CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

1
1. INTRODUCTION

Any attempt to improve the status of women should start with `empowerment.
Empowerment implies the creation of an enabling environment where individuals
can fully use their capabilities to take charge of their lives. The purpose of
empowerment is to free someone from rigorous control and to be them freedom to
take responsibilities for their own ideas and actions and to release the hidden
resources which would otherwise remain inaccessible. Women empowerment
process is one in which women find time and space of their own and begin to re-
examine their lives critically and collectively. It enables women to look at old
problems in new ways, analyzes their environment and situations, recognize their
strengthen potentials, alter their self- image, access new kinds of information and
knowledge, acquire new skills and initiate action aimed at gaining greater control
over resources of various forms. When women are a society with stability is assured.

The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian constitution in its

preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The
constitution not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the state to
adopt measures of positive discrimination in favor of women. Within the frame work
of a democratic policy, our laws, development policies, plans, and programs have
aimed at women's advancement in different spheres. From the Fifth Five Year Plan
(1974-78) onwards has been a marked shift in t6he approach to women's issues from
welfare to development. In the recent years, the empowerment of women has been
recognized as the central issue in determining the status of women. The National
Commission for women was set up by an act of parliament in 1990 to safeguard the
rights and legal entitlements of women. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the
constitution of India have provided for reservation of seats in the local bodies of
panchayath and municipalities for women, laying a strong foundation for their
participation in decision making at the local levels. India has also ratified various
international conventions and human rights instruments committing to secure equal
rights of women. Key among them is the ratification of the convention on

2
Elimination of all Forms Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1993.The
Chirakkal Weavers Co-operative P & S. Society was registered on December 17th,
1947. The company started with the share capital of Rs.1048 and had 99 members.
The company motto is to promote handloom industry and to give job to the weaver
community, the society has achieved the status of largest production and sales centre
of Kerala in South India. The outstanding products of the society are familiar in the
European countries from the last two decades, by the increase in export, Even
countries like Hong Kong, UK and UAE has now started enjoying these products.
Handloom is an ancient industry in India. Handloom productions have national
contribution to significant GDP and the export earnings. According to the ministry of
textile, export earnings on 1998-99 were Rs. 1956 crores, current figures are
expected to be around the same. The handloom sector provides employment for an
estimated 12.5 million people and is largest rural employment provides next to
agriculture, generating jobs and also in semi-urban areas of India.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Empowerment is a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and multilayered concept.

Women's empowerment is a process in which women gain greater share of control
over resources - material, human and intellectual like knowledge, information, ideas
and financial resources like money – and access to money and control over decision-
making in the home, community, society and nation, and to gain `power' .Women
empowerment generally has many components, first, women’s sense of self worth;
second, their right to have the power of control of their own lives, both within and
outside home; and lastly, their ability to influence the direction of social change to
create a just social and economic order nationally, internationally and universally.
Educational achievement and economic involvement are the key constituents in
ensuring the empowerment of women. The economic empowerment of women is a
critical element of strong economic growth in any country.

3
1.2 NATURE OF THE PROBLEM

Women’s empowerment has become a growing concern both at the national and
international levels on the subjugated, the disadvantaged and status of women in
the society. In India, this concern i.e. women’s empowerment has to be focused
mainly in non formal sectors, where the women’s work force is predominant. One
among them is handloom sector. It is one of the largest economic activities, after
agriculture, providing direct and indirect employment as well as being
predominately a non-farm activity. It has passed on from generations to generations.
In the wake of industrialization, our country’s own Powerloom and Khadi movement
totally deteriorated the overall status of handlooms and its weavers. Mainly it
burdens the life of women, a major work force in the handloom sector, compared to
men. As Jawaharlal Nehru rightly remarked that “the greatest revolution in a country
is the one that affect the status and living conditions of its women (Sen Gupta,
1974)”. Nearly 78% of handloom workers are women, of which the state of Sikkim
records the lowest in number, whereas the state of Assam records the highest.

Commonly illiteracy and poverty are the two major factors that doubt the elevation
and livelihood of these women workers. Thus, the handloom women workers should
get benefit from the current scenario; need to move up the economic status in the
sector from primary levels. On a whole the purpose of this paper is to familiarize
with the current status and livelihood problems of unorganized women handloom
workers and also to propose the importance of social protection and security.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 To measure the motivational level of employees at Chirakkal weavers.
 To study the employees empowerment in an organisations.
 To identify the factors that motivates the employees.
 To give suggestions for growth and perspective of the company.

 To encourage continuing education of concrete pump operators.

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 CHAPTER-2

INDUSTRY&COMPANY PROFILE

5
2.1 INDUSRTY PROFILE
Handloom sector plays an important role in the country’s economy. It is the one of
the largest economic activities providing direct employment to over 65 lakh persons
engaged in weaving and allied activities. As a result of effective Government
intervention through financial assistance and implementation of various
developmental and welfare schemes, this sector has been able to withstand
competition from the power loom and mill sectors. Consequently, the production of
handloom fabrics registered more than tenfold increase from a level of 500 million
square meters in 2000-2001.This sector contributes nearly 19 percent of the total
cloth produced in the country and also added substantially to the export earnings.
Handloom forms a part of the heritage of India and exemplifies the richness and
diversity of our country and the artistry of the weavers. Hand-woven fabric is the
product of Indian tradition, the inspiration of the cultural ethos of the weavers.
Handloom is unparalleled in its flexibility and versatility, permitting,
experimentation and encouraging innovation. Innovative weavers with their skillful
blending of myths, faiths, symbols and imagery provide the fabric an appealing
dynamism. The strength of handloom lies in and programs to enhance productivity
income and socio-economic status of weavers by upgrading their skills and providing
essential inputs. Handloom industry is the most important traditional type of
industry mainly concentrated in Kannur. Kannur is the one of the major export of
handloom goods. But now a day’s handloom industries are facing a lot of problems
such as marketing of finished goods, lack of working capital, lack of raw materials
etc. In order to overcome these problems the Government of India introduced a
new textile policy. Today the demand for the handloom product is increased
because of its quality and user-friendly nature.

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2.1.1 Handloom Industry
Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in the state. The state was ranked
the fourth position in terms of the number of looms in the country according to the
handloom senses 1987. It has more than 2.7lakh looms comprising of fly shuttle,
throw shuttle and looms with a weaver population of more than 2.8lakhs of which
about 1lakh are full time weavers according to the above handloom senses. The
state Government has made full efforts for and all development of handloom
industry in the state. Manipur handloom and handicraft Development Corporation
and Manipur Development Society are the two agencies of the State Government
taking concerted efforts for production and marketing of handloom products.
Manipur state handloom weavers co-operative society is the apex co-operative
society taking pivotal role in the co-operative sector for development of handloom
in the state. There is also a departmentally run raw material. Bank in the commerce
and industries department do meet the requirement of various types and quarters
of yarns of weavers at reasonable prices. The mechanized Dye House now run under
the commerce and industry development is also making full efforts to make
available quality aged yarn for the weavers of the state various schemes are also
implemented for growth and development of handloom in the state

2.1.2 Handloom industry in the world

The earliest confirmed and dated evidence of weaved cloth calm Turkey about 7000
to 8000 years ago. Based on this and other anecdotal evidence, archaeologist
theorize that baskets and basket weaving were probably among the first inventions
of mankind because of the short-lined nature of fabrics and textiles and the
complications of whether erosion, insects and fire, little evidence on the origin has
survived throughout ages.

