socio-economic status of workersshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/16082/11/11_chapter...

CHAPTER V

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF WORKERS

Socio-economic status (SES) is an economic and sociological combined total

measure of a person's work experience and of an individual's or family’s economic and

social position relative to others, based on age-sex, marital status, services and amenities

available to them, income, education and occupation. While analyzing the workers’ SES,

such attributes are assessed to developing the profile of the important stakeholder groups of

bell and brass metal industries.

5.1. AGE-SEX COMPOSITION

There are three basic determinants of age composition of a given population. These

include natality, mortality and mobility. All these are inter-dependent and any change in

one of them may influence the other two. The population geographers have different means

of analyzing the age statistics. These are use to analyze the incidence of error in the data

pertaining to age.

Generally, the population geographers have three different methods of analyzing

age composition. These include the age pyramids, the age groups and age indices. Among

all, it is considered that the age groups method seems to be suitable for understanding the

participation of workers engaged in bell and brass metal industries of Assam. However, no

standardize break points are used to classify the workers into different classes and they are

classified into five different classes starting from below 30 years to above 60 years taking a

224

range of ten years for each class. These classifications of workers showed the implication of

age groups in participating to a particular works of the sector.

The assessment of workers of bell and brass metal industries of Assam reveals that

the maximum participation in both the industries is from young generation (Table 5.1 and

5.2). Among the bell metal workers, 73.33 per cent (154 artisans) belongs to age groups of

below 40 years. Similarly, in brass metal sector 79.16 per cent (133 artisans) belongs to the

age groups below 40 years.

Table 5.1: Age composition of workers in bell metal industry

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09

The maximum workers engaged in this sector belong to the age of 40 years or less

as it involves physical strength. After the age of 40 years, the participation of workers to

bell and brass metal industries tends to decline. As they physically become weak to render

such type of hard physical labour, their share in bell and brass metal sector stands for 26.67

and 20.84 per cents respectively. Lack of mechanization in the sector, in fact, deprived the

use of expertise that elderly artisans achieved through their long association with the sector.

On the other hand, participation of female worker is found to be negligible in this sector.

Only two part time female workers were found under the units of Mugkuchi brass metal

centre. Traditionally, the female folk are not considered fit for doing such type of job. Age

Sl.

No

.

Name of the centre or

cluster

No. of unit

surveyed

Workers

surveyed

Age groups of bell metal workers

‹30 30-40 40-50 50-60 › 60

1 Sarthebari Cluster 36 189 72 67 24 14 12

2 Ganeshpara, Guwahati 02 11 04 05 02 00 00

3 Western Assam Cluster 03 10 03 03 03 00 01

Total 41 210 79 75 29 14 13

P.C. to total 37.62 35.71 13.81 06.67 06.19

225

Table 5 .2: Age composition of brass metal industry


statistics form an important component of population analysis, as most of the analysis is

performed based on age-sex structure of the population. The usefulness of age data is more

noticeable when it is cross classified by variables like marital status. The marital status of

bell metal workers revealed that 59.05 per cent are married and 40.95 per cents are

unmarried. Among the brass metal artisans these groups represent 64.69 and 36.31 per cents

of the workers respectively.

5.2. EDUCATIONAL STATUS

Education refers to the process of learning and acquiring information. Education can

be divided into two main types: formal learning through an institution such as a school and

informal education what is termed as self-taught or often life experience. Generally,

education is important for learning basic life skills, as well as learning advanced skills that

can make person more attractive in the job market. When an individual thinks of becoming

educated, most commonly he thinks first about formal schooling.

Book learning is not the only form of education. Some individuals are self-taught in

a particular field. Bell and brass metal workers are not exception to such informal education

Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of unit

surveyed

Workers

surveyed

Age groups of bell metal workers

‹30 30-40 40-50 50-69 › 60


2 Hajo 22 52 18 18 12 04 00

3 Silchar 04 07 01 03 01 01 01

4 Guwahati Cluster 02 03 00 01 00 00 02

5 Mugkuchi 02 09 06 00 01 02 00

6 Barpeta Road 02 06 02 03 01 00 00

7 Western Assam Cl. 03 07 01 03 02 01 00

Total 55 168 71 62 23 08 04

P.C. to total 42.26 36.90 13.69 04.76 02.38

226

relating to specific skills required for the sector. They learn the art of making articles from

their precursors. Most of them are found to have little or no formal education (Table 5.3 and

5.4). However, there lies the necessity at least a level of academic attainment so that the

artisan can face the challenge of the changing market environment.

Table 5.3: Literacy level of bell metal workers


Among the total workers of bell and brass sector, 01.43 and 01.79 per cent are found

to be illiterate. Around 74.76 per cent of bell and 80.95 per cent of brass metal workers are

in the below High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) category. Only 19.52 per cent and 17

per cent of bell and brass metal workers have passed HSLC examination. Academic level of

Pre-University or Higher Secondary was attained by merely 4.29 per cent of bell and 4.76

per cent of brass metalworker of the industry and merely 2.38 per cent workers from brass

metal industry have attained the 1st degree (Bachelor Degree).

