Rickshaw Pullers Research Articles

Socio-Economic Condition of A Rickshaw Puller of Bangladesh- A Study on Dhaka City

Socio-Economic Condition of A Rickshaw Puller of Bangladesh- A Study on Dhaka City

Assessment of the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among three different professionals in Bangladesh: Findings from a face-to-face survey

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain (LBP) among farmers, rickshaw pullers and office workers in Bangladesh, while also investigating potential contributors within...

Inequalities within mobility inequalities: A case study of mode specific problems faced by movement challenged persons of Dhaka, Bangladesh

This study explores mode-specific problems faced by movement-challenged persons (MCPs) in making trips by different travel modes in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 400 MCPs were asked to rank the extent of mobility challenges of four modes on a scale of one to five through a questionnaire survey. MCPs reported lack of ramp and undulated surface are the most severe problems related to bus and walking respectively while excessive fared charged by drivers is found as the most severe problem for both rickshaw and CNG. This study captures the uneven effects of mode-specific challenges endured by MCPs of different gender, ages, and mobility aid users. Opinions on the lack of standardized slope along footpaths, the presence of cracks on footpaths, the lack of ramps on the buses, and rude behavior of bus staff vary significantly with gender, age, and mobility aids; the unwillingness of bus staff to carry MCPs varies significantly with age and walking instrument; the narrow width of footpaths, the additional fare charged by rickshaw pullers, the lack of space to keep the mobility supporting aids on buses and rickshaws, and the lack of available space to maneuver on a bus varies significantly with the walking instrument.

Puff and Pull: Rickshaw Pullers through the Lens of Human Capital

This article examines the lives of rickshaw pullers around the Indian Ocean Rim in the first half of the twentieth century, with a particular focus on the cities of Singapore and Durban. It analyzes the rickshaw puller as a species of “human capital.” This unorthodox approach highlights how human beings were treated like capital goods: machines for the production of profit. Their costs of living could be understood as investments in more productive bodies. A focus on the consumption of food, shelter, and narcotics also reveals how capitalists sought to profit from the making of more productive human bodies. It finally suggests that economic theories of human capital have neglected the profound yet dehumanizing effects that this economic paradigm imposes on those who have no financial capital to invest in themselves.

Swallowing difficulties among traumatic brain injury patients in Bangladesh

Aim: To determine the number of people having swallowing difficulties among traumatic brain injury patient. Methods: This is a quantitative type of cross-sectional survey study where 117 samples were assigned purposively from Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). The Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) was used for the study. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistical analysis (SPSS = Statistics package for social science) method. Results: On an average, most of the participants 90.60% (106) were males and other participants 9.40% (11) were females. The maximum numbers of participants 25.6% (30) were in the age range 18–27 years. The majority numbers of participants 33.30% (39) were at secondary level education. The maximum numbers of respondents 22.20% (26) found were day laborer (driver, rickshaw puller, and masons). Most of the participants 63.20% (74) had injuries in 0–2 months earlier. Among 117 participants, 76 (64.95%) participants had no swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and 41 (35.05%) participants had swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Conclusions: Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) is a common problem in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers explored the prevalence of swallowing difficulty among TBI patients. In this study, among 117 participants most of the participants 90.60% (106) were males and 9.40% (11) participants were females. So, swallowing difficulty is common in TBI patients who are associated with other condition of swallowing. According to SDQ score among 117 participants, (35.05%) participants had swallowing difficulties. So, TBI patients are vulnerable for presence of swallowing difficulties.

