above table, it shows that the electric availability in the respondents house. It shows that
97.05 percent respondents had electricity connection in their house, it shows that inspite of their poor
economic condition they manage to keep their house bright at night with electricity.
42
Table-4.2.18: Cooking device

Type
LPG
Fire wood
LPG/wood
Total
Number of
Respondent
15
66
21
102
Percentage (%)
14.70
64.70
20.58
100.0
The above table shows the types of cooking devices that the respondents family uses for preparing
food. It shows that healthy number 64.70 percent of respondent family uses fire wood for preparing
food and only 15 respondent family using LPG for preparing food. And 21 respondents family is using
LPG/wood both for food preparation.
Table-4.2.19: Livestock availability

Types
Poultry
Duckry
Cows
NA
Total
Number of
Respondent
14
2
5
81
102
Percentage (%)
13.72
1.96
4.90
79.42
100.0
The above table shows the livestock availability in the respondents family. It shows majority of the
respondent family 79.42 percent were having no livestock availability in their house. Very less
respondents family were engaged in livestock activities in their house. Only 16 respondents family
found who were engaged in poultry and duckry farming in their house and 5 respondents family had
cows in their house.
43
4.3. Working process of beedi making of beedi sector:

Table-4.3.1: Source of information regarding beedi making work
Sources
Neighbor
Family
Total
Number of
Respondent
66
36
102
Percentage (%)
64.70
35.30
100.0
Source of Work Information

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Ne ighbor
Family
The above table shows that the source of information regarding beedi making work. It shows that
around 65 percent of respondent got to know about this work from neighbor and 35.30 percent of
respondent got to know from their family members who used to do this work before them. It shows that
except family members, neighbors were more inspiring factor that they engaged in this beedi industry.
It also shows that 35.30 percent of respondent had family members in their family who were engaged
44

in beedi making industry before them and around 65 percent of respondents were the first generation
beedi workers in their family.
Table-4.3.2: Working experience of the respondents in beedi industry

Years
0-10
11-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
Total
Number of
Percentage (%)
Respondent
30
29.41
46
45.09
22
21.56
3
2.95
1
0.99
102
100.0
Mean experience: 16 year
45
Work Experience
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0-10
21-30
31-40
41-50
From the above table, it shows the working experience of the respondent. It shows that highest numbers
of percentage 45.09 percent of respondent working for 11 to 20 years in the beedi sector and few
respondents were found who engaged in beedi sector for more than 40 years and the majority of the
respondent working in this sector for 11-20 to 21-30 years group. And average experience year of the
respondent was 16 years.
Table-4.3.3: Entry age of the respondent in this sector

Years
9-14
15-24
25-34
Total
Number of
Percentage (%)
Respondent
17
16.66
63
61.76
22
21.57
102
100.0
Mean entry age of the women: 19 year
46
Entry age
Percentage (% )
25-34
15-24
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
The table shows the age of the respondent when she took entry in the beedi making sector. The highest
percentage around 62 percentage respondents entered in this sector from 15 years to 24 years. It also
reveals that 17 respondents were found who entered in this sector below 14 years age which comes
under the child labour act in India and they were also from poor economic background which led them
to join this sector and moreover at very early age they came to know about this work from their parents.
And mean entry age of the respondent was 19 years.
Table-4.3.4: Place of work

Place
Home
Factory
Number of
Respondent
102
47
Percentage (%)
100.0
-

Total
102
100.0
Place of work
Home
Factory
The above table shows the working place of the respondents. It is found that 100 percent of the
respondents were working in their homes, as it reveals that beedi making is basically a home based
work and for that reason women are more involved in this sector.
Table-4.3.5: Distribution of worker on the basis of working hour

48

Duration
(in hrs)
Number of
Percentage (%)
Respondent
2-3
18
17.64
4-5
79
77.45
Above 5
5
4.91
Total
102
100.0
Mean working hour: 4hrs 20 mints /day
77.45
80
70
60
50
40
30
17.64
20
10
4.91
Pe rce ntage (%)
The above table shows the distribution of workers on the basis of working hours in a day. It is observed
that majority respondent, around 78 percent of respondent found who were working between 4 to 5
hours in a day. As most of the workers are housewives, it is very hard for them to make out time for
work. So, their income is very less. But the amount of hard work they putting that much income they
were not getting from this industry. And the mean working hour of the respondent was 4.16 hours in a
day.
49
Table-4.3.6: Separate place to keep raw materials and products