Table 5.4: Literacy level of brass metal workers Source:

Sl.

No.


cluster

Artisans

surveyed

Literacy level of bell metal artisans

Illiterate < HSLC HSLC PU/HS 1st Degree

1 Sarthebari Cluster 189 03 146 34 06 00

2 Ganeshpara, Guwahati 11 00 05 04 02 00

3 Western Assam Cluster 10 00 06 03 01 00

Total 210 03 157 41 09 00

P.C. to total 01.43 74.76 19.52 04.29 00.00

Sl.

No.


cluster

Artisans

surveyed

Literacy level of brass metal artisans

Illiterate < HSLC HSLC PU/HS 1st Degree


2 Hajo 52 01 39 07 03 02

3 Silchar 07 00 06 01 00 00

4 Guwahati 03 00 03 00 00 00

5 Mugkuchi 09 00 05 01 03 00

6 Barpeta Road 06 00 03 02 01 00

7 Western Assam Cluster 07 01 05 01 00 00

Total 168 03 136 17 08 04

P.C. to total 01.79 80.95 10.12 04.76 02.38

227

Field Survey, 2008-09

The lower level of literacy of workers in both bell and brass metal industries act as a

hurdle for its further development. Under such circumstances, workers have least

capabilities to learn the art of making products through mechanized and technical

innovations. Again, they are also facing problems of receiving financial incentives

announced by government or other agencies from time to time. Therefore, the possibilities

of upgrading the industries and producing innovative articles become very difficult.

5.3. SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC STATUS

The assimilation of variety of racial stock and the diverse economic activities of the

people gives a unique identity to the socio-economic landscape of Assam. The kanhars of

bell and brass metal industries have unique character in terms of their livelihood, options,

attitude towards life and mutual co-operation of the people in the areas concerned. Though

they are few in numbers in respect of the total population of the state, some pockets of the

state like Sarthebari and Hajo with their high concentration have immense impact on local

socio-economic situation. Like other regions of Assam, with the social and economic

magnificence of its own, the Sarthebari region and village Hajo enjoys a special character

since time immemorial. The greater Sarthebari region under Sarthebari Revenue Circle is

developed by the functioning of Sarthebari as nerve centre for the surrounding villages.

These villages are influenced by socio-economic life of Sarthebari. On 31st December 1955,

Sarthebari was declared as town. But, for its life bearing system, arrangement of society,

manners, custom, conduct and tradition, Sarthebari region is free from so-called urban style

of life and the socio-economic life reflects the traditional rural system. The village

228

development committee is formed by selecting the experience peoples where kanhars are

also selected as representative. The committee maintains the responsibility for unity, peace

and well arrangement among the people of its jurisdiction. To maintain social integration,

traditional organization like Mel arranged by the village development committee playing an

important role. The tradition of Mel in Assamese society is very old. However, kanhars

responsibility can be cited by the part played by them at the time of execution of Raijmel in

1894 when the people of the locality protested against the illegal taxation and refused to

pay the same to the British administration. As a part of no tax campaign on a vigorous scale

launched by the riots and other people of Rangia and Panagaonrtup (within Sarthebari

region) of the Kamrup district, Patharughat of Darrang district and Phulagurir Dhaba of

Nagaon district. Along with many other participants, Late Pusparam Tamuli Kanhar, a

renowned bell metal artisan of Sarthebari joined the same as a leader.

Sobha Mahotsab is celebrated by the villagers of Sarthebari, Amrikhowa, Rauly,

Byaskuchi etc. Other festivals like, Durga Puja, Rash Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Dewali,

Sivaratri, Go-puja, Manasha Puja, Doulyatra, Devi Puja, Moho Ho, birth and death

ceremonies of mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, Madhabdeva, Harideva, Damodardeva

and many others are observed in the region. Formerly ‘Boat Race’ at river Alpa was a

popular event of the region (Deka, 1995). The kanhars of this locality joined to celebrate

these socio-cultural functions and bears the responsibility of Sobha Mahotsav by remained

out of their workshop i.e. from the garhsals for at least fortnight.

Niz-Hajo (popularly known as Hajo), the main centre of brass metal industry of the

state was declared as a town in 1971. But, still today it exhibits the characteristics of a

229

village. The temple Hayagriva-Madhaba has been working as the nerve centre of the area,

which influences every sphere of social life of the area. Existence of Guwahati, the capital

city of Assam, however, exerts impact on socio-economic life of Hajo.