The Impact of Banana Consumption on Bangladeshi Rickshaw Pullers' Assessing Cholesterol, Liver and Blood Pressure Functions

Background: The physical demands of labor, such as those performed by rickshaw puller, have a significant influence on food intake. It is hoped that the findings of this study may be utilized as a consideration to maintain the health of rickshaw puller so that they are kept in excellent physical condition. Eating bananas can enhance energy. The study's objective was to find out how well bananas affected cholesterol, liver, and blood pressure functions. Method: Samples for this experimental investigation were gathered from the entire population of 40 people. Before and after eating bananas, their' blood pressure, liver function, and lipid function were measured. In this study, a paired t test was used to analyze the data. Findings: According to the data analysis, there was no discernible variation in the rickshaw pullers' blood pressure and liver function readings before and after consuming bananas (p>0.05). The findings revealed that there was significant discrepancy in the workers' measurements of lipid function before and after consuming bananas (p˂0.05).

Inter-State Migration to Assam -A Study of Street Vendor in the City of Guwahati

The migration of people from one place to another has been going on since ancient times. It has happened in every look and corner of the world. The main reason behind such migration was the food search. The process is continuing all over the world. Migration in Assam is a burning issue that draws worldwide attention. The issue of migration has been discussed from different angles, like transnational, inter-state, inter-state, and so on. However, it has been observed that the issue of illegal transnational migration has stolen much attention comparatively. Though legal, inter-state migration is also an important concern as it has socio-cultural, political and economic significance. The density of the subject of inter-state migration can be felt in cities like Guwahati, Assam, especially in the informal sector. Migrants from outside the state border are basically visible in areas like, tiny trades, door-to-door vendors, low-income earning jobs, mechanics, carpenters, rickshaw pullers, daily wage labourers, etc. There always has an effect of such migrants which needs to be studied for the greater interest of the state. This paper attempts to make a very modest study of the street vendors of the city of Guwahati. It seems that most of the city street vendors are migrants and they have monopolized the informal sector in the city. During study it will be attempted to know their origin, causes of migration to Assam, and choosing the particular business. It is hoped that the study will be able to find out the consequences of such migration in depth and its adverse effects on the growing problem of joblessness and environmental degradation in the city.

Satisfaction Level of Slum Dwellers with the Assistance of the City Corporation during COVID-19: The Bangladesh Context

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Bangladesh’s economic and social well-being in many ways. Slum dwellers, including day laborers, rickshaw pullers, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) drivers, housemaids, hawkers, and street vendors, were the worst victims of this pandemic. Besides the voluntary organizations, the City Corporation (urban local government), instructed by the central government, took the initiative to distribute necessary food as well as financial assistance to the city dwellers to survive during the lockdown. The objective of this study is to identify the satisfaction level of slum dwellers with the assistance received from the City Corporation and obtain an idea of whether these supports were enough for them to maintain their livelihood. This is a mixed method research consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Researchers conducted a field survey in Sylhet City Corporation, in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, and collected primary data from one hundred and fifty-five respondents through a structured questionnaire along with an interview (semi-structured) schedule. Samples were selected by applying a multistage sampling technique. Researchers analyzed quantitative data using SPSS software and qualitative data using the thematic analysis method. Study findings reveal that nepotism, patron–client relation, corruption, unequal treatment, management flaws, low level of community engagement, political consideration, and lack of monitoring were the major issues in providing effective service delivery to slum dwellers during COVID-19. Citizen participation, well coordination, proper monitoring, impersonality, and good governance are indispensable for dealing with any crisis.

A Review on Assessment of Ambient Air Quality of Hoshangabad and Itarsi of M.P.

The study reveals that the level of air pollution is rapidly increasing. The reason for this is migration which results into growth of urbanization and transportation and the reason for this is industrialization ultimate the result is more pressure on the atmosphere. Due to emission various gases, this adversely affects the human health, plants and animals. According to this study some of the impacts on air making it pollute are those from mining areas, burning crop Residues and other household activities. These all result in the increased level of oxide of sulphur (SOx), volatile organic compounds (vocs) , oxide of Nitrogen (NOx) and ozone(O3). The study tell that the people who are directly exposed to and affected due to air pollution are traffic crop occurs road, shopkeepers, rickshaw pullers, public Transpiration employees as well as the residents closed to busy roads. as a result of this they are prone to lungs diseases

