[Reader-list] Daliy Labour Market-Draft for Critical comments

[narender kumar thakur]

Dear friends,
This is a draft for comments related to a study of Daily Labour Market, Labour Chowk in Delhi. I would like to collect data for my study. There are different outlines on the basis of research questions, hypotheses, and objectives. Therefore I need your critical comments which would really enrich my and CSDS resources.
With Regards

Narender Thakur


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Daily Labour Market (Labour Chowk) in Delhi- Narender Thakur
					(Draft for Comments)
Introduction
	The economic reforms in India were initiated in 1991, response to economic crisis and to improve the economic situation. There has been a debate whether the reform measures have adverse effects on poverty and employment. According to some researchers, reforms would benefit the poor in the medium and long run, although they may have adverse effect in the short-run (Bhagvati and Srinivasan 1993; Tendulkar 1998, Joshi and Little1997). Some others argue that the reform package has contradictions and it might have adverse effect on the poor in both short and long run (Nayyar 1993; Ghosh; Bhaduri 1996). 
	In the phase of LPG (liberalization, privatization, globalization), the labourers are adversely affected by the implemented policies. The workers in Indian public sector are severely affected by the recent retrenchment policies in labour market of Indian economy. 
	There are two classified categories of labour market in India, viz., informal sector and formal sector. Public sector undertakings like Delhi Vidut Board, MTNL, and Railway etc. are examples of formal sector however labourers working in household activities and other unorganised sector activities are related to informal sector of labour market. Both sectors have impact of LPG. But informal sector workers are severely hit by the policies related to LPG. However many workers of informal sector are pushed by retrenchment policies of formal sectors. Therefore it is a continuing process of market forces intervention in both sectors of labour market. The daily labour market in Delhi is also an example of informal sector. A large number of unorganised workers are gathered at different “labour chowks” in the morning.  These workers are ready to selling their physical labour/skill either directly to employer or indirectly to employer through mediator (Thekedar). The numbers of workers are being increased since 1990s, as I noticed from my staying in Delhi since 1985.  
	On the basis of pilot-survey of ‘Daily Labour-Chowk’, Munrika “Labor Chowk” near Jawaharlal Nehru University, South Delhi, the objectives, hypotheses and questionnaire are framed for the study.

Objectives 

Information related	
1.To find out the source of information about work/square opportunities in Delhi, (when laborers were living in their native place and after coming in Delhi).
2.To find out the source of information of derived demand for labor (to Thekedar)
3.To find out the source of information about their native place.
Communication Related 
4.To find out the communication process between mediator, labourer and employer.
5.To find out the role of Thekedar between laborers and employer.
6.To find out the source of communication with native place. 
7.To find out the workers’ preference for media. (Radio, Television, newspapers, etc.)
8.To find out the means of enjoyment and means of celebration of festivals.
Work, Wage-Rate, Working-Hours
9.To find out the pattern of workers’ mobility for work among labour chowks.(estimate probability of getting of work per day per month)
10.To find out the consumption, saving, investment and remittances pattern of labourer. 
11.To estimate the level of earnings and working hours.

Hypotheses
Information related	
1)Family member(s) is/are the major source of information about work/square opportunities in Delhi, (when laborers were living in their native place and after coming in Delhi).
2)Advertisement in newspapers is the prime source of information of derived demand for labor (to Thekedar)
3)Relatives and family members are the important source of information about their native place.
Communication Related 
4)Thekedar is the key factor in the communication process between mediator, labourer and employer.
5)The exploiter role of Thekedar between laborers and employer.
6)Letters exchange by mail is main source of communication with native place. 
7)Radio is first preference of labourers for media. 
8)Group dances and songs are means of enjoyment and means of celebration of festivals.
Work, Wage-Rate, Working-Hours
9)Higher chance of work is the determining factor for selection of Labour- Chowk(s)
10)Major proportion of wage is being spent on consumption and negligible on remittances.
11)There is a lot of fluctuation of wage-rate and working hours.
 						Draft for Comments

			Questionnaire		

1.Personal Profile of Respondent
1)Name of respondent :_________________( optional)
2)Gender: M/F
3)Age:___________
4)Highest degree of educational qualification:
5Have you got any formal training for your profession? YES/NO, If Yes, specify______
6)Marital Status: Married/Single, If married, work status of wife: House-wife/working 	in your profession/any other_______________
7)Number of children:_____________
8)Domicile State:_________
9)Place of Birth (State):___________

2.Means of Transport information and communication of respondent

1)Nature/Type of work:
2)What was your earlier profession:
3)Name of Square:
4)Are you stuck either with one labour square or change the square(s)? one/more than one, If more than one, explain the name(s) of other squares:
5)How you go to work place (labour-square)? (Mean of Transport) 
a)By foot
b)Cycle
c)Scooter 
d)Bus
e)Other, specify_________
6)How are you getting knowledge about work?
a)By yourself, 
b)Employer, 
c)Mediator, 
d)Labourer, 
e)Other___
7)What is your average duration of work?
a)Average Days in a Month_______
b)Average Months in a Year________
(Give clue in terms of class interval of days and Months)
8)What is average earnings:
a)Average earning Rs. _________ per month
b)Average earning Rs. _________ per annum
9)Is your family staying with you? YES/NO
10)Are you sending remittances in your hometown/village? YES/No, If YES explain:
a)Average amount of remittances Rs. _____________per month
b)Average amount of remittances Rs. _____________per annum
11) What is your of gadget and sources of communication, information and entertainment (Tick the appropriate options)
a)Telephone
b)Radio
c)Tape-recorder
d)TV
e)Newspaper
f)Other______________
12) Are you celebrating your rituals and festivals in Delhi? YES/NO, If YES please specify the name of main festivals and rituals: _____________________________
13) Are you faced any means of exploitation by either mediator or employer? YES/NO, if YES, please explain ____________________________
14) Are you familiar/known with some labour trade union? YES/NO, if YES, please specify the name(s) of labour trade Union(s): ________________________________
15) Are you member of trade union? YES/NO, if YES, please specify the name(s) of labour trade Union(s):__________________

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