Socio-Economic Conditions Of Beedi Workers With Reference To Melapalayam Town (Tirunelveli District) In Tamil Nadu

Abstract

This Study investigates the Socio, economic and demographic conditions of Beedi workers with special reference to Melapalayam located in the banks of Tamirabarani river adjunct to Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu in Southern part of India. Melapalayam a densely populated area in Tirunelveli which predominantly occupied by Muslim neighborhoods in which most of the women engages in beedi rolling. India’s Beedi workers is one of the unorganized vulnerable segment of labor force in rural areas consist majority of women faces very low wages than other industries. Tamil Nadu is one of the top producers in Beedi industry among the southern states. Lower compensation and Health hazards are the alarming issue in the Industry. Melapalayam is home to more than one hundred thousand populations with Muslim majority also holds hundreds of beedi workers from door to door. The study analyzed the contribution of beedi industry to the development in the area towards their education, health spending, social status and problems faced by the beedi workers.