The livelihood of Rickshaw Pullers in Dhaka City During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Social Review

Introduction: A rickshaw puller is a worker who makes a living by pulling rickshaws. A rickshaw puller's main task is to transport passengers and goods from one location to another. Their lives are fraught with difficulties. Because of the epidemic condition, the majority of Dhaka's rickshaw pullers are experiencing unemployment and joblessness. The majority of rickshaw pullers are the primary breadwinners in their families. They spend their lives based on their daily earnings; thus, they must pull their rickshaw. Aim of the study: The study aimed to observe the lifestyle of rickshaw pullers during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on their livelihood. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative analytical study was conducted targeting rickshaw pullers of dhaka city only. The study was conducted in a 1-year period, from february 2021 to january 2022, with a total of 200 rickshaw pullers from 3 places in dhaka city, badda, mirpur, and Bashundhara. Result: 55% of the participants were the sole earner in the family, 90% had been married, and only 12% had owned their rickshaws. 96% of participants lived in financial deficiency, 70% had been living in debt, and only 1% had savings. The average work day was 8-10 hours long for the majority (61%) of participants, 89% did not have a habit of wearing a facemask. Among the 178 participants who did not wear face masks, 91.01% cited difficulty in breathing during rickshaw pulling as the cause, while 7.87% said that masks were costly. 96% of participants had a significant decrease in their income. Conclusion: during the statewide shutdown induced by the covid-19 epidemic, the income of rickshaw pullers in the capital decreased. Rickshaw drivers live hand to mouth. They endure regular challenges at work due to limits on their operations such as harassment from passengers and traffic cops.

"Eggs and Larvae of Intestinal Helminths in Fingernail Among Rickshaw Puller, Labors and Vendors in Dhaka City"

The present study was carried out during the months of June 2021 to May 2022 to observe the prevalence of eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal parasites in the nails of the vendors and rickshaw pullers within Dhaka city.

The Covid-19 Impacts on the Livelihoods and Mental Well-being of Rickshaw Pullers in Bangladesh

The novel Covid-19 pandemic has affected people from all walks of life. While much research has been carried out to perceive the psychological effects on diverse aspects of society, the informal labor sector did not receive any recognition. In this research, rickshaw pullers in Bangladesh, an informal labor sector, who were severely affected by the novel pandemic were scientifically studied through a qualitative analysis followed by a purposive sampling methodology. This article features an in-depth interview conducted by 12 respondents about their experience during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The study revealed that the pandemic has increased the level of mental depression, anxiety, and loss of livelihood among rickshaw pullers. Access to livelihoods was impacted adversely in most scenarios as found evident by our analysis. We explored their understanding of this phenomenon and examined the effects on their livelihoods and mental well-being made by the Covid-19 pandemic. More studies should be conducted to perceive the psychological and societal impacts of informal labor in Bangladesh regarding this global pandemic aftermath.

Cycling as work: mobility and informality in Indian cities

Set against the marginalization of cycling in Kolkata and Delhi, this article shows how cargo-cyclists and cycle rickshaw pullers make productive contributions to urban economies and negotiate constraints to their mobility in Indian cities. As cheap vehicles, bicycles and cycle rickshaws not only provide opportunities for social and economic mobility, but also contribute to, generate, and sustain vital urban economies. Cycle workers ensure the smooth transportation of goods, people, and services in Indian cities. Situating cycle work at the crossroads of anthropology and urban planning, this article demonstrates how the interdependence of urban economies, regulation of space, and constraints to everyday mobility advances knowledge on contemporary Indian cities. Instead of seeing these spheres as separate strands of investigation and analysis, we suggest that cycling as work draws them together.