With evidence of the art of weaving confirmed in several locations around the
world, it is thought by some archaeologists that early humans would have

7
instinctively recognized the benefit of the woven structure by observing it in nature,
such as in a spider’s web or a bird’s nest. There is confirmed evidence of weaving
taking place in Egypt, China, Mesopotamia, Switzerland and Peru dating as far back
as 5000 BC. Common fibers used were linen wool and silk.

The mastery of the art of weaving silk is great, tradition in China. According to
legend, an empress discovered by accident that the thread created by a certain
worm could be used to weave exquisite cloths. Despite great interest from the rest
of the world, the Chinese managed to keep the secrets of silk themselves for over
3000 years. The main disadvantage in discovery of silk was that the thread could be
woven without any spinning or any treatment, which gave the Chinese weavers a
considerable advantage in the market place.

2.1.3 handloom industry in India

Handloom is an ancient industry of India. The features of the sector very across the
country. In the same part of the Kerala, Thamilnadu, Assam and Orissa. It was
attained a state of nature industry. The handloom sector plays an important role in
countries economy. It is one of the largest economic activities providing direct
employment provides next agriculture generating job also semi urban and urban
areas of India white the weavers phase dismissal situation of lively hand. Handloom
products both domestically and internationally, handloom production have national
contribution to significant GDP and export earnings. According to the Ministry of
Textile, export earnings as laid as 1998-99 was Rs.1956crores, current figures are
expected to be around the same.India is in first position (84.78%), which is 3.90mn,
out of the world’s total capacity in the country has shown reasonable growth in the
past. In terms of employment potential, it is only next to agriculture and it is only
next to agriculture and it is estimated that it provides employment to 124lakhs
person working about 38lakhs handlooms. Of these, 60% are women. The
contribution and growth of textile industry in general and artisans’ product in
specific is aided by the strong policy trust towards handloom sector. With the

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Government policy continues to be in favor of the handloom sector, the future of
this sector continues to remain bright.
The handloom sector, contrary to the general notion that its share of production has
declined, however has stabilized around 20percent for the past two to three
decades. At present it stands at 18.75% of the total cloth production. The major
contribution of handloom sector is however in terms of providing employment to
124lakhs people and thus stands next to agriculture. Out of this, 60% are women.
12% SC and 20% ST (Ministry of Textile: 2011). There are 38.91lakhs handlooms in
India.
Through its share in total textile export is 10% (EXIM: 2001), its labour intensive
character, decentralized nature and optimum utilization of scare capital resources
give it a unique position in the India economy. It weaves a range of fibers like
cotton, silk, tussah jute wool and synthetic blends Indian exports of textiles
(excluding readymade garments) fell from Rs.19164crores in 1997-98 to
Rs.18855crores in 1998-99, showing a fall of 1.6%. During 1999-00, however,
exports of textiles registered a growth of 15.5% to reach Rs.21772crores. Exports of
readymade garments have on the other hand increased from Rs.14406Crores to
Rs.18364Cr showing a growth of nearly 30% during 1997-98 to 1998-99. Europe is
the largest destination for handloom items according for nearly half of the total
exports while Africa is the smallest market for handloom products from India in
1999-00. Our important markets are USA, Europe, Japan and Australia (see EXIM:
2001).The sector has self sustaining mechanism including teaching for young
weavers irrespective of gender. The inheritance of silks, resources and capacities has
remained beyond the real and reach of any modern training and educational
institutional communities to take up handloom production has a profession.
Handlooms are eco-friendly with energy impact as almost zero. It is an independent
and autonomous technology. Thus, handloom sector lends itself to sustainable
policies aimed at reduction of negative impact on environment and ecology.

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2.1.4 Handloom industry in Kerala

Historically, Kerala has long been land of racial admixture and co- existence.
Handloom is one of the most important ancient national traditional industries of
India. Historians consider India as the birth place of cotton. The history of Indian
handloom industry dates back to the epic ages. Fragments of earliest creations of
India’s handloom industry where found in creation of Mohenjo-Daro, Kaudilya’s
Arthasastra written is third century BC mentions that cotton fibers of the western
part of India where excellent. Handloom products in the country had attained a very
high degree of perfection and reputation in the ancient Arban and European
countries.

Kerala, the greenish land lies between the western gnat and Arabian sea, about
15000 square miles with varying scenic beauty, Kerala handloom industry carries a
vital role in states economy as well as in the field of employment. A very large
number of looms are located in rural areas. The rhythm handloom can be heard in
almost every village in Kerala. There men and women weavers for whom weaving
are a way of life. The main communities engaged in weaving are saliyas and
devangas. Earlier they were producing cloth for their own consumption and for the
need of their village. Increasing in production and improvement in transport
facilities removed the hindrance of time and eased the exchange of communities.
The skill of weaving has been passed from present to children

Handloom weaving was traditionally associated with particular casts and

communities of Kerala. In Kerala the predominant weaving caste was “chaliyas”,
who migrated from other parts of India. The weavers of Travancore claim that the
original ancestor of chaliyas. The chaliya Rishi began weaving traditionally. The
Pattaryans of Kottar and Aranial in the Travancore –Cochin state and the chalians in

10
other part of Kerala state are instances of the caste-Guilds which grew around the
handloom weaving industry.

The entire development programs and modernization of handlooms were actually

started in Malabar, after the establishment of the ‘Based Mission’ Industries of
South India. Germany had established a mission called ‘BASEL MISSION’ in 1827.
Apart from this, French started to give training in weaving. They imported versatile
loom and introduced design development using books. After the British captured
India they took up and nourished handloom industry for their purpose.
Today, Handloom industry in Kerala today provides employment directly to 3Laskh
people and indirectly to another one lakh. The industry is more concentrated in the
northern and southern districts of the state namely Trivandrum district in the south
and Kannur in the north. The organizational and production structure of handloom
industry brings forth an array of different systems in vogue. It ranges from
centralized production and marketing units to house-holds weaving units. When
classified into organized and unorganized sector, the former includes industrial co-
operatives and private factories while the unorganized sector consist of primary
societies, collective weaving units, individual household units and unregistered un-
household units.
Kerala handloom industry is spread all over the state. Handloom concentrated in
certain places. Kerala state handloom weavers co-operative society (HANTEX), the
apex organization of the co-operatives and Kerala state handloom development
corporation ltd.(HANVEEV) providing services(especially marketing) to the individual
weavers, are the principle development agencies assisting the department of
handloom and textile. Southern Kerala is famous for its super fire products like
“sarees”,”dhoties”,”set mundu”etc. Northern Kerala called “Malabar” mainly
concentrates courses varieties production like furnishing items, bed spreads, towel
etc. Bathing towels and lungies are the common products in Kerala. Around 50000
handlooms are functioning both in public and private sector and about 750 co-
operative societies provide employment to about 1.25lakhs weavers. Almost 2lakhs

11
of people are earning their lively hood from handloom, 75% of the being in co-
operative line. Almost 5lakhs of families are depending upon handloom industry.

