Factors Affecting Socio-Economic Status of Farm Workers of Tea Industry in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was carried out in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to analyse the various dimensions of human workforce employed in tea plantation and processing. 100 farmers, 50 each from production and processing were randomly selected. The study showed that the education status of the respondents was extremely low particularly those of women. Workforce engaged in processing was comparatively more qualified (upto the metric standard) than those engaged in production. Most of the workforce had only traditional knowledge and skill to work in the tea plantation. 80% of the workforce employed in tea processing was male. 74% of workforce was casual due to the seasonal requirement of the human resource in the tea factories. Tea industry was contributing 64% of total income of the casual workforce. The permanent workforce was earning 57% more than the casual. Due to more income and privilege of compulsory saving in GPF/CPF or EPF, permanent workforce saves more than the casual workforce.