Response
Number of
Respondent
102
102
Yes
No
Total
Percentage (%)
100.0
100.0
Separate place to keep product
Yes
No
From the above table it can be observed that majority of the respondent, 100 percent didnt have
separate place to keep their products or raw materials. They keep their raw material, tobacco and tendu
leaves openly in their homes. As, it is very much harmful to health, childrens are more exposed and
vulnerable to all kinds of hazards of tobacco.
50
Table-4.3.7: No. of beedi packets rolled in a day by the respondent

No of packets
10-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
Total
Number of
Percentage (%)
Respondent
34
33.34
17
16.66
29
28.44
13
12.74
9
8.82
102
100.0
Average beedi rolled in a day: 715 Nos.
No. of beedi packets rolled in a day

40
35
33.34
28.44
30
25
20
16.66
12.74
15
8.82
10
5
0
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
The above table shows the number of beedi packets rolled in a day by the respondent. One beedi
packet consists of 25 beedies. It is found that majority of the beedi makers rolled between 20 to 40
packets in a day i.e. around 1000 beedies. It means respondents were involved in very hard work. They
got Rs. 95 for per 1000 beedi making.
51
Table-4.3.8: Collection mode of raw materials

Mode
Number of
Respondent
34
68
102
Direct from factory

Trough factory agent
Others
Total
Percentage (%)
35.30
64.70
100.0
Collection mode of Raw Materials
Others
Percentage (%)
Trough factory agent
Direct from factory

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
The table reveals that how the respondents collects their raw materials. Majority around 65 percent of the
respondent collected their raw materials through the factory agent. The workers roll the beedi and deliver the
finished product to the contractor in every week or in every 15 days and other respondents collect raw materials
52

directly from the factory. It also shows that how the respondent delivered their finished products. It
reveals that Majority around 65 percent of the respondent delivered their finished products through the
factory agent in every week or in every 15 days and got their wages on that day depending on the
amount of beedi rolled. And other respondents delivered their products by themselves.
Table-4.3.9: Availability of work and raw materials

Types
Whole year
Seasonal
Total
Number of
Respondent
102
102
Percentage (%)
100.0
100.0
Availability of work and raw materials
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Percentage (% )
Whole year
Seasonal
The above table shows the availability of work and raw materials. From this table it is clear that
workers in beedi industry easily get work and raw materials throughout year. They dont get any
problem to get work and raw materials.
53
Table- 4.3.10: Work Assistance by the respondents family member

Response
Number of
Respondent
43
59
102
Yes
No
Total
Percentage (%)
42.15
57.85
100.0
Work Assistance
Yes
No
42%
58%
The above table shows the work assistance provided to the respondents by her family members. From
this table it was found that 42.15 percent respondents got assistance in their work from her family
54

members and most of them were daughters helped them in their work and most of the daughters were
school going students which shows the possibility of child labour but most of them were working
without money, as they only helped their mothers in work. And around 58 percents respondents didnt
have any one to assist in their work.
Table-4.3.11: Health problems

Response
Yes
No
Total
Number of
Respondent
64
38
102
55
Percentage (%)
61.75
37.25
100.0
Health problems
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Percentage (% )
Yes
No
From the above table it shows that around 62 percent of the beedi workers had health related problems
which probably due to their profession. The above table various health problems of the respondent
beedi workers, most probably due to their profession. Beedi rolling causes significant health hazards.
Beedi rollers handle tobacco flakes and inhale tobacco dust and volatile components of tobacco in their
work environment (often their homes) and are at risk for hazards. Mostly eye, breathing, back pain,
chest pain, stomach problems were found highly in most of the beedi makers.
Table-4.3.12: Receiving Government facilities

Facilities
Children Stipend
Housing
Access to Medical
Yes
NOs
43
73
No
%
42.15
71.56
56
NOs
59
102
29
%
57.85
100.0
28.44
Total
Nos
102
102
102