2.1.5 Handloom industry in Kannur

Kannur- the land of looms and lore’s is situated towards the northern part of Kerala.
This part was selected for survey due to the largest concentration of the handloom
industry in the state (in 1984, out of the total looms of 95038 in the state,
46063(48.5%) were in Kannur). The evolution of the industry in the Kannur can be
traced from the records of the Basel Mission activities. Legend also exist that
Chirakkal Rajas of Kannur Brought weaver families from the traditional weaving
communities of Saliya from other regions and settled them in colonies. Through
Basel Mission commenced its activities in India is 1834 at Mangalore, weaving was
taken up only in 1844. Weaving establishments in early days were attached to the
mission house itself. Later establishment where started at Kannur(1852) and
Calicut(1859). By 1913, both these establishments had huge complexes with over
600 workers each. In 1911,for better management these where merged under the
name Basel Missionaries who introduced frame looms in Kannur(today almost all
looms in Kannur are of this type, the co-operative societies which are covered in the
survey all frame looms except Morazha which had 3 pitlooms for silk weaving) as
early as 1847.Also the introduction of fly shuttle looms, jacquard looms(1872) by the
missionaries helped the weavers of Kannur widen the range of their products. They
were mainly table cloths, napkins, handkerchiefs, cotton check shirts, superior
damask linen and so on. Later furnishing upholstery fabrics for which the industry is
now well known come into being. It becomes more and more specialized in export-
oriented production. The Basel Missionaries also pioneered the introduction of the
concept of integrated handloom fabrics, which is skill predominantly in vague in this
region.
The main centers are Cannanore, Azhikode, Chirakkal, Knchirode, Panoor,
Kuthuparamba, Kalyassery. There are 73 socities established in this district and with

12
about 50 exporters in private sector together have 13667 weavers working open
that.

2.1.6 Trends in handloom industry

Indian handloom is crossing borders to be a pen of foreign style also, not just in
terms of popularity; but also for originality. This handloom sector has been various
developments to match its steps with the growing demands. No matter it is foreign
customer or Indian, the Indian handloom is strong enough to meet their
requirements. In fact, it has becomes a fashion statement and is attracting designers
also. The present trend in handloom sector is that of mingling old designs with new
technique and creating originally out of it. This has also leaded the Indian handloom
markets to step out of their country. And that’s why export of Indian handloom
gaining momentum.
Tire handloom emporiums and shop are steadfast in giving shape to the ideations of
their customers. Moreover, this handloom sector is high in demand is foreign
countries. The use of vibrant colors and traditions embroidered or painted on finest
fabrics in India has been attracting foreign buyers. And this has beaded the
manufacturers to export Indian handloom materials to other countries. On the other
side of the front, some of the manufactures import threads and modern style
matching or looms from other countries to enhance their work efficiency. Even, the
first Jacquard weaving loom was made by Joseph Marie Jacquard 1801.

Today’s scenario, computerized printing and weaving technologies are getting

prevalent. And this has leaded the handloom manufacturers to fetch the modern
computer embroidery machines from abroad. After all, it is the increasing demand
for fineness and creativity has enabled them to cross boundaries. And even, leasing
of import and export duties has given a boost to this business. Handloom sector
craned for growth since quite a few years, which has now actually turned profile. No

13
doubt, India has edge against its competitors’ like China, Philippians, Thailand,
Taiwan and Korea who generally produce machine made products. Indian
handmade products have a nice market all over the world creating a distinct impact
through exclusive designs, workmanship finesse, colors and raw material etc. The
sector shows a not so significant growth in the 2009-10 fiscal but grows substantially
in the first half of the 2010-11 fiscal. Keeping in view the trend the sector is
expected to show phenomenal results by the end of 2011.

2.1.7 Co-operative society

The term co-operation is derived from the Latin word co-operari, where the word
‘co’ means ‘with’ and ‘operari’ means ‘to work’ thus, co-operation means working
together. So those who want to work together with some common economic
objective can form a society which is termed as “co-operative society”. It is a
voluntary association of persons who work together to promote their economic
interest. It works on the principle of self-help as well as mutual-help. The main
objective is to provide support to the members. Nobody joins co-operative society
to earn profit. People come forward as a group, pool their individual resources,
utilize them in the best possible manner and derive some common benefit out if it.
Who work together to promote their economic interest. It works on the principle of
self-help as well as mutual help. The main objective is to provide support to the
members. Nobody joins a co-operative society to learn profit. People come forward
as a group, pool their individual resources, utilizes them in the best possible manner,
and derive some common benefit out of it.
2.1.8 Objectives of co-operative society

1. Render service rather than making profit.

2. Mutual-help instead of competition.
3. Self-help instead of development.

o-operative movement in our country shall not only stag but also grow in times to
come. In spite of the drawbacks experienced in the working and administration of

14
the co-operative societies, they have positively contributed to the growth and
development of national economy. Promotion of thrift, self-help and mutual aid are
the fundamental principles of co-operation. The orientations of commercial
organization and co-operative organizations are basically different. In a commercial
organization, earnings and maximizing the profits is the sole motive; where as in a
co-operative organization profit cannot be sole motive. The prime objective in
addition to the three fundamentals of co-operation mentioned above are to make
available the gods and services in required quantity of better quality and at
reasonable price to it’s members. It does not mean that a co-operative society is a
charitable organization. It should therefore conduct itself in a businesslike manner in
attaining its objectives efficiently.

2.2 COMPANY PROFILE

15
Chirakkal Weaver’s Co-operative society P&S Society Ltd; No.F.1291, was established
in 1947 under the Madras Co-operative Societies Act. Following is motto to promote
handloom industry and to give job to the weaver community, the society has
achieved the status of largest production and sales centre of Kerala in south India.
The outstanding products of the society are familiar in the European countries from
the last two decades, by the increase in export even countries like Hong Kong, UK
and UAE has now started enjoying these products. The Chirakkal Weaver’s Co-
operative society P&S Society Ltd. Was registered on 17th December 1946. But the
commencement of business was on 11th February 1947. The company started with a
share capital of Rs.1048 and had 99 members. The people behind development of
this society are A. ChanduNair, P.Chathu, N.Rman Nambiar, R.V.Raghavan Nair,
Paduvilan Shankaran. In 1950-51 the members of the society increased to 551 and
share capital also increased to Rs.14537.

The capacity of the society of the society to develop modern samples within 15-20
days is really unique. It’s tie-up with other co-operative production centers to meet
bulk orders ahs also proven to be an additional benefit. The credit for all these
success goes to the people involved in the activities of the society including the
activities of the society including the Board of Directors elected from the weavers.
As a mark of appreciation, the Government of India has approved it as a Handloom
Development Centre.

The society owns 280 looms which include a width up to 120 inch in dobby jacquard
and terry looms. It has also tie-up with other co-operative production centre to meet
bulk orders. It has a fully fledged dye house and use only permitted colors and
chemicals which do not contain any harmful amines. Utmost care is taken at
different stages Eco-friendly production. The final product is appraised by qualified
weaving masters to ensure the quality before goods goes to customers. Besides the
production range of furnishings, made-ups, mats, terry, towels, seer succor, Tucks
and double cloths also produced. As a mark of appreciation to these performances,

16
the Government of India has sanctioned a Handloom Development Center and a
quality dyeing unit to this society. Now they introduced silk weaving also.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HANDLOOM INDUSTRY

 Loom
Loom is a machine or device for weaving thread or yarn into textiles. Loom
can range from very small hand held frames, to range free-standing hand looms, to
huge automatic mechanical device.
Different looms are:
 Back strap loom:
An extremely simple design, using a right treads are tied to a post, tree or
similar immovable object, and the other end attached to the weaver’s belt or a
special strap around the back. The weaver then leans back to bring tension to the
warp threads or yarn and move the heddle up and down, passing the weft thread
through the shed to complete the weave. Such looms are used to make relative
fabric, strips, but strips checks can be made.
 Handloom:
The earliest loom where wooden vertical shaft looms, with the heddles
placed in the shaft. The warp threads pass alternatively through a heddle and
through a space between the heddles, so that raising the shaft raises half the
threads & lowering the shaft lowers the same threads the threads passing through
the space between the heddles remain in place.