The pre-colonial economy of Assam was more or less self-sufficient. The areas

having bell and brass metal industries were not exception to this general trend. During that

period, agricultural products were sufficient to meet the requirement of the people with

surplus being limited for which the scope for trade and commerce was naturally restricted.

In the absence of monetary economy, barter was the prevailing mode of transaction. During

the British rule, the economy of the state as well as the places having bell and brass metal

industries had changed from traditional subsistence to money economy. Again the great

earthquake of 1897 A.D. had changed not only the physiographic situation of Sarthebari

region but also the occupation pattern of the region. The arable land became low laying

areas as beels and swamps. People of this locality compel to change their earlier livelihood

options. Once cultivators-cum-kanhars of Sarthebari became dependent merely on the

income of bell meal industry. Though, the peoples of other villages till today practices

agriculture, production per unit of land is very less. After the introduction of modern

economic system in the state, the occupation status of Assam in general and the people

having bell and brass metal industries has also changed. Now, some of the people have

joined in the services of government, semi-government and many other fields for their

livelihood. The people of Sarthebari region rely upon agriculture, fishing, cottage

industries, business and services. The income of the workers engaged in traditional bell and

brass metal industries have by no means lower than an average office goer. They cannot

think of saving for future financial security.

230

The main stay of the people of Hajo is agriculture, fishing, florist, trade and

commerce, government and non-government services, brass smithy, potter and jeweller of

gold and silver. The daily wage earning and other minor works are the supporting

occupation of the people of Hajo. Agriculture is the main occupation of the Vaishya, Mali

and Halowa Keot residing in the area. However, the village has been in shortage of lands

for cultivation.

The composition of working force in an area varies by sex, residence and age.

Mehta (1967) rightly observed that most of the societies of the world, the earning of bread

was primarily a male responsibility. Bell and brass metal industries need immense physical

strength, which mainly acquired by male. The bell and brass metal industry is also not

exceptional in this regard (Table 5.5 and 5.6).

Table-5.5: Sex composition of bell metal workers’ family

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 u-units f-family

Table-5.6: Sex composition of brass metalworkers’ family

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09.

Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of

units

No. of

Artisans

No. of

family

Family

members

Sexual status

Male Female Sex Ratio

1 Sarthebari Cluster 36 189 153 831 460 371 1000:807

2 Ganeshpara, Ghy 02 11 11 54 30 24 1000:780

3 Western Assam. 03 10 10 66 36 30 1000:833

Total 41 210 174 951 526 425 -----

P.C. / Average to total 5.12/u 4.24/u 5.46/f 55.31 44.69 1000:808

Sl.

No

.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of

units

No. of

Artisans

Nos. of

family

Family

members

Sexual status

Male Female Sex Ratio

1 Sarthebari Cl 20 84 74 403 225 178 1000:791

2 Hajo 22 52 50 264 134 130 1000:970

3 Silchar 04 07 06 28 16 12 1000:750

4 Guwahati Cl. 02 03 02 15 07 08 1000:1143

5 Mugkuchi 02 09 05 23 12 11 1000:917

6 Barpeta Road 02 06 06 36 18 18 1000:1000

7 Western Assam Cl 03 07 07 41 21 20 1000:952

Total 55 168 150 810 433 377 ------

P.C. / Average to total 3.05/u 2.73/u 5.40/f 53.46% 46.54% 1000:871

231

The average artisans engaged in per unit of production of bell metal industry is

stands at 5.12 against 3.05 in brass metal industry. Number of families related to each unit

is 4.24 for bell metal industry and 2.73 for brass metal industry. Average family size of

artisans is almost the same for both the industries i.e. 5.46 persons in bell and 5.40 in brass.

While sex ratio of kanhars family is 1000:800 in respect of bell metal industry, while the

figure stands for 1000: 871 in brass metal sector.

It is found that the average size of bell metal unit under study is bigger than that of

brass metal industry. In general, 4 to 6 members used to work at a unit of bell metal

industry and the average figure stands at 5.12 persons per production unit. However, a brass

metal unit is consisting of 2 to 5 artisans for all other parts of the state except the village

Hajo. Hajo experiences small size of production units having single workers in most of

such units. Therefore, the average unit size of workers in such production units stands at

2.73. On the other hand, the sex ratio of the family members of workers have found far

below the national level in case of both the industries.

Table-5.7: Dependency ratio of artisan family in bell metal industry

Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of

units

No. of

Artisans

No. of

family

No. of

Family

members

Dependency ratio

Workers Non-

worker

Dependency

ratio

1 Sarthebari Cluster 36 189 153 831 302 529 4:7

2 Ganeshpara, Ghy 02 11 11 54 16 38 4:9.5

3 Western Assam Cl. 03 10 10 66 19 47 4:10

Total 41 210 174 951 337 614 -----

P.C. / Average to total 5.12/u 4.24/u 5.46/f 35.44% 64.56% 4:7.3 p


An attempt has also been made in the study to understand the dependency ratio in

the families of the artisans in both bell and brass industries. For both the industries,

dependency ratio is found to be high (Table 5.7 and 5.8). Almost each worker has to

support two persons as dependent. Comparatively higher dependency ratio is responsible

232

for fragile economic condition of workers. High dependency ratio resulted in low level of

production and low per capita income.