Check up
Life Insurance
102
100.0
100
100
71.56
57.85
42.15
28.44
0
In
su
ra
nc
e
k
ca
lC
he
c
to
M
ed
i
Ac
c
es
s
Li
fe
ng
Ho
us
i
Ch
i ld
re
n
No
up
Yes
St
ip
en
d
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
102
The above table describes the Govt. facilities which the respondents were getting. It was found that
around 43 percent of the respondents children were getting stipend who were studying in schools and
colleges and around 58 percent of the respondents childrens were not getting that facility because some
of the respondents didnt have any student in their family and some of the respondent didnt fill up the
stipend form in time due to some reason. Any of the respondents didnt get financial help for housing.
Around 72 percent of the respondent accessed the free medical checkup camp in their local area in
every 15 days by the Govt. And 100 percent of the respondents who were having Beedi Labour Card
were covered with Rs. 10,000 life Insurance.
Table-4.3.13: Any IGA training received form Govt. NGOs or others

Response
Number of
57
Percentage (%)

Respondent
102
102
Yes
No
Total
100.0
100.0
Any IGA Training Received

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Percentage (% )
Yes
No
From the above table it clearly shows that none of the respondent got any kind of Income Generation
Tainting from any Govt. institution or from any NGOs and other sources. As most of the respondent
belongs to very poor family, poverty was the main reason that induced the workers to take up Beedi
work as an occupation.
4.4. Challenges and Problems of Beedi sector as well as beedi workers:

58

Beedi rolling is one of the most popular amongst unorganized industries specially, in the state of
Tripura. According to Labour Welfare Organization, Tripura has around 13,600 registered beedi
workers and also has some unregistered workers. Among 13,600 beedi workers 88 Percent workers are
female. These beedi workers and this sector are facing some problems and challenges. Though
interaction with the beedi workers and beedi factory owners I have observed some of the some of the
problems and challenges of this sector.
One major concern, of beedi associations, trade unions, and media relates to the future survival of the
beedi industry. Uncertainties have been generated in this industry due to competition with the cigarette
industry and the impact of tobacco-free initiatives and anti tobacco legislation. Beedi rollers have
experienced the repercussions of these factors in the form of reduced availability of work. Under this
circumstances it is very hard to say that in future this industry will be able to survive and as well as its
workers.
4.4.1. Problems Faced by Manufacturers:

In Tripura, as the raw materials are not available in the state the manufacturers mainly face problem
with the import of raw materials. They state that excise duty is very much high when raw materials are
imported in Tripura. 5 % tax on per one thousand leaves and 14.5 % in per kg tobacco. And Rs.11
central govt. tax on per one thousand beedies sale. The formal beedi sector also faces competition from
informal, unregistered beedi manufacturers who avoid labour laws and produce unbranded beedies that
escape payment of excise duties. Another big problems face by the local manufactures is that they are
lacking behind with competition of outside beedi brands doing business in Tripura and also selling their
products in very cheap rate. To match up with the their price and brand the local beedi producers cannot
raise the price which is very tough for them to survive. This has affected the employment potential of
the beedi industry in the state.
59

4.4.2. Problems Faced by Workers:
High dependency on the middlemen:
As most of the workers collect and delivered their products through to intermediaries/ contractors the
worker and the employer relation is not established. The workers are mainly depending on the
middleman (Munsi) for the work. This also leads to exploitation of the workers by middleman.
Rejection of beedies and issues of raw materials are very much part of the system of beedi production.
Rejection of beedies and issuing less than required raw material. The rate of rejection is high, viz. 50100 beedi per 1000 and for that the workers do not get the money for the rejected beedi but money for
the raw material is deducted too. Rejection is a cause of conflict between workers and contractors.
Apart from that low rate for per thousand beedi making is another problem.
Health problems:
A significant part of beedi manufacture takes place at home or through a system of contractors which
results in a high incidence of women and children employed in poor working conditions in beedi
manufacturing. For women who work at home in small huts with very little ventilation the tobacco dust
remains in the home where women and their families eat, sleep and spend their entire time. This results
in their being constantly exposed to this health hazard and leading to respiratory problems.
Table-4.4.1: Types of Health problems

