Socio Economic Status and Working Conditions of Women Beedi Workers and The Need for Social Protection

Abstract

The beedi industry is one of the biggest among the unorganized sectors spread all over India, employing a large number of women. The occupational life of Beedi workers are characterized by low wages, piece rated remuneration, lack of social security and absence of organization.  The majority are home based women workers who live under the poverty line. The beedi rolling is generally done by poor women in backward areas where the workers have usually no other means of sustainable employment.