Table-5.8: Dependency ratio of artisan family in brass metal industry

Sl.

No

.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No.

of

units

No. of

Artisans

Nos. of

family

No. of

Family

members

Dependency ratio

Workers Non-

workers

Dependency

Ratio

1 Sarthebari Cl 20 84 74 403 150 253 4:6.7

2 Hajo 22 52 50 264 77 187 4:9.7

3 Silchar 04 07 06 28 11 17 4:6.8

4 Guwahati Cl. 02 03 02 15 05 10 4:8

5 Mugkuchi 02 09 05 23 10 13 4:5.2

6 Barpeta Road 02 06 06 36 12 24 4:8

7 Western Assam Cl 03 07 07 41 11 30 4:10.9

Total 55 168 150 810 276 534 ------

P.C. / Average to total 3.05/u 2.73/u 5.40/f 34.07% 65.93% 4:7.7

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 u-unit, f-family

Economic prosperity of any production system is largely depends upon the skill of

the workers engaged therein. The quality of products is largely depends upon the workers

engaged in the process of production. To have better production, the workers engaged in the

process must know the technique of production very well. The study in this regard reveals

that in case of bell metal sector, 59.05 per cent of the artisans are skilled and 40.95 per cent

are unskilled. However, relatively high proportion of unskilled artisans is found in western

Assam cluster. In the case of brass metal sector 73.21 per cent of the workers are found to

be skilled and 26.79 percent are unskilled. However, centers like Mugkuchi showed

comparatively large proportion of unskilled artisans (table 5.9 and 5.10).

Table 5.9: Skilled and unskilled workers in bell metal industry

Sl. No. Name of the centre or cluster Artisans surveyed Categories of artisans

skilled unskilled

1 Sarthebari Cluster 189 111 78

2 Ganeshpara, Ghy. 11 06 05

3 Western Assam Cluster 10 07 03

Total 210 124 86

P.C. to its total 59.05 40.95

233

Table 5.10: Skilled and unskilled workers in brass metal industry


Occupational structure of bell and brass workers’ family members are also

assessed to understand the occupational diversity of members in the families and the

availability of additional support system of their livelihood (table 5.11 and 5.12). It is found

that more than two third of total work force of such families, i.e. 71.81 per cent and 69.57

per cents are engaged in bell and brass metal industries respectively. Other primary,

secondary and tertiary sectors get very less importance (less than 10 per cent) as an

occupation for the family members of kanhars in both the industries. All other activities

able to engaged 13.35 and 12.68 per cents workforce from bell and brass metal industries.

Therefore, it is clear that the kanhars families under study mostly depend upon their

traditional occupation for livelihood and contribution from other sectors of occupation is

found to be minimal.

Table 5.11: Occupational status of workers family of bell metal industry


Sl. No. Name of the centre or cluster Artisans surveyed Categories of artisans

skilled unskilled

1 Sarthebari Cluster 84 56 28

2 Hajo 52 43 09

3 Silchar 07 06 01

4 Guwahati Cluster 03 03 00

5 Mugkuchi 09 05 04

6 Barpeta Road 06 04 02

7 Western Assam Cluster 07 06 01

Total 168 123 45

P.C. to its total 73.21 26.79

Sl.

No.


cluster

Total

workers

Bell metal

worker

Family members engaged in other activities

primary secondary tertiary others


2 Ganeshpara, Ghy 16 14 --- --- --- 02

3 Western Assam .Cl. 19 10 02 02 01 04

Total 337 242 16 14 20 45

P.C. to its total 71.81 04.75 04.16 05.93 13.35

234

Table 5.12: Occupational status of workers family in brass metal industry


5.4. SERVICES AND AMENITIES AVAILABLE TO THE WORKERS

Service provisions in the localities have close link with residential satisfaction,

improvement of socio-economic conditions and quality of life. It is therefore, important that

the services and amenities available should be within the easy reach and socially accepted

for all members of the society. Any social system desires for the better quality and

improves the life standard of the people within the territory concern. A contemporary

society seeks some services like medical facilities, educational institutions, market

facilities, postal services, and connection to the place through electricity and lines of

Table 5.13: Educational infrastructure in localities of the bell metal industry


Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

Total

workers

Brass metal

worker

Family members engaged in other activities

primary secondary tertiary others

1 Sarthebari Cl 150 93 19 04 11 23

2 Hajo 77 66 02 03 02 04

3 Silchar 11 07 00 00 00 04

4 Guwahati Cl. 05 03 00 01 00 01

5 Mugkuchi 10 09 01 00 00 00

6 Barpeta Road 12 07 00 01 02 02

7 Western Assam Cl 11 07 02 01 00 01

Total 276 192 24 10 15 35

P.C. to its total

69.57 08.70 03.62 05.43 12.68

Sl.