 Haute lisse and hasse lisse looms:

Looms used for weaving traditional tapestry are classified as haute lisse
loom, where the warp is suspended vertically between the two rolls,& the base lisse
looms, where the warp extends horizontally between the rolls.
 Power loom:
Machined loom powered by a drive shaft.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY

17
 a. To improve and develop handloom industry.
b. To enclose the economic conditions of the weavers.
c. To organize the weavers to provide raw material to the individual
weavers for processing their goods.
d. To market the products of the individual weavers.
e. To increase the export of handloom fabrics.
f. To save the rich tradition of handloom.
g. To provide regular work for employees.
h. To create more employment to the unemployed especially to women.
i. To upgrade the quality of the products by introducing latest technology
in weaving and stitching.

MOTTO OF THE SOCIETY

“EACH FOR ALL, ALL FOR EACH”

Its motto is to give job and good benefits to its workers.

LOCATION

The company is situated at Chirakkal. It is very near to National Highway junction at

Valapattanam about 6 Km of north of district quarters Kannur in Kerala state south
India.

ORGANISATION CHART IN CHIRAKKAL WEAVERS

18
 CHART 4.1
Board of directors

Secretary

Manager

Production Quality Store Senior clerk Account

supervisor checker keeper s officer

Accountant

19
 CHAPTER-3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

3.1 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

20
(Hazarika, 2013)Access to income through home-based activities is important for
empowering disadvantaged groups of society, especially women. The present paper
seeks to analyze the extent of empowerment of women engaged in the handloom
sector in Assam in North Eastern India. Our study refines five empowerment
indicators of economic, social, and cultural relevance, such as decision-making
ability, freedom of movement, ownership of assets and income, male preference,
and domestic violence. This is based on primary survey data collected from 328
married women from six districts of Assam to examine how engagement in
handloom activities empowers them.

(Gajjala, 2010) In this essay, we examine discourses of women's emancipation

online. We examine some nuances of how these lexicons of empowerment play out.
One discursive formation examined is websites around female genital mutilation
(FGM) in online activism while a second is the Americans for United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA) website. The third case is based in work offline trying to
develop strategies for online marketing. This case discusses the (im)possibility of
sustaining handloom and craft communities through online marketing of such
products.

(U, 1996)This book chapter discusses women's role in India in the organized and
unorganized sectors and the impact of poverty alleviation programs and
nongovernmental groups on women's empowerment. Women's role in self-
employment and home-based employment has only recently been recognized. The
awareness is due to grassroots initiatives. Three reports are available that document
the work, life styles, and contributions of working women and organizational
activity. Women's employment in the organized sector led to some independence,
but changes in technology reduced opportunities for women. Women hold low-
paying service occupations and unskilled labor positions. Norms dictate what are
men's jobs and what are women's jobs. Women's work tends to be exacting,
demands dexterity, and concentrates on high-paced repetition.

21
(DianeElson, 1999)Labor markets are gendered institutions operating at the
intersection of the productive and reproductive economies. Participation in labor
markets does not automatically empower women. Reduction in gender differentials
in earnings may be the result of harmonizing down rather than up.

(Borah, 2014)A self-help is a small, economically homogeneous and attractive group

of 10-20 rural poor people which comes together to save small amounts regularly. It
generally performs various types of economicactivities with the help of their small
savings. Women Self-help groups are informal association of women. The main
purpose of such an association is to enable members to gain economic benefits out
of mutual help, solidarity and social responsibility. Generally, the economic benefit
includes mobilization of savings and credit facilities and to pursue group based
economic activities.

(Suja, 2012)The empowerment of women is one of the vital issues in the progression
and improvement of countries all over the world. Tamil Nadu has a magnificent
custom of recognizing the significance of empowering women over a number of
decades. Association in Self Help Groups has enabled women to gain greater control
over resources like material possession, intellectual resources like knowledge,
information, ideas and decision making in home, community, society and nation. The
SHGs crosswise states have paved attention on skill improvement, facilitating
invention, gaining access to credit from financial institutions for micro enterprises /
projects, inculcating of frugality: and supervision of credit for the economically
destitute sections of women.

(ElaBhatt, 1989)Some 94 percent of working women in India are self-employed — as

home-based workers, petty traders, or providers of other services and manual labor.
They are undercounted in official statistics, unprotected by labor laws, without
access to health care, skills training, or credit. Their situation worsens as traditional
support systems break down.

22
(JAIN, 2004)According to the World Bank [2004] the main key services fail poor
people – in access, quantity and quality. This necessitates a set of development
targets known as Millennium Development Goals [MDG]. These call for halving of
the global poverty and broad improvements in human development by 2015. The
Millennium Declaration adopted by UN in 2000 underscored the urgency of
ensuring that the benefits of new technologies, especially Information and
Communication Technologies [ICTs] are made available to all. One resource that
liberates people from poverty and empowers them is knowledge. It is also now well
understood that any attempt to improve the quality of life of people in developing
countries would be incomplete without progress towards the empowerment of
women.

(Nayyar, 2018)Entrepreneurship is the core of economic development. It is a multi-

dimensional task and essentially a creative activity. Entrepreneur is key factor of
entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurship is a recent phenomenon and in the
process have to face various problems. Therefore, this study was conducted on
hundred women entrepreneurs selected through random and snowball sampling
technique from four zones of Himachal Pradesh.

(Sharma, 2013)Women entrepreneurship development is an essential part of human

resource development. The development of women entrepreneurship is very low in
India, especially in the rural areas. Entrepreneurship amongst women has been a
recent concern. Women have become aware of their existence their rights and their
work situation. However, women of middle class are not too eager to alter their role
in fear of social backlash. The progress is more visible among upper class families in
urban cities.

(Sarma., 2009) Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the economic development of a

country. Economic development of a country depends primarily on its
entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur is very often considered a person who sets up his
own business or set up his own industry. Women entrepreneurs may be defined as

23
the women or a group of women who initiate, organize and operate a business
enterprise. Empowering women particularly in Tribal Community has emerged as an
important issue in recent times

(Dissanayake, 2017)Global fashion industry has bitterly evidenced the social and
environmental implications associated with fast production cycles, overuse of
resources, waste generation, environmental pollution and unethical labour
conditions. Growing consumer awareness regarding social and environmental
impacts of fashion products has led to create a new marketplace for sustainable and
ethical products.

(Premchander, 2012)Boosting women's incomes not only benefits them, but often
also raises the nutritional and educational status of their families. This article
compares two approaches to raising women's incomes: the employment approach,
whereby women are employed in a production unit owned and run by an NGO, and
the empowerment approach, which involves forming village groups and developing
self-confidence, and enabling women to increase their incomes through collective
action and group savings. Whereas larger increases in income can sometimes be
generated by the employment approach, this article suggests that the
empowerment approach is less dependent on outside funds, and creates a sense of
self-confidence in the women involved.

(Sarania, 2015)The empowerment of women is crucial for the development of a

nation. Evidence across nations suggests that the empowerment of rural women can
be achieved through the provision of micro-credit to Self-Help Group (SHG)
members. This study was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of SHGs in
economic empowerment of women in Assam. The study was based on primary data
collected from Baksa district of Assam through interview of SHG member
beneficiaries. A total of 100 members from 50 groups of two blocks (25 SHGs from
each block) formed the sample size of the study. The study revealed that majority of
the respondents belongs to the age group of 25 to 45 and have educational

24
qualification of primary education and most of them are married and major portion
of the respondents have 4 to 6 dependents. A number of income generating
activities were undertaken by the members after joining SHGs.

(Upadhye, 2012) Women from the lower strata of the society though educated, are unable
to find employment in urban India. It is entrepreneurship that paves the path of
development of these women in particular and society in general. The study considers
women from such lower strata of society turning into entrepreneurs in city of Pune,
Maharaastra India.