Problems area
Eye
Breathing
Back pain
Headache
High B/P
Stomach
Heart
Nerve
Chest pain
Stone
Brain
Total
Number of
Respondent
Percentage (%)
22
12
23
5
6
6
2
2
4
5
1
64
24.86
13.56
25.99
5.65
6.78
6.78
2.26
2.26
4.52
5.65
1.13
100.0
60
30
25.99
24.86
25
20
13.56
15
10
5.65
6.78
6.78
4.52
2.26
2.26
5.65
1.13
Br
ai
n
Ch
es
tp
ai
n
He
ar
t
P
B/
h
Hi
g
pa
in
Ba
ck
Ey
e
The above table various health problems of the respondent beedi workers, most probably due to their
profession. Beedi rolling causes significant health hazards. Beedi rollers handle tobacco flakes and
inhale tobacco dust and volatile components of tobacco in their work environment (often their homes)
and are at risk for hazards. Mostly eye, breathing, back pain, chest pain, stomach problems were found
highly in most of the beedi makers.
Illiteracy and Lack of Access to Information:
Due to Illiteracy and Lack of access to Information the beedi workers are not able to access the benefits
that are due to them or in time. There is a lack of information on the provisions of the Beedi Acts
among workers.
61
Chapter-5
Major Findings,
Recommendations &
Conclusion
62
Chapter 5
5.1. Major Findings:
1. It was found that highest number of respondent i.e. 37.25 percent of beedi makers belong to age
group 36-45 years and the majority of the respondents were found between 26 years to 45 years.
And the average age of the respondent was 36 years.
2. Around 63 percent beedi makers belong to OBC and no schedule Tribe respondent found.
3. 40.19 percent respondents belong to APL category and 39.21 percent respondents belong to BPL
4.
5.
6.
7.
category and 19 respondents were listed in BPL category.

102 respondents belong to Hindu religion.
82.35 percent respondents were married.
Majority of the respondents studied in primary section and secondary stage 33.33 percent each.
92.15 respondents had RSBY card, MGNREGA job card holder were 95 respondents and Adhaar
card holder is 100 percent.

8. No SHG member was found.
9. 96.08 percent respondents had bank accounts, only around 14 percent respondent had life insurance
coverage beside 10 thousand life insurance as beedi labour card holder from LIC and no one have
health insurance coverage.
10. More than 40 percent of the respondent earned less than Rs.1500 per month.
11. Around 63 percent of the respondents family earned between Rs. 5001-7000 per month.
12. 55 percent of their total family expenditure spent on food.
13. 35 respondents have their own land and 67 respondents are living in Govt. reserved land which is
under Sipahijala Wildlife Park, they are only resident of that land. The land is not belongs to them.
14. 75.49 percent respondents house is Kutcha.
15. 102 respondents family had private toilet in their home.
16. 49 respondents have water supply pipe line connectivity in their house and 53 respondents
have tube well in their house.
17. 97.05 percent respondents had electricity connection in their house.
18. 64.70 percent of respondent family uses fire wood for preparing food.
19. 79.42 percent were having no livestock availability in their house.
63

20.
65 percent of respondent got to know about this work from neighbor and 35.30 percent of
respondent got to know from their family members.

21. 45.09 percent of respondent working for 11 to 20 years in the beedi industry and mean
experience year of the respondent was 16 years.
22. Around 62 percentage respondents entered in this sector from 15 years to 24 years. It also
reveals that 17 respondents were found who entered in this sector below 14 years age which comes
under the child labour act in India. Mean entry age of the women was 19 year.
23. 100 percent of the respondents were working in their homes, as it is a home based work.
24. Around 78 percent of respondent found who were working between 4 to 5 hours in a day. And
the average working hour of the respondent was 4.16 hours.
25. 100 percent of the respondents didnt have separate place to keep their products or raw
materials..
26. 45.10 percents of the beedi makers rolled between 20 to 40 packets in a day i.e. around 1000
beedies. Average beedi rolled in a day by a worker 715 beedies
27. 65 percent of the respondent collect their raw materials and also delivered their finished products through the
factory agent.
28. Availability of work and the raw materials throughout the year.
29. 42.15 percent respondents got assistance in their work from her family members and most of them
were daughters helped them in their work and most of the daughters were school going students.
30. 62 percent of the beedi workers had health related problems which probably due to their profession. Mostly
eye, breathing, back pain, chest pain, stomach problems were found highly in most of the beedi makers.
31. 43 percent of the respondents children were getting stipend who were studying in schools and colleges, 72
percent of the respondent accessed the free medical checkup camp in their local area in every 15 days by the
Govt, 100 percent of the respondents who were having Beedi Labour Card were covered with Rs. 10,000 life
Insurance.
32. None of the respondent got any kind of Income Generation Tainting from any Govt. institution or
from any NGOs and other sources.
5.2. Recommendations:
1. As the beedi making is not providing the workers enough earning and also has occupational
health hazards they should go for other alternative home based works like Tailoring, Teddy bear
64

