A Study of Socio-Economic Conditions of Handloom Weavers in Uttar Pradesh of India

Abstract

This study examines the social and economic conditions of handloom weavers in Uttar Pradesh state of India. This study is primarily based on secondary data, and the data were evaluated using a simple percentage, an annual growth rate, and a compound annual growth rate. They were also shown in a pie chart and a bar chart. This study is based on the following key aspects such as location, age, gender, religion, social group, educational qualifications, type and size of family, employment status, type and ownership of dwelling units, ration card, source of loan and purpose of the loan, monthly household income from handloom-related activities, and ownership of looms. The study results indicated that most workers are men, and the number of women workers is not good. Most weavers in Uttar Pradesh are members of the Muslim religion or the OBC (Other Backward Class) social group. Most workers live in kutcha houses, especially in rural areas. In cities, more households live in pucca and semi-pucca houses than in rural areas. It was also found that most handloom workers (97.3%) have their own homes in rural areas. There aren't enough educated handloom weavers, and a study shows that most weavers have never been to school. It can be said that most of the weavers, or about 55 per cent, worked as independent weavers. About 40 per cent worked as master weavers. It was found that most, or 59.5 per cent, of weaver households, have an income of less than Rs. 5,000. It can be said that most (53.2% of the weaver households) have taken out a loan for handloom purposes. The study found that most (25.5%) handloom households got loans from the government, followed by commercial banks (21.9 per cent). It found that most weaver households (73.5% of them) work with looms and that 26.5 % of weaver household’s work without looms. The study found that more male weavers (66.1%) have bank accounts than female weavers (only 33.7%). The study found that more male weavers (66.1%) have bank accounts than female weavers (only 33.7%). It found that 62.4 per cent of male weavers and 37.5 per cent of female weavers have aadhar cards. Only two transgender people have Aadhar cards. Most households (60%) have a monthly household income of less than Rs. 5,000, but the monthly household income in cities is higher than in rural areas. It also shows that most of the sales of their main products come from the local market (46.1%) and master weaver (43.3 per cent).