No

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of

units

Educational infrastructure

Pre-primary Primary Middle

school

High

school

College Others

IS OS IN OS IS OS IS OS IS OS

1 Sarthebari Cluster 36 36 00 36 00 31 05 26 10 02 34 JC-1

2 Ganeshpara, Ghy. 02 02 00 02 00 02 00 00 02 00 02

3 Western Assam 03 03 00 03 00 03 00 03 00 00 03

Total 41 41 00 41 00 36 05 29 12 02 39 01

P.C. to its total

10

0.0

0

00

.00

10

0.0

0 00

.00

87

.80

12

.20

70

.73

29

.27

04

.88

95

.12

02

.44

235

Note: IS-Inside the locality, OS-Outside the locality, JC-Junior College.

Table 5.14: Educational infrastructure in localities of the brass metal industry


Note: IS-Inside the locality, OS-Outside the locality, UNI- University, B. Ed. C- College of Bachelor

Education, MC-Medical College, IIT-Indian Institute of Technology, ITI-Industrial Training Institute, JC-

Junior College

communication. They are also in need of other recreational facilities for better quality of

life.

The educational amenities available to both bell and brass metal industrial localities

in different parts of the state are found to be minimal (Table 5.13 and 5.14).

It is found that bell and brass metal industrial localities are mainly confined to rural

areas of the state having educational infrastructure for pre-primary and primary levels. Only

Guwahati and Silchar, the two main cities of the state have well established educational

facilities for higher education.

Education and educated people both have played important role for the

transformation of society. Lack of proper facilities along with many other associated causes

Sl.

no

Name of

the centre

or cluster

No.

of

unit

Educational infrastructure

Pre-

primary

Primary Middle

school

High

school

College Others

IS

OS

IN

OS

IS

OS

IS

OS

IS

OS

B.E

d

C

UN

I

MC

EN

G

IIT

ITI

JC

1 Sarthebari

Cluster

20 19 01 20 00 11 09 11 09 01 19 00 00 00 00 00 00 02

2 Hajo 22 22 00 22 00 22 00 22 00 22 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

3 Silchar 04 04 00 04 00 04 00 04 00 04 00 04 04 04 04 00 04 00

4 Guwahati

Cl.

02 02 00 02 00 02 00 02 00 02 00 02 02 02 02 02 02 02

5 Mugkuchi 02 02 00 02 00 02 00 02 00 00 02 02 00 00 00 00 00 02

6 Barpeta

Road

02 02 00 02 00 02 00 02 00 00 02 00 00 00 00 00 00 02

7 Western

Assam Cl.

03 03 00 03 00 03 00 03 00 03 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 03

Total 55 54 01 55 00 46 09 46 09 32 23 08 06 06 06 02 06 11

P.C. to its total

98

.18

01

.82

10

0.0

0

00

.00

83

.64

16

.36

83

.64

16

.36

58

.18

41

.82

14

.55

10

.91

10

.91

10

.91

03

.64

10

.91

20

.00

236

like poor transportation system, bad economic background of respective families and family

tradition, the kanhars and their family members remain at lower level of formal educational

attainment. This situation, on the other hand, minimizes the possibility of adaptation for

renovation and innovation in the traditional sector of craft.

India is a welfare country. Apart from others, to provide medical facilities free of

cost to its large masses is very much challenging. Even today, more than 50 per cent of her

population, open air defecation is practice especially by the peoples of rural India. Open air

defecation leads to the spreading of diseases and malnutrition through parasitic and

bacterial infections. Inadequate infrastructure and generally poor quality of healthcare have

been found to be major factors leading to under-utilization of public health facilities by the

underprivileged sections. The government of Assam, through its health department under

National Rural Health Mission has tried hard to offer services to the people. But, as a

whole, such facilities are found to be minimal in bell and brass metal producing areas of the

state (Table 5.15 and 5.16).