or doll making, Agarbatti making and other home based works. So that they dont need to go
outside the home for the work.
2. Income Generation Training should be provided to the beedi workers by the Govt. agencies and
also by NGOs, so that they can take up an income generating activity.
3. A Govt. programme needs to be there that provides credit facilities to the beedi workers to take
up self-employment ventures and to shift them out of beedi making into other economic
activities.
4. Organizing them into self help groups can be a good idea for making them self employed with
an idea of income generating activity which helps them to take up an alternative livelihood to
earn.
5. As most of the workers are women, it is necessary to make provision for child care centres to
look after the children of working women, so that the women may look for alternatives which
require them leaving their homes.
6. As beedi making is a home based work, children are expected to take this work since childhood,
so Govt. should look after that and the beedi factory should not allow any children to work.
7. Beedi workers are not fully aware of their basic rights and facilities provided by the Govt. so,
the respective department may make them aware about their rights and support them so that
they can be equally treated in the society.
8. Due to the nature of their work, the Beedi workers fall ill often. Therefore the Employer/
contractor must be made to pay for their treatment. Medical/health facilities must be within a
reachable distance and can be utilized on even holidays, which will improve the health
conditions of the workers.
9. Beedi workers should make aware about the health hazards of beedi making. They should aware
of using mask while beedi making, clearing hands after work is done and keep the raw materials
at a particular place beyond the children reach.
10. The NGOs can take up issues concerning the female Beedi workers like their working
condition, health problems and vocational training programmes.
5.3. Conclusion:
In India around thirty core people are working in the unorganized sector and the number is on the rise.
The meaning of unorganized sector, popularly known as unprotected sector, could be without regular
source of income and working throughout the year. They constitute the fringe of society and are not
getting a chance to be a part of the mainstream economy.
65

Beedi rolling is one of the most popular amongst unorganized industries specially, in some parts of the
country. Women constitute a very high percentage of labour force in the industry. The reason for this is,
firstly, the work is done generally from besides, women are considered to be more sincere and
hardworking. Beedi rolling activity has become an instrumental in generating supplementary income
among the poor families in Tripura. But, beside that Women Beedi workers are facing some problems
related to this sector like high dependency on middleman which prevent them to establish a relation
with the factory and this also leads them to exploitation. Occupational health hazards are one of the
main problems in this sector, being constantly exposed to these raw materials which lead to respiratory
problems. They have no skill in another trade, and beedi rolling has been their cottage industry for
decades. In many families, the work has been passed on from generation to generation. The beedi
industries have provided employment opportunity for women. The women workers are treating this
work as a part time job though they spare most of their valuable resources like time, effort and health.
Considering the amount of time taken and also the nature of the work, the wages paid to them are very
low (Rs. 95 for rolling of 1000 beedies) with facing health hazards. So therefore, The Government and
NGOs need to bring pressure on owners of beedi industries to strictly follow labour rules in their
establishments and improve the living standards of the beedi rollers and beside that Govt. should
provide them alternative livelihood so that they can shift them out of beedi making into other economic
activities.
Reference:
Dave, Vandana. (July-September 2012). Women workers in unorganized sector. vol. 18. No. 3
Dharmalingam (1993). Female Beedi Workers in a South Indian Village. Economic and Political
Weekly. Vol. 28. No. 27/28
66