(Lyngdoh, 2013)This study is an evaluation of the impact of microfinance on women

empowerment conducted upon clients of the matrilineal tribal society of India that exists in
its north east region. It covers a period of five years, where in, data is compiled for 300
microfinance women clients (experimental group [EG]) and 150 non-microfinance women
clients (control group [CG)]). For impact evaluation, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and
Difference-in-Difference (DinD) techniques are applied. PSM ensures a matched sample by
balancing the EG and CG on covariates and DinD, the impact of microfinance through
economic and sociopolitical outcomes.

(Mishra, 2014) The purpose of the research is to advance a new understanding of gender as
a routine accomplishment embedded in everyday interaction to do so entail a critical
assessment of existing perspective on gender. The concept of Self Help Group has its roots
in rural Odisha and it has been mooted along the rural and semi urban women to improve
their living condition. It is self employment generation scheme especially for rural women
who don't have their own assets.

(Rafiqul, 2010)Women’s empowerment has been pointed out as an indispensable condition

to reduce poverty in developing countries of the world. Also, it has been closely related to
democratization of those countries, in providing women with rights and opportunities equal
to those which men have enjoyed so far. Despite its significance, the issue cannot be said to
be solved easily, because there are many factors that prevent its progress.

(Ramswamy, 2012)The handloom sector in India is important from the point of view of its
size and employment potential. Moreover, the sector provides employment to the most
vulnerable sections of the Indian population, viz., women, Scheduled Castes (SCs),

25
Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Castes (OBCs). Out of the 27.83 lakh handloom
households engaged in weaving and allied activities across the country, 10% handloom
households belong to SCs, 22% to STs and 41% to OBCs. Nearly, 77% of the handloom
workforce comprises women and most of these women are located in rural areas. The North
East (NE) states of India have the largest concentration of handlooms in the country (more
than 65% of the total looms).

(Sandhya, 2015) Education is milestone of women empowerment because it enables them

to responds to the challenges, to confront their traditional role and change their life. It helps
in reducing inequalities and functions as a means for improving their status within the
family. Education of women in India has also been a major issue for both the government
and civil society as the educational women play a very important role in the development of
the country. So we cannot neglect the importance of education in the reference to women
empowerment in India.The growth of women’s education in rural areas is very slow. This
obviously means that still large womenfolk of our country are illiterate, the weak, backward
and exploited. The present study explores the role of education in women empowerment
and the status of women education in rural India.

(Mayoux, 1990)Micro-finance programmes targetting women became a major plank of

donor poverty alleviation and gender strategies in the 1990s. Funding is set to further
increase under current initiatives by CGAP and member donor agencies. Literature prepared
for the Microcredit Summit in Washington in 1997 and donor and NGO promotional
material present an extremely attractive vision of increasing numbers of expanding,
financially self-sustainable and even profitable micro-finance programmes.

(Mamidipudi, 2008)This article investigates the interaction between the processes of

building development theory and development practice, arguing that theory must start with
practice – and should not be top–down, starting with the ‘outside gaze’ of a supposedly
detached academic or policy maker. The questions posed point to critiques of mainstream
development narratives and notions of innovation through the diffusion of new
technologies.

26
(KishorGoswami, 2017)The rural non-farm micro-entrepreneurial activities in the informal
sector hold significance in generating employment, removing poverty, and income
inequality. The handloom industry in India holds a distinctive place in the Indian economy as
it is the second largest provider of rural employment after agriculture.

(Masood & Malegaon, 2011) In the era of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization
along with ongoing IT revolution, today’s world is changing at a surprising pace. Political and
Economic transformations appear to be taking place everywhere—as countries convert from
command to demand economies, dictatorships move toward democratic system, and
monarchies build new civil institutions. These changes have created economic opportunities
for women who want to own and operate businesses.

(Raju, 2011)The resurrection of geography now plays a significant role in social science
theories. This volume critically analyzes the debate surrounding the social and conceptual
formations of 'space 'and 'place' to understand how such boundaries intersect with gender.
The essays argue that spaces and places are social and ideological constructs. What is
significant is the implication of power in the production of spaces and places as they are
ideologically organized to maintain established hierarchies

(Raghavan, Micro-Credit and Empowerment:A Study of Kudumbashree Projects in

Kerala., 1999) Poverty alleviation schemes based on micro- credit system have been
implemented in many of the developing countries in recent years. The Government of
Kerala State in India has introduced a novel scheme of poverty alleviation based on micro-
credit and self help grouping. Paraphrased as Kudumbashree ( ‘Prosperity of the Family’),
the scheme aims at improving the living levels of the poor women in rural and urban areas.
It seeks to bring the poor women folks together to form the grass root organizations to help
enhance their economic security. The project aimsat removing poverty among rural women
households through setting up of micro-credit and productive enterprises. The activities
such as micro-credit and micro-enterprises under the scheme were undertaken by the
locally formed Community Development Societies consisting of poor women.

(Limbu, 2015) Entrepreneurship plays a very important role in the development of any
nation. The entrepreneurship leads to the creation of capital as well led to the generation of

27
many social benefits. However, entrepreneurship is not so popular and common in the
developing nation like of India and more specifically the agrarian state of Assam. According
to Census’2011 Rural Assam constitutes around 85.92% of state population. Among rural
population females constitute 48.88%. In contrast to urban female folk, majority of rural
women folk are engaged in agricultural activities along with male member of the society.
Even in recent days many women entrepreneurs from rural Assam has emerged too. There
exist an immense possibility of enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of rural women
and such enhanced capabilities will help in revolutionizing the economy of Assam and rural
Assam more specifically.

3.2BIBLIOGRAPHY
Borah, A. (2014). Women empowerment through Self Help Groups-A case study of.

DianeElson. (1999). Labor Markets as Gendered Institutions: Equality, Efficiency and

Empowerment Issues.

Dissanayake, D. G. (2017). Sustainable and ethical manufacturing: a case study from

handloom industry.

ElaBhatt. (1989). Toward empowerment.

Gajjala, R. (2010). Lexicons of Women's Empowerment Online.

Hazarika, B. (2013). Do home-based micro-entrepreneurial earnings empower rural women?

Evidence from the handloom sector in Assam.

JAIN, S. (2004). ICTS AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT: SOME CASE STUDIES FROM INDIA .

KishorGoswami. (2017). Determinants of financial risk attitude among the handloom micro-
entrepreneurs in North East India.

Limbu, S. (2015). Women Entrepreneurship: Problems and Prospects in Rural Assam.

28
Lyngdoh, B. F. (2013). Impact of Microfinance on Women Empowerment in the Matrilineal
Tribal Society of India: An Analysis Using Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-
Difference.

Mamidipudi, A. (2008). Juxtaposing handloom weaving and modernity: building theory

through praxis.

Masood, R. Z., & Malegaon. (2011). EMERGENCE OF WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN INDIA-

AN INSIGHT.

Mayoux, L. (1990). Women’s Empowerment and Participation in Micro-finance: Evidence,

Issues and Ways Ahead.

Mishra, S. (2014). Self Help Group: Change Agent for Rural Women.

Mitter, N. B. (1998). Women Making a Meaningful Choice: Technology and New Economic
Order.

Nayyar, P. (2018). Causes and Constraints Faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Entrepreneurial

Process.

Premchander, S. (2012). Income generating programmes for rural women – examining the
role of NGOs.

Rafiqul, I. M. (2010). Women’s Empowerment for Sustainable Development in Bangladesh.

Raghavan, D. V. Micro-Credit and Empowerment:.

Raghavan, D. V. (1999). Micro-Credit and Empowerment:A Study of Kudumbashree Projects

in Kerala.