Study reveals that the urban locations have more advantages than that of rural

locations. Out of the 41 bell metal units surveyed, only 19 (46.34 per cent) units have

hospital inside their localities as against this 39 (70.91 per cent) out of 55 of brass metal

units have medical facilities in their respective localities. In terms of family planning

Table 5.15: Medical facilities available in the localities of the bell metal industry

Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of

units

Medical facilities

Hospital Family planning centre Veterinary hospital

Is Os Is Os Is Os


2 Ganeshpara, Ghy.* 02 00 02 00 02 00 02

3 Western Assam Cl. 03 02 01 03 00 02 01

Total 41 19 22 20 21 19 22

P.C. to its total 46.34 53.66 48.78 51.22 46.34 53.66

237

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 * Families of both the production units reside at village Gomura under

Sarthebari Cluster. Note: IS-Inside the locality, OS-Outside the locality

Table 5.16: Medical facilities in the localities of the brass metal industry

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 Note: Is-Inside the villages, Os-Outside the villages

Table 5.17: Transportation facilities in the bell metal industrial localities


Table 5.18: Transportation facilities in the brass metal industrial localities

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 NH-National Highway, SH- State Highway PWDOR- Public Works Department’s others Road, GR-Gravel

Road, VR- Village Road, and Rw-Railways.

Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No. of

units

Medical facilities

Hospital Family planning centre Veterinary hospital

Is Os Is Os Is Os


2 Hajo 22 22 00 22 00 22 00

3 Silchar 04 04 00 04 00 04 00

4 Guwahati Cl. 02 02 00 02 00 02 00

5 Mugkuchi 02 02 00 02 00 00 02

6 Barpeta Road 02 02 00 02 00 02 00

7 Western Assam Cl. 03 03 00 03 00 03 00

Total 55 39 16 40 15 36 19

P.C. to its total 70.91 29.09 72.73 27.27 65.45 34.55

Sl.

No.


cluster

No of

units

Roads for Transportation Rw

NH SH PWDOR GR VR


2 Ganeshpara, Ghy. 02 00 00 02 00 00 00

3 Western Assam Cl. 03 02 01 00 00 00 01

Total 41 02 08 21 07 03 01

P.C. to its total 04.88 19.51 51.22 17.07 07.32 02.44

Sl.

No.

Name of the centre

or cluster

No of

units

Roads for Transportation Rw

NH SH PWDOR GR VR


2 Hajo 22 00 00 22 00 00 00

3 Silchar 04 04 00 00 00 00 04


5 Mugkuchi 02 00 02 00 00 00 00

6 Barpeta Road 02 02 00 00 00 00 02

7 Western Assam Cl. 03 02 01 00 00 00 01

Total 55 10 11 28 02 04 09

P.C. to its total 18.18 20.00 50.91 03.64 07.27 16.36

238

centre and veterinary facilities too, the situation is found to be of similar nature. However,

veterinary services to brass metal localities have found to be slight improved.

Transport and Communication facilities are vital infrastructures in contemporary

economy. They help in bringing the rural and urban areas closer. Considering this issue the

transport and communication systems of bell and brass metal industrial locations are

analyzed in brief (Table 5.17 to 5.20).

Investigation on connectivity shows that only 3.88 per cent of bell and 18.18 per

cent of brass units have linkage with National Highway network. While concerning about

the State Highway, 19.51 per cent of bell and 20.00 per cent brass metal industrial locations

are enjoying connectivity. Other categories of roads, like Public Works Departments roads

touches 51.22 per cent and 50.91 percent units of bell and brass metal industries

respectively. On the other hand 17.07 and 03.64 per cent of bell and brass metal units have

connected by gravel roads. At the same time, 7.32 per cent bell and 7.27 per cent of brass

units are connected by village roads. The study reveals that the units of bell and brass metal

industries are mostly connected by others PWD roads. National and state highways; gravel

and village roads connects almost one fourth of the studied units. Therefore, the

transportation facilities for more than 75 per cents bell and brass metal industrial units have

found to be moderate and backward.

Assam is connected by the North East Frontier Railway with the rests of India.

Though the transport system of the state is gradually developing, it is yet to reach the

required and expected goal. Study of railway connectivity to the bell and brass metal units

239

under study reveals that 02.44 per cent bell and 16.36 per cent brass units have access to

this mode of transportation.

In respect of postal, electricity and telephone services the scenario is found to be

quite positive (Table 19 and 20). Only 34.15 per cent of bell metal producing areas is

deprived of postal services, 2.44 per cent in terms of electricity and 12.20 per cent in

telephone services. In brass metal sector respective share of such services are found to be

25.45 per cent, 07.27 per cent and 14.55 per cent. Therefore, the areas having bell and brass

metal industries are advance in communication than transportation infrastructure. But, in

reality the services they enjoy is not up to the level of expectations. For example, the

Sarthebari cluster is well connected by electricity line, but with too irregular power supply.

Table 5.19: Communication modes to the bell metal industrial localities

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 Note: A-Service is Available; NA-Service is not available

Table 5.20: Communication modes to the brass metal industrial localities

Sl.

No

Name of the centre

or cluster

No of

units

Postal Services Telephone Services Electricity Services

A NA A NA A NA


2 Hajo 22 22 00 22 00 22 00

3 Silchar 04 04 00 04 00 04 00


5 Mugkuchi 02 02 00 02 00 02 00

6 Barpeta Road 02 02 00 02 00 02 00

7 Western Assam Cl. 03 03 00 03 00 03 00

Total 55 41 14 51 04 47 08

P.C. to its total 74.55 25.45 92.73 07.27 85.45 14.55

Source: Field Survey, 2008-09 Note: A-Service is Available; NA-Service is not available.

