- 129 - CHAPTER - IV ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION INTRODUCTION This chapter is intended to analyse the thread base of the socio and economic conditions of the street vendors of Tiruchirappalli town. The data collected are classified and tabulated. The tables are scientifically explained. The Interpretations of the data are given with skill and neatly. The tables are supplemented by appropriate diagrams. Table 4.1 NATURE OF BUSINESS S. No Nature of business No of respondents Percentage 1 Fruit seller 60 20.0 2 Vegetable seller 103 34.3 3 Canteen 57 19.0 4 Flower seller 40 13.3 5 Others 40 13.3 The above table 4.1 shows the varied activities undertaken by the street vendors in the unorganized sector. The vegetable selling is the major business activity of the street vendors in the study area (34.3 per cent). Fruit selling is contributing 20 per cent, closely followed by running canteen with 19 per cent. Flower sellers constitute a small proportion of 13.3 percent in the study area.
Percentage - 130 - Chart 1 Nature of Business 40 35 34.3 30 25 20 20 19 15 13.3 13.3 10 5 0 Fruit seller Vegetable seller Canteen Flower seller Others Nature of business
- 131 - Table 4.2 SEX S.No Sex No of respondents Percentage 1 Male 164 54.7 2 Female 136 45.3 The above table 4.2 explains about the gender of the respondents. 54.7 percent of the respondents are male and the remaining 45.3 per cent of the respondents are female. Women participation is lower than the male participation. The female work participation rate is lower than male work participation in India. The same trend is witnessed in the study area also.
- 132 - Chart 2 Sex 45.3 54.7 Male Female
- 133 - Table 4.3 Age S. No Age No of respondents Percentage 1 Below 25 years 4 1.3 2 25-30 years 56 18.7 3 31-40 years 70 23.3 4 41-50 years 134 44.7 5 Above 50 years 36 12.0 The above table 4.3 clearly shows the age composition of the respondents. Very young people below 25 years are very low in percentage. On the other hand majority of the respondents (44.7) are under the age group of 41-50 years, followed by 31-40 years of age group and 25-30 years of age group. The remaining 12 per cent of the respondents are under the age group of above 50 years. The above analysis reveals that very young energetic age group (below 30 years) are not engaged in the street vending. Only people m ore than 40 years of age are engaged in street vending in large numbers.
- 134 - Chart 3 Age 44.7 45 40 35 30 23.3 Percentage 25 20 18.7 15 12 10 5 1.3 0 Below 25 years 25-30 years 31-40 years Age 41-50 years Above 50 years
- 135 - Table 4.4 RELIGION S. No Religion No of respondents Percentage 1 Christian 6 2.0 2 Hindu 244 81.3 3 Muslim 50 16.7 The above table 4.4 explains the religion of the respondents. Majority (81.3 per cent) is belonging to Hindus, 16.7 per cent of the respondents are Muslims and the remaining 2 per cent of the respondents are Christians. Majority of the respondents are belonging to Hindu religion, and a very small portion is Christians. This analysis rejects the overall composition of people in Tamil Nadu on religion basis.
- 136 - Chart 4 Religion 16.7 2 Christian Hindu Muslim 81.3
- 137 - Table 4.5 COMMUNITY S. No Community No of respondents Percentage 1 Forward 1 0.3 2 Backward 135 45.0 3 Most Backward 134 44.7 4 Scheduled Caste 30 10.0 The above table 4.5 shows the community of the respondents. 45 per cent are belonging to backward community, 44.7 per cent are belonging to the most backward community, 10 per cent belonging to Scheduled caste and the remaining 0.3 per cent of the respondents are from forward community. The above analysis clearly shows that majority of the people involved in street vending belongs to backward and the most backward communities. It reveals that the forward community does not prefer street vending.
Percentage - 138 - Chart 5 Community 45 44.7 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 10 5 0.3 0 Forward Backward Most Backward Name of the community Scheduled Caste
- 139 - Table 4.6 MARITAL STATUS S. No Marital Status No of respondents Percentage 1 Married 268 89.3 2 Unmarried 6 2.0 3 Widow/Widowed 19 6.3 4 Separated 7 2.3 The above table 4.6 explains about the marital status of the respondents. Among the respondents 89.3 per cent of the respondents are married, 6 per cent of the respondents are widow/widower, 2.3 per cent are separated and the remaining 2 per cent are unmarried. Majority of the respondents are married.
Percentage - 140 - Chart 6 Marital Status 100 90 89.3 80 70 60 50 Series1 40 30 20 10 0 Married Unmarried 6.3 2 Widow/Widowed Marital Status Separated 2.3
- 141 - Table 4.7 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION S. No Educational No of respondents Percentage Qualification 1 Illiterate 208 69.3 2 SSLC completed 85 28.3 3 Plus Two completed 6 2.0 4 Others 1 0.3 The above table 4.7 shows the educational qualification of the respondents. Majority (69.3) per cent of the respondents are illiterates, 28.3 per cent of the respondents are SSLC passed and 2 per cent of the respondents have completed Plus Two. Majority of the respondents are illiterates. This shows clearly that illiterate people lacking opportunities in other spheres of employment and forced to join in the street vending. Hypothesis The research hypothesis which states that the educational level of the street vendors is relatively very low is proved conclusively. The state s overall literacy level is stood at impressive 73 per cent and the over all literacy level of Tiruchirappalli District is as high as 79.16 per cent. Compared to these levels the respondent s literacy level is alarmingly low. Hence the research hypothesis is proved correct.
Percentage - 142 - Chart 7 Educational Qualification 80 