Post Covid-19: A Study of Rickshaw Pullers in Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Post Covid-19: A Study of Rickshaw Pullers in Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh, India

A Study on Causes of Divorce in Rickshaw Pullers of Sylhet City Having Depression

Introduction: Causes of divorce may range from factors as diverse as the personal psychological characteristics of one or both spouses to the stresses of economic hardship and community disintegration. From a larger perspective, the role of divorce in modern societies and its relatively high incidence both flow from the same complex factors that have made good marriages so much more central to people's happiness than through most of the past and deterioration of a marital relationship so much more distressing. Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design, in Sylhet city, from 2019 to 2020 and it was mainly quantitative. However, qualitative data were collected from policymakers, i.e. the responsible person in Sylhet city, and discussion and documents. Quantitative data were collected from rickshaw pullers who were divorced by their wives from different areas in Sylhet city. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection from rickshaw pullers. Result: The mean age was found 36.25±SD years. The majority 39(48.8%) rickshaw pullers had primary education. All rickshaw pullers were in low-income group status. Out of the total study population, 47(58.8%) had ≤10 hours of working time, and 33(41.3%) had >10 hours of working time. As multiple responses were accepted, there were rickshaw pullers who reported many types of misconduct from passengers and police. Almost all rickshaw pullers reported that the passengers belittled them. This was closely followed by “scolded” 86.3%, “paid unjust fare” 68.8%, and 48.8% of rickshaw pullers had “quarrel over fare” with passengers. It was evident that 36.3% and 40.0% of rickshaw pullers were “physically assaulted” and compel sitting, holding their ear by the passengers and police respectively. The majority 60(75.0%) of wives divorced their husbands due to domestic violence, 56(70.0%) due to too much conflict and arguing, 52(65.0%) due to substance abuse, 50(62.5%) due to lack of commitment, 48(60.0%) due to ...........

Perception regarding health and barriers to seeking healthcare services among rural rickshaw pullers in Bangladesh: A qualitative exploration

BackgroundUnderstanding health in daily life can vary from person to person. The concept of health arises from the perspective of an individual's experience. People face several kinds of barriers while seeking healthcare services, where rickshaw pullers are one of the most vulnerable groups to meet their basic health needs. This study aimed to investigate Bangladeshi rural rickshaw pullers’ perception regarding health and what obstacles they face while seeking healthcare services. MethodsThis study followed a qualitative approach conducted in-depth interviews involving 20 rickshaw pullers in rural Bangladesh from 4th to 15th December 2020. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The verbatim transcription was performed, and the thematic analysis was done through manual coding and NVivo version 12. ResultsAccording to the study’s findings, participants’ perception regarding health were mainly based on physical, nutritional, and social points of view. The financial hardship to convey medical costs, long waiting time in receiving healthcare services, social class inequality, low trustworthiness on diagnostic services, and mastery of broker in the hospital setting were acknowledged as prevailing barriers to seeking healthcare services. ConclusionSeveral health perceptions existed among the rural rickshaw pullers. They faced different kinds of barriers while seeking healthcare services, and those obstacles made them hopeless and worried about getting quality healthcare services. Concerned authorities, including government and private organizations, should take effective strategies to ensure that healthcare services are available, reliable, and affordable.

Occupational Health Hazards of Rickshaw Pullers in Lower Middle Income Country, India.

Rickshaw pullers work in unorganized sector. Ignorance, poverty, and strenuous physical exertion make them vulnerable to ill health and disease. To assess the magnitude and pattern of morbidity, associated sociodemographic factors, and health-seeking behavior of the participants. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 305 participants. Predesigned, pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16 version was used for data analysis. About 61% of the participants had morbidity in their lifetime and 49.5% fell sick in the last 15 days. Substance abuse in any form was reported by 73.1%. Grade-1 hypertension was reported in 28.2% and 7.5% was having grade-2 hypertension. Age, monthly income, substance abuse, and availing of health services were significantly associated with the development of health problems. Need to devise interventions that will focus on health awareness and early health-seeking behavior among the participants.

