ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS LEVELS OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES AMONG WOMEN BEEDI ROLLING WORKERS IN TIRUCHIRAPPALLI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19911388

Authors:

Mr. Musthafa. A, Dr. D. Kumar, Dr. A.J. Haja Mohideen

Keywords:

Women Beedi workers, Unorganised Sector, Awareness, Social Security Schemes.

Abstract:

The beedi industry, producing hand-rolled cigarettes using tendu leaves and a little tobacco, is a significant part of the informal economy in India. This industry employs millions of people, mostly women and workers from marginalised groups. Since it mostly operates in the unorganised sector, it is hard to regulate and protect its workers. Although the government has introduced a range of welfare programmes, including healthcare, life insurance, housing, education, recreation, and maternity benefits, most workers remain unaware of these opportunities and rarely benefit from them, mainly due to limited access to training. The present study was conducted to examine the socio-demographic profiles of women beedi workers and to assess their awareness of government welfare measures. The study was a community based, cross sectional quantitative study of 300 women beedi workers in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu to determine their knowledge of social security schemes.. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test in SPSS version 21. The findings indicated that the majority of workers have low incomes and limited educational attainment, with older women constituting the predominant demographic group. While some awareness of support programmes exists, it is the younger workers who are more attuned to available government help. The study calls for a renewed push in adult literacy and continuing education, especially for middle-aged women, and urges the integration of health awareness and preventive care with literacy and livelihood programmes. Ultimately, it offers practical steps to uplift living standards and boost awareness of government initiatives among beedi workers.

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