Sl.

No

Name of the centre

or cluster

No of

units

Postal Services Telephone Services Electricity Services

A NA A NA A NA


2 Ganeshpara, Ghy. 02 00 02 02 00 02 00

3 Western Assam Cl. 03 03 00 03 00 03 00

Total 41 27 14 40 01 36 05

P.C. to its total 65.85 34.15 97.56 02.44 87.80 12.20

240

5.5. ARTISANSHIP AND TRADITIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Artisanship means a person skilled in an applied art, a craftsperson, a person that

makes a high-quality, but distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand and using

traditional tools and methods. The workers of bell and brass metal industries are basically

belongs to male folk.

The bell and brass metal industries of Assam have a long history. History of bell

metal industry is some what older than that of brass metal industry. These are traditional

cottage form of industry, which produces variety of articles used in different purposes by

the people of our states and aboard. For 55.71 per cents of bell and 51.19 per cents of brass

kanhars ancestors are also kanhars. The participation percentage of ancestors of kanhars in

primary, secondary and tertiary sectors is found to be negligible (Table 5.21 and 5.22). The

study clearly indicates that the trait of jobs among the bell and brass metal workers passes

from their ancestors i.e. traditional and hereditary.

Table 5.21: Traditional Association of Artisanship of bell metal industry

Sl

No


cluster

Artisans

surveyed

Occupation is/was the father of surveyed artisans

Kanhar P S T O


2 Ganeshpara, Ghy 11 07 02 00 00 02

3 Western Assam Cl. 10 04 01 01 01 03

Total 210 117 41 06 08 38

P.C. to its total 55.71 19.52 02.86 03.81 18.19


241

Table 5.22: Traditional Association of Artisanship of brass metal industry

Sl No Name of the centre or

cluster

Artisans

surveyed

Occupation is/was the father of surveyed artisans

Kanhar P S T O


2 Hajo 52 40 02 00 04 06

3 Silchar 07 06 00 00 00 01

4 Guwahati Cluster 03 03 00 00 00 00

5 Mugkuchi 09 05 00 00 01 03

6 Barpeta Road 06 04 00 00 02 00

7 Western Assam 07 03 02 00 00 02

Total 168 86 29 02 16 35

P.C. to its total 51.19 17.26 01.19 09.52 20.84


Table 5.23: Expectation of bell metal kanhars about the job prospect of their

upcoming generation

Sl

No

Nam

e o

f th

e

cen

tre

or

clu

ster

Kan

har

surv

eyed

Expected occupation with major causes

Expect to be kanhar Expect other than kanhar No comments

NK

FT

CA

EG

J

LA

NK

LI

LS

L

DF

FS

Lab

NK

NY

M

NC

1 Sarthebari Cl 189 31 22 08 15 18 71 65 32 48 42 87 78 09

2 Ganeshpara, Ghy 11 03 02 01 02 02 02 02 01 02 02 06 05 01

3 Western Assam 10 01 01 00 01 01 06 05 02 03 04 03 03 00

Total 210 35 25 09 18 21 79 72 35 53 48 96 86 10

P.C. to its grand total

and total

16

.67

71

.43

25

.71

51

.43

60

.00

37

.62

91

.14

44

.30

57

.09

60

.76

45

.71

89

.58

10

.42


Future of bell and brass metal industries to a large extend depends upon the will of

present day kanhars. They have some expectation about the job prospect of their upcoming

generations (Table 5.23 and 5.24). Generally peoples expect better performance of their

child in future for more economic and social enlistment. Therefore, expectation regarding

future job of their sons to be a kanhar reflects only by a limited numbers. Only 35 (16.67%)

and 43 (25.60%) number of bell and brass metal kanhars expect their son(s) to be a kanhar

242

in future for some specific causes. Family tradition is one of the major causes expressed by

25 (71.43% and 58.14%) kanhars of both the industries. Generally most of the Ojha

(master artisan) had expressed the willingness of his son to be a kanhar to keep the family

tradition alive that garhsal is running in their families from time immemorial. Cultural

association is another cause expressed by 09 (25.71%) and 17 (39.53%) kanhar as the

products of both the industries kanhar. Any person without considering class and creed can

be a kanhar. Hence, it is very easy to get job by expressing himself as a bell or brass metal

artisan. This important cause was perceived by 18 (51.43%) and 22 (51.16%) kanhars.

