Socio - Economic Analysis Of Van- Rickshaw Puller (manual) In Rural Areas- A Case Study

Abstract

The present paper deals with the study of the socio-economic analysis of van- rickshaw puller (manual) in rural areas and to find out their socio- economic, living conditions, and income structure. The adverse effects of this profession on the health of the van- rickshaw pullers, the problems faced by them and their remedial measures have been also taken into consideration. The study is based on primary data collected through the field survey and direct questionnaire to the respondents in Mathabhanga Block (No. 1), Cooch Behar District, West Bengal, India. The survey was carried out during the months of november and december, 2012. The overall analysis of the study reveals that the van- rickshaw pullers in rural areas are one of the poorest sections of the society, living in abject poverty but play a pivotal role in intra-rural and rural- urban transportation system. Neither is their working environment regulated nor their social security issues are addressed. Their education level is very poor. It have been found that out of total population of sample household the 26.79 percent are literate population where 53.90 percent are female and 46.10 percent male persons. They are unaware about the governmental schemes launched for poverty alleviation and their accessibility in basic amenities and infrastructural facilities is also very poor.