THE UBIQUITOUS ISTRIWALLAHS OF CHENNAI- A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE INVISIBLE

Abstract

The unorganized sector in India is in essence the backbone of the Indian economy. This sector supposedly supports almost 93% of our workforce out of which 79% belong to the poorer economic section of the population. Although the outward nature of work has changed, it is important to understand whether the caste structure has completely been eliminated in the new models of work. Long hours of work and the physical strain of standing for days together carrying heavy equipment for work, etc, have raised serious concerns about their health. The health conditions of most of these workers continue to be abysmal despite the government’s efforts and commitment to bring in legislations to improve their living conditions. Most of them suffer from various chronic diseases. It should be the duty of the government to also implement the schemes for the unorganised sector and make healthcare affordable and accessible as health is one of the basic human right. The present study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between caste and the chosen profession and to explore the occupational health scenario of the ubiquitous but invisible istriwallahs of Chennai.