Limited alternative to get

Table 5.24: Expectation of brass metal kanhars about the job prospect of their

upcoming generation

Sl

No

Nam

e o

f th

e

cen

tre

or

clu

ster

Kan

har

surv

eyed

Expected occupation with major causes

Expect to be kanhar Expect other than kanhar No comments

NK

FT

CA

EG

J

LA

NK

LI

LS

L

DF

FS

Lab

NK

NY

M

NC

1 Sarthebari Cl 84 15 05 10 05 10 26 26 10 13 11 43 41 02

2 Hajo 52 18 13 06 09 10 19 19 11 07 10 15 13 02

3 Silchar 07 02 01 01 02 01 05 05 01 04 05 00 00 00

4 Guwahati Cl 03 02 00 00 01 01 01 01 00 00 01 00 00 00

5 Mugkuchi 09 03 03 00 03 03 00 00 00 00 00 06 06 00

6 Barpeta Road 06 02 02 00 01 01 02 02 01 01 01 02 01 01

7 Western Assam 07 01 01 00 01 00 06 03 02 00 03 00 00 00

Total 168 43 25 17 22 26 59 56 25 25 31 66 61 05

P.C. to its grand total and

total

25

.60

58

.14

39

.53

51

.16

60

.47

35

.12

94

.92

42

.37

42

.37

52

.54

39

.28

92

.42

07

.58


Note: NK-Number of Kanhar, FT-Family Tradition, CA-Cultural Association, EGJ-Easy to Get the Job, LA-

Limited Alternative, LI-Low Income, LSL-Lower Standard of Living, DFFS-Dark Future Financial Security,

Lab-Labourious, NYM-Not Yet Married, NC-No Comment

associated with cultural life of Assam. No formal education is necessary; a person to be a

job of once choice is very difficult at this time of competitive market environment. As

243

against this situation, the kanhars have little difficulty to get job. Therefore, they expect

their son to be kanhar in future. This aspect was expressed by 21 (60.00%) and 26

(60.47%) kanhars. So, according to this group of kanhar, we may expect the glimpse of

these traditional industries like bell and brass metal remains throw light under so many

adverse environmental situation.

Out of total artisans surveyed, 37.62 per cent kanhars of bell and 35.12 per cent

brass metal industries expect that their upcoming generation will be able to get any other

job and which may able to bring prosperity and prestige than the job of kahnar. The causes

behind such aspirations are associated with low income, lower standard of living, future

financial insecurity and laborious job of kanhars. The cause of such occupational shift is

due to lower income associated with the traditional tread and craft. Out of 79 bell metal

artisans 72 i. e. 91.14 per cent of bell and 56 of 59 i. e. 94.92 per cent brass item producing

kanhars espiers for alternative jobs to their sons. Lower standard of living is another

character of kanhar and their respective families and 44.30 per cent bell and 42.37per cent

brass metal kanhars reveal it as one of the major causes of seeking job other than kanhar.

Income of kanhars, except some of them is quite low. Therefore, they can not think of

savings for sound financial future. Government is also not yet introduces pension, group

insurance and any other beneficial schemes for kanhars. In this backdrops, 57.09 per cent

bell and 42.37 per cent brass metal kanhars under study expected that their upcoming

generation should have other job than kanhar. Apart from it, immense physical labour also

continues to be one of the repealing factors from the traditional job. Therefore, 60.76 per

cent of bell and 52.54 per cent of brass metal kanhars had expressed that hard physical

244

labour associated with such job continues to be one of the major causes of expecting their

future generation should involved in other job. Apart from these two groups, for the third

group of kanhars, the question of future job prospect for their upcoming generation have

not much relevant.

The study reveals that the socio-economic position of areas having bell and brass

metal production centres of Assam can be described as an underdeveloped one. The poor

services and amenities facilities, deficiency in working capital leads to low capital

formation, low level of literacy of the workers, application of traditional tools and methods

of production leads to low rate of productivity, high dependency ratio of workers to non

workers are some of the inherent causes of such underdeveloped position of these centres.

These centres are backward in respect of these infra-structural facilities that create intra-

regional disparities. Thus, we have seen the various hurdles which the areas having bell and

brass metal centres face in attaining socio-economic development. Improved services and

amenities and other required facilities will create an environment for the new generation to

reside at these places and encourage continuing their ancestral activities. In this connection

the government of India and Assam should arrange the facilities to meet these deficiencies

for future development of the areas of bell and brass metal localities.

Reference

ACRA (2011): Report published by Association for Community Research and Action,

http://www.acralive.org/search, updated-max-2011

Chandana, R. C. (1967): Female Working Force of Rural Punjab, Manpower, Vol. II, No.

4, p. 47

Deka, P. (1995): Haturi Jhar Jiban Samal in T. Tamuli, et al (eds): Bhortaal, Souvenir,

61st Session of Assam Sahitya Sobha, Sarthebari, p. 4 (in Assamese)

socio-economic status of workersshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/16082/11/11_chapter...

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