Raju, S. (2011). Gendered Geographies: Space and Place in the South Asia.

Ramswamy, R. (2012). Financial Management Practices of Micro Handloom Enterprises: A

Case Study of Thenzawl Cluster in Mizoram.

Sandhya, S. J. (2015). Impact of Education in Women Empowerment .

Sarania, R. (2015). Impact of Self-Help Groups on Economic Empowerment of.

29
Sarma., G. (2009). An Analytical Study on Entrepreneurial Activity as a tool for.

Sharma, P. (2013). Women Entrepreneurship Development in India .

Suja, S. (2012). WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SELF-HELP GROUP- AN EVALUATIVE

STUDY.

U, R. (1996). Women and development.

Upadhye, J. (2012). Entrepreneurship and Women Empowerment: Evidence from Pune.

3.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Empowering women enhances their ability to influence changes and to create a

better society. Other than educational and economic empowerment, changes in
women’s mobility and social interaction and changes in intra-household decision-
making are necessary. Women are more perfectionists in the power to create,
nurture and transform. Today, women are emerging as leaders in growing range of
fields. Be it aeronautics, medicine, space, engineering, law, politics, education or
business one can just name the profession and they are there. In India, the
empowerment process has already begun. We are now witnessing a steady
improvement in the enrolment of women in schools, colleges and even in
professional institutes. Twenty-six laws have been enacted so far to protect women
from various crimes. Women empowerment is possible only by adopting definite
social and economic policies with a view of total development of women.

Women have proved themselves as equals in many careers as well as proved

themselves even better suited than men in some. The situation for the changing role
of Women is improving fast. Women are educated; they have achieved great stature
in all industries. Bureaucracy, sports, media, women have become a familiar sight. A
modern woman has indeed risen above the past notions, above her inferior status.
She fears no authoritative men; she strives to stand parallel to men and is
independent. Education has given women enlightenment and a vision. They have

30
realized that they aren’t mere puppets in the society but a pillar without which the
foundation of society is incomplete. It has traditionally been accepted that the
thread of family weaves the fabric of Indian society. Women are considered as the
hub centre of the family. Still, in the era of political domination by foreigners, the
women in India suffered most. Women Empowerment is the most vital system to
strengthen the future of women in India. It is a systematic approach which needs to
develop more seriously in India. The Government of India came up, in the new
millennium by declaring the year 2001 as Women’s Empowerment Year, to focus on
a vision where women are equal partners like men. This process has been further
accelerated with some sections of women becoming increasingly self-conscious of
their discrimination in several areas of family and public life. They are also in a
position to mobilize themselves on issues that can affect their overall position.
Empowerment would become more relevant if women are educated, better
informed and can take rational decisions. A woman needs to be physically healthy
so that she is able to take challenges of equality. Indeed the discriminated and
exploited of women are seen all over the world. Empowerment is a support to help
women to accomplish equal opportunity with men or to reduce the gap between
men and women. Women play a very strategic role in the development of society in
particular and development of economy in general. Woman is the lead planner of
the family, the first trainer; supplier of labour and by playing a focal role in the
development of different sectors like agriculture, industry, service, etc., she
contributes for the creation of an enlightened society. Women contribute directly or
indirectly for economic development. Empowering women helps to utilize the
hidden power, for which, her status in the society must be improved and
economically she should be strengthened. The poverty is the main cause for her low
bargaining power. Hence, poverty should be removed.

Empowering women and removal of poverty go hand in hand. Woman, if educated

and empowered, can be utilized for the economic development. Mahatma Gandhiji

31
says, “You educate a man, you educate an individual. You educate a woman, you
educate an entire family”.

Women make up 614.4 million (48 percent) of the Indian population in 2013. The
intensity of exploitation and subjugation varies from society to society. But there is
no such a society which has eliminated the exploitation and subjugation. The
patriarchal system has confined the women to specific areas such as kitchen and
fixed gender roles like bearing and rearing children, cooking and cleaning. Even
today, women in some areas are viewed as a property and not a human being who
has her own likes and dislikes and opportunities for self development.

CHAPTER-4
METHODOLOGY

32
4.1 RESEARCH PROCESS

Research in common refers to “search for knowledge’’. Research can be defined as a

systematic and scientific search for pertinent information on a specific topic. The
methodology is a way of systematically solving a research problem. It may be
understood as a science of studying how research is done. This includes the study of
various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher problem along with the
logic behind him.

4.2 SAMPLE SELECTION METHOD

4.2.1 Population and sample

The population for the present study is on the topic “A STUDY ON WOMEN
EMPOWERMENT OF CHIRAKKAL WEAVERS “and the total available number of
employees are 50.

33
4.2.2 Period of coverage

The study has undertaken for a period of 1 month

4.2.3 Type of research

In this study descriptive research is used. Descriptive research is carried out for the
purpose of collecting descriptive information like employees opinion benefit
personal details awareness etc.

4.2.4 Sampling procedure

Convenient sampling

Convenience sampling (also known as availability sampling) is a specific type of non-

probability sampling method that relies on data collection from population members
who are conveniently available to participate in study.

Sample Design

The sample design of the project is coined by taking descriptive research as the
basis. It is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific
topic.

4.2.5 Data Collection Method

 Both primary and secondary data have been collected for the purpose of the
study.

34
  Primary data has been collected from the employees of the organization by
means of a questionnaire.
 The secondary data have been collected from the books, previous records,
journals and magazines.

4.3 TOOLS USED FOR DATA COLLECTION ANALYSIS

4.3.1 Questionnaire

A structured questionnaire has been prepared for the purpose of survey. A

questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other
prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Although they
are often designed for statistical analysis of the responses, this is not always the
case.

Secondary data has been collected through

Apart from documents & discussions the investigator has also collected the relevant
information from the websites and books pertaining to the problem stated in the
study. These sources are very useful in understanding the problem and in caring out
the research in a systematic manner.

4.3.2 Tools Used for data collection

Data collection is done by interview and Questionnaire method

4.3.3 Tools used for analysis

4.3.3.1Percentage Method

Percentage refers to the special kind of ratio. The percentage is used in making
comparison between two or more series of data.

35
Percentage = Number of respondents x 100

Total population

4.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 The available data is not sufficient to get the desired result.

 The busy schedule of executives and staffs restricted collection of detailed
information.
 The researcher faces many challenges such as the unwillingness of the
respondents during data collection.
 Most of the employees were didn’t express their original opinion because they
felt that it might cause their job.

CHAPTER-5
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

36
 Classification of Age of respondents

Table No. 5.1

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Below 25 years 14 28
25-35 years 18 34
35-45 years 11 22
45-55 years 4 8
Above 55 years 3 6
Total 50 50

Classification of Age of respondents

37
 40 34
28
30
22
20
8 Series1
10 6

0
Below 25 25-35 years 35-45 years 45-55 years Above 55
years years

Chart No.5.1

Interpretation:

As the above table shows that 34% of the respondents are the age of 25-35 years,
28% of the respondents are the age of below 25 years, 22% of the respondents are
the age of 35-45 years, 8% of the respondents are the age of 45-55 years and 6% of
the respondents are the age of above 55 years.

Table 5.2

Classification of Educational Qualification

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

SSLC 7 14
Plus two 26 52
Degree 15 30
PG 2 4
Others 0 0
Total 50 50

Classification of Educational Qualification

38
 60
50
40
30
52 Series1
20 14
30
10
0 4 0
SSLC Plus two Degree PG Others

Chart No 5.2

INTERPRETATION:

As the above table shows that 52% of the respondents are plus two, 30% of the
respondents are graduate, 14% of the respondents are SSLC, 4% of the respondents
are PG and none of the respondents are others.