Tangible policy framework for affordable housing in India: Analysis and policy Prescriptions

AbstractProvision of “affordable” housing is increasingly becoming an extremely challenging as well as complex issue. There is no tailor‐made, well‐defined definition of “affordable” where urban housing is concerned. Large metropolitan cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and so forth, have teeming populations living in large slums. The Burrabazar or Bara Bazar area in Central Kolkata is extremely populous. This also shows how dire the necessity of proper shelter for these poor migrants as well as other laborers and poor of the area. A sample of 100 laborers (both migrants as well as locals) was selected randomly and surveyed with a questionnaire comprising 41 main questions from the Burrabazar area, starting from the Ganesh Talkies area. The respondents were semiskilled to unskilled workers involved in physically hazardous occupations like handheld rickshaw pullers, “mutiyahs,” manual scavengers, small deliverymen, domestic help, and so forth, mainly in the age group of 25–55 years. The entire sample survey was started and carried out in the month of February 2016 in all the wards of Burrabazar. A two‐pronged approach is suggested as a remedy for this problem of an affordable place to stay. The first is to provide hostel‐type “homes” where they will be able to stay in groups and obtain meals at cheap prices. It will be of a minimum value so that not only they obtain a safe and secure place to stay, and a bed but also at least a couple of healthy and nutritious meals as well as medicines (in times of emergency). The second option is “mobile homes.” This is not only a very interesting concept but is also extremely useful. Since these mobile homes can be moved they can be kept anywhere with proper permission from the municipality and the other concerned authorities, say the local police. But then, effective guidelines must be there to identify the beneficiaries properly.

URBAN AGRICULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF LOW INCOME PEOPLE IN KHULNA CITY CORPORATION, SOUTHWEST BANGLADESH

The study elaborates the contribution of agriculture as the livelihood means of urban people. Three hundred and sixty one household heads from Tutpara, Banorgati, Rupsha and Khalishpur in Khulna City were surveyed to identify the livelihood outcome where the respondents are mostly employed in self-managed low paid jobs in the informal sectors like rickshaw pulling, day labor, factory work, agriculture, small-scale business. Vegetable cultivation, livestock rearing, aquaculture, crop cultivation and innovative gardening have been observed as agricultural activities. Index of Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihood (IASL) has been calculated and seven indicators such as income, food, health, education, clothing, interpersonal relations and fulfillment of market demand are considered. Landowners are involved in more sustainable activities. The level of sustainability increased by 0.218 units for changing 1 decimal amount of land which is statistically significant. Male respondents can contribute more in agricultural activities than the female respondents. The respondents whose main occupation is agriculture, especially involved in livestock, are more sustainable than those whose main occupation is not agriculture. Based on empirical result, it can be concluded that agriculture can contribute in fulfilling the basic need of the low income people in urban areas of Bangladesh. However, the respondents show enthusiasm for increasing potted plants in their neighbourhoods that help enhance self-sustenance.

Post-displacement status of climate migrants in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Some big cities in Bangladesh have been experiencing a massive and rapid influx of rural people due to the impacts of climate change, and therefore the urban administration encounters enormous challenges. This study aims to investigate the drivers of climate-induced migration and the post-displacement status of the migrants living in the urban slum of Rajshahi City. Using a semi-structured questionnaire survey, this study conducted interviews with 50 migrants residing in two slums in Rajshahi City. An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach was implemented to evaluate the survey data. This study finds that food insecurity and flood are the two significant climate drivers of migration. Among the non-climate drivers, lack of alternative livelihood is the major reason. It should be noticed that the climate migrants in many cases do not get the opportunity to improve their living standards; they are usually occupied with low-pay professions like maid, van and rickshaw puller, and scrap collector. The study also reveals that migrants, especially females and children, need several basic physiological, economic, social, and health services. Most children have no chance to attend school. Compared to males, females have more opportunities for some support and allowances. Overall, an inadequate level of change has taken place in the lives of migrants, which raises the concern if migration is ever a way to resolve a problem or the beginning of many other problems. Further researches may concentrate on the impact of migration on the dynamics of social capital among slum dwellers.