Govt. of India (1995), report on working and living condition of workers in beedi industry India,
unorganized sector survey (series no.22), Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour.
Lal, Pranay (25 May 2009). "Bidi A short history". Current Science (Bangalore, India: Current
Science Association) 96 (10): 13351337.
Madheswaran, S. Rajasekhar, D. and Devi, Gayathiri (2006). Production Relations, Employment and
Wages: A Study of Beedi Industry in Karnataka. The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Vol. 49, No.
4
Mohandas, M (1980), Beedi worker in Kerala, Condition of Life and Work.
Murugan, V. & Venkatesh, C (2014). A Study on Socio Economic Conditions of Female Beedi
Workers in Karugamputhur Village, Vellore District. Indian Streams Research Journal. Vol-4. Issue-9.
ISSN 2230-7850.
Nagalakshmi, T & Sudhakar, A (2013), Problems and prospects of Women Beedi Workers: A Case
Study of Mustabad, Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Radix International Educational and Research
Consortium. Volume 2. Issue 8 (Aug 2013) ISSN: 2250 3994
Nandi, Arindam. Ashok, Ashvin. Guindon, G Emmanuel. Chaloupka, Frank J & Jha, Prabhat (2014).
Estimates of the economic contributions of the beedi manufacturing industry in India.
Prasad. K.V. Eswara & Anuradha Prasad (1985), Beedi workers of Central India, Mimeo National
Labour Institute, New Delhi.
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India (ISSN 2231-2137): Vol. 4, Issue: 2
Roy Choudhury, Avijit (2012). Current Trends in Girl Child Labour: A Case Study of Home-Based
Beedi Workers of Malda & Murshidabad Districts of West Bengal, India. EXCEL International Journal
of Multidisciplinary Management Studies Vol.2. Issue 10. October 2012. ISSN 2249 8834
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Selvan, R. Thanga & Mabel, D. Jacqulin Pon (2013). Income and Expenditure Pattern of Women Beedi
Workers in Radhapuram Taluk of Tirunelveli District, Tamil nadu, India. Indian Journal of Applied
Research. Vol -3. Issue 7, July 2013. ISSN - 2249-555X
Selvi, V.D (2006). Plight of women in beedi industry. Third concept, Vol.19, No.228, pp. 51-54.
Srinivasan, S. & Ilango, P. (2012). A Study on the Socio Economic Conditions of Female Beedi
Workers at Khajamalai in Trichirapalli, Tamil Nadu. International Journal of Innovative Research &
Development. Vol 1 Issue 11 ISSN: 2278 0211
Sen Vinod. Effects of Working condition on Health 0f Beedi Workers :A Study of Sagar District of
Madhya Pradesh. In: Arnab Ghosh, editor. Environment, Drinking water and Public Health: Problems
and future goals. Daya publishing house, Delhi; 2007: pp 132-149.
Sudarshan, Ratna & Kaur, Rupinder (1999). Indian Journal of Labour Economics. The Tobacco
Industry and Womens Employment: Old Concerns and New Imperatives. Vol.42. Issue: 4
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Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

1.1. History of the beedi industry in India:

1.2. Characteristics of the Beedi Industry in India:

contractors and manufacturers involved in bulk production in India.

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

working conditions of workers and in implementing welfare laws.

Beedi Industry in India:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

1.4. Trading model in beedi industry:

1.5. Different stages in the process of beedi making:

about 30 minutes to an hour to rewind a bundle of thread.

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in India:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Table- 1.1: State-wise details of the total number of Beedi workers

No. of beedi Percentage (%)

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Source: Ministry of Labour and employment, GOI, 2009.

1.7. Role of Women in the Beedi Industry:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

1.8. Rights of Beedi and Cigar workers:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966

provides for coverage

1.9. Central Govt. facilities for the beedi workers in India:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

To review the present scenario of beedi sector in Tripura.

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Table- 3.1 Population of RouthKhala Gram Panchayat (2013-14)

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Bishalgarh R.D Block

RouthKhala Gram Panchayat

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

3.5. Sources of Data collection:

3.6. Tools of Data Collection:

3.7. Method of data analysis:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

3.8. Limitation of the study:

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Diagram- 4.1.1: Working Process of Beedi Sector in Tripura

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

to rewind a bundle of thread.

Table 4.1.2: An Estimated overview of Beedi Sector in Tripura

Estimated contractor/ middleman/ munsi

More than 250

Number of Registered beedi workers

Total Number of days employment generated in a year

Total number of beedi produced in the State in a year

Total Number of Packet rolled in a year

Average Price of Per Beedi packets

Beedi Workers in Tripura: An Empirical Study

Wage paid to workers per 1000 beedi making