Table 5.3

Classification of Monthly Income

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

500-1000 5 10
1000-5000 14 28
5000-10000 20 40
10000-20000 8 16
Above 20000 3 6
Total 50 50

39
 Classification of Monthly Income

50

40

30

20 40 Series1
28
10 16
10 6
0
500-1000 1000-5000 5000-10000 10000-20000Above 20000

Chart 5.3

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 40% of the respondents are earning 5000-10000, 28% of
the respondents are earning 1000-5000, 16% of the respondents are earning 10000-
20000, 10% of the respondents are earning 500-1000 and 6% of the respondents are
earning above 20000 monthly income.

Table 5.4

Type of family

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Joint family 16 32
Nuclear family 34 68
Total 50 50

Type of family

40
 80

70

60

50

40
Series1
68
30

20
32
10

0
Joint family Nuclear family

Chart 5.4

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 68% of the respondents are from nuclear family and
32% of the respondents are from joint family.

Table 5.5

Classification of earning members in family

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

1 17 34
2 21 42
3 4 8
Above 3 8 16

41
 Total 50 50

Classification of earning members in family

45
40
35
30
25
20 42 Series1
34
15
10
16
5 8
0
1 2 3 Above 3

Chart 5.5

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 42% of the respondents have only one earning member
in the family, 34% of the respondents have two earning members in the family, 16%
of the respondents have above 3 earning members in the family, and 8% of the
respondents have three earning members in the family.

Table 5.6

Weaving – Primary occupation

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 38 76
No 12 24
Total 50 50

42
 Weaving – Primary occupation

80

70

60

50

40
Series1
30
76
20

10 24

0
Yes No

Chart 5.6

INTERPRETATION:

As the above table show that primary occupations of 76% of the respondents have
got the primary occupation of weaving and 24% of the respondents do not have the
primary occupation of weaving.

Table 5.7

Entering into Handloom industry

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Traditional occupation 6 12
Easy to earn more 20 40

43
 income
Less capital 10 20
requirement
The only work known to 9 18
me
Any other reason 5 10
Total 50 50

Entering into Handloom industry

50

40

30
40
20 Series1
10 20 18
12 10
0
Traditional Easy to earn Less capital The only work Any other
occupation more income requirement known to me reason

Chart 5.7

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 40% of the respondents are earning more income easily,
20% of the respondents are less capital income, 18% of the respondents are the only
work known, 12% of the respondents are traditional income and 10% of the
respondents are any other reasons made entering into Handloom industry.

Table 5.8

44
 Years of working in Handloom weavers

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Joined recently 6 12
Less than 5 years 25 50
5-10 years 12 24
More than 10 years 4 8
Total 50 50

Years of working in Handloom weavers

60
50
40
30 50
20 Series1
24
10
12
0 8
Joined recently Less than 5 5-10 years More than 10
years years

Chart 5.8

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 50% of the respondents have been working less than 5
years, 24% of the respondents have been working 5-10 years, 12% of the
respondents joined recently and 8% of the respondents have been working more
than 10 years in handloom industry.

Table 5.9

45
 Working hours of Handloom in a day

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Highly satisfied 6 12
Satisfied 22 44
Neutral 13 26
Dissatisfied 5 10
Highly dissatisfied 4 8
Total 50 50

Working hours of Handloom in a day

50
40
30
20 44 Series1
26
10
12 10
0 8
Highly Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Highly
satisfied dissatisfied

Chart 5.9

INTERPRETATION:

As the above table shows that 44% of the respondents are satisfied with the working
hours, 26% of the respondents are neutral, 12% of the respondents are highly
satisfied, 10% of the respondents are dissatisfied and 8% of the respondents are
highly dissatisfied with hours of handloom in a day on an average.

Table 5.10

46
 Met any injuries or accidents in the Handloom society

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 9 18
No 41 82
Total 50 50

Met any injuries or accidents in the Handloom society

90
80
70
60
50
40 82 Series1

30
20
10 18
0
Yes No

Chart 5.10

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 82% of the respondents didn’t met with any injuries and
18% of the respondents didn’t met with any injuries or accidents in the Handloom
society.

47
 Table 5.11

Feeling sufficient of funds provided under Weavers Health Insurance Scheme

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Highly satisfied 14 28
Satisfied 9 18
Neutral 15 30
Dissatisfied 7 14
Highly dissatisfied 5 10
Total 50 50

Feeling sufficient of funds provided under Weavers Health Insurance Scheme

35
30
25
20
15 28 30 Series1
10 18 14
5 10
0
Highly Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Highly
satisfied dissatisfied

Chart 5.11

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 30% of the respondents felt neutral, 28% of the
respondents felt highly satisfied with the sufficiency of funds, 18% of the
respondents felt satisfied, 14% of the respondents felt dissatisfied and 10% of the
respondents felt highly dissatisfied sufficient of funds provided under weavers
health insurance scheme.

48
 Table 5.12

Opinion about the Old age Pension Scheme

Category No. of Respondents Percentage

Highly satisfied 3 6
Satisfied 6 12
Neutral 13 26
Dissatisfied 21 42
Highly dissatisfied 7 14
Total 50 50
Source: Primary data

Opinion about the Old age Pension Scheme

50
40
30
42
20 Series1
26
10 12 14
6
0
Highly Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Highly
satisfied dissatisfied

Chart 5.12

INTERPRETATION:

The above table shows that 42% of the respondents are dissatisfied with the pension
scheme, 26% of the respondents are neutral, 14% of the respondents are
dissatisfied, 12% of the respondents are satisfied and 6% of the respondents are
highly satisfied with the opinion about the old age pension scheme.

49
 Table 5.13

TABLE SHOWING THE OPINION ABOUT SAFETY MEASURES OF THE COMPANY

Option Respondents Percentage

Highly Dissatisfied 3 6%
Dissatisfied 11 22%
Satisfied 24 48%
Highly Satisfied 12 24%
Total 50 100

CHART SHOWING THE OPINION ABOUT SAFETY MEASURES OF THE COMPANY

60%

50%

40%

30%
Series1
48%
20%

10% 22% 24%

6%
0%
1 2 3 4

Chart 5.13

INTERPRETATION

50
The above table and chart reveals that 6% of respondents are highly dissatisfied,
21% of respondents are dissatisfied, 48% of respondents are satisfied and the rest
24% are highly satisfied about safety measures of the company.

Table 5.14

TABLE SHOWING THE OPINION ABOUT THE RECREATION FACILITY AND FAMILY
BENEFIT IN THE COMPANY

Option Respondents Percentage

Highly Dissatisfied 7 14%
Dissatisfied 10 20%
Satisfied 25 50%
Highly Satisfied 8 16%
Total 50 100

CHART SHOWING THE OPINION ABOUT THE RECREATION FACILITY AND FAMILY
BENEFIT IN THE COMPANY

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 60%

50%

40%

30%
50% Series1
20%

10% 20%
14% 16%
0%
1 2 3 4

Chart 5.14

INTERPRETATION

The above table and chart reveals that 14% of respondents are highly dissatisfied,
20% of respondents are dissatisfied, 50% of respondents are satisfied and the rest
16% of respondents are highly satisfied the recreation facility and family benefits in
the company.

Table 5.15

TABLE SHOWING OPINION ABOUT THE TRADE UNION SUPPORT

Option Respondents Percentage

Strongly Disagree 6 12%
Disagree 7 14%
Agree 29 58%
Strongly Agree 8 16%
Total 110 100

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 CHART SHOWING OPINION ABOUT THE TRADE UNION SUPPORT

70%
60%
50%
40%
30% 58% Series1
20%
10% 16%
12% 14%
0%
1 2 3 4

Chart 5.15

INTERPRETATION

The above table and chart reveals that 12% of respondents strongly disagree, 14% of
respondents disagree, 58% of respondents agree and the rest 16% of respondents
strongly agree about the trade union support.

Table 5.16

TABLE SHOWING OPINION ABOUT SKILLS AND ABILITIES BEEN REMARKABLY

SHARPENED

Option Respondents Percentage

53
 Strongly Disagree 9 18%
Disagree 13 26%
Agree 20 40%
Strongly Agree 8 16%
Total 50 100

CHART SHOWING OPINION ABOUT SKILLS AND ABILITIES BEEN REMARKABLY

SHARPENED

45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20% 40% Series1
15%
26%
10% 18% 16%
5%
0%
1 2 3 4

Chart 5.16

INTERPRETATION

The above table and chart reveals that 18% of respondents strongly disagree, 26% of
respondents disagree, 40% of respondents agree and the rest 16% of respondents
strongly agree for the statement of skills and abilities been remarkably sharpened.

54
 CHAPTER – 6

FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS & CONCLUSION

55
6.1 FINDINGS

 Most of the respondents are the age of 25-35 years

 Most of the respondents are plus two
 Most of the respondents are earning 5000-10000
 Majority of the respondents are from nuclear family
 Most of 42% of the respondents have only one earning member in the family,
 76% of the respondents have got the primary occupation of weaving
 40% of the respondents are earning more income easily entering into
Handloom industry.
 50% of the respondents have been working less than 5 years
 44% of the respondents are satisfied with the working hours of handloom in a
day on an average.
 82% of the respondents didn’t met with any injuries or accidents in the
Handloom society.
 Most of 30% of the respondents felt neutral are feeling sufficient of funds
provided under weavers health insurance scheme
 Majority of the respondents are dissatisfied with the pension scheme
 Majority of respondents (48%) are satisfied with the safety in the company.
 Majority of respondents (50%) are satisfied with the recreation facility and
family benefit in the company.
 58% of respondents agree and the rest about the trade union support
 40% of respondents agree and the rest about skills and abilities been
remarkably sharpened

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6.2 SUGGESTIONS

 In large parts of remote villages and semi urban areas in India, the women
weavers are quite dissatisfied with being the members of co-operative
societies, in order to protect these women weavers, self-help groups could
be given rights to establish weavers cooperative societies exclusively for
women.
 Women handloom weavers and allied workers should have specific growth
and development programmes and allocations in the national budget.
 Literacy programmes should be provided to improve the standard of living
and escapes from the clutches of master weavers and shed workers.
 As a result of restless weaving activities, large numbers of women are
suffering from gynecological problems. In order to lessen the women
casualties, free medical camps and mobile health centers be established in
the handloom clusters in all parts of India, in particular government should
concentrate the handlooms in hamlets and remote villages.
 Handloom women workers should be brought under the national
employment guarantee scheme
 The minimum wages act has to be amended to enable women to get proper
and appropriate wages for their work, while being dynamic to the
inflationary trends.
 Many of the workers are supporting for the introduction of minimum wage
system; that means a fixed wage system. This may help the workers to work
effectively and efficiently. So it is better for the organization to change its
wage rate system.
 It is suitable to the organization to provide drinking water facilities to
workers as it lacks in the organization.

57
 So it is necessary for the organization to facilitate necessary cleaning facilities
in the organization for retaining the workers in the organization.
 It is better for the institution to provide canteen facility to workers. There is
no any canteen facility. So the organization should establish a canteen for
meeting the food requirements of the workers.
 The organization provides only limited number of welfare measures to its
workers. So the organization should try to provide maximum number of
welfare measures to its employees.
 Relationship between workers is cordial; but the relationship between
workers and superiors is moderate. So the institution has to improve the
relationship between workers and supervisors.
 It is better for the organization to provide transport facility, school facility to
workers’ children, library facilities to the workers to improve their morale
and thereby productivity.

58
6.3 CONCLUSION

The handloom workers preferred alternative livelihood and it may be doubled or

thrice in the future, unless it is protected and nursed by the government of India. This
decline exhibits the social and economic insecurity in handloom weaving though the
skill development programmes are initiated by the government of India. Even the
wards of weavers are not interested to choose weaving as their profession because of
its losing fame and prosperity. Even Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of
India wanted the weavers to shift from handloom weaving to mechanization.
From this study it can be concluded that Chirakkal Weavers maintains good
relationship with workers. Hence the management is making it possible to make a
better place to work. Every organization has to take effort to find what the
employees want and what the drawbacks are. The central aim of the personal
department is to keep its employees atmosphere. Sincerely hope that the suggestions
provided improve useful in the employee welfare.

59
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS:
1. Annual report, Ministry of textiles, 2011- 2012.
2. Apparao.T.,Venkatarao.P.,(2012),”Liveli - hood Insecurity and coping strategies
of handloom weavers: A comparative study”,Stud tribes Tribals, 10(1): 65- 72.
3. Ashalata Ph., Acharya.M.,(2009) ”Changing Families and Life Style of Women
weavers From Co-Operative Society at Manipur”,Shodh. Samiskshaa Mulyankan(
International Research Journal)- ISSN – 0974-2832 Vol.II, Issue-7.
4. Evaluation Study of Decentralised Training Programme for Handloom Weavers,
2010. Programme Evaluation Organization, Planning Commission, Government of
India .New Delhi.

JOURNALS

 Company Report

WEBSITES

 www.weavers.com
 www.chirakkalweavers.com

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 QUESTIONNAIRE

Personnel information

Name (optional)……………………………………………………………………………

Age……………………………………..Qualification …………………………..

Monthly income……………………………………

1. Type of family :
(a) Joint family b) Nuclear family
2. Number of earning members in your family ?

a)1 b)2

c)3 d)Above 3

3.Is weaving the primary occupation ?

a) Yes b) No

4.What made you enter in to Handloom industry ?

a) Traditional occupation b) The only work known to me
c) Less capitalrequirement d) Any other reason

5.How long have you been working in Handloom weavers ?

(a) Joined recently (b) c) 5-10 years

(c) b) Less than 5 year d) More than 10 years
6.What is your opinion about the working hours of Handloom in a day on an
average?

a)Highly satisfied b)Satisfied

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 c)Neutral d) Dissatisfied
e) Highly dissatisfied

7. Have you met with any injuries or accidents in the Handloom Society ?

a) Yes b) No

8.How did you feel about the sufficiency of funds provided under Weavers Health
Insurance Scheme ?

a)Highly satisfied b) Satisfied

c)Neutral d) Dissatisfied

e) Highly dissatisfied

9.What is your opinion about the Old age Pension Scheme ?

a)Highly satisfied b)Satisfied

c)Neutral d) Dissatisfied

e)Highly dissatisfied

10. Your opinion about the safety measures of the company

a) Highly Dissatisfied b) Satisfied

c) Dissatisfied d) Highly Satisfied

11. Your opinion about the recreation facility and benefit in the company

a) Highly Dissatisfied b) Satisfied

c) Dissatisfied d) Highly Satisfied

12. Your opinion about the weakness of company

a) Decision Making b) Internal Check

c) Coordination d) Technical Up gradation

13. Our trade union supports us whenever we face some problems inside

62
 a) Strongly Disagree b) Agree
c) Disagree d) Strongly Agree

14. I like to work as a team for my organization rather than as an individual

a) Strongly Disagree b) Agree

c) Disagree d) Strongly Agree

15. By working in this organization my skills and abilities been remarkably sharpened

a) Strongly Disagree b) Agree

c) Disagree d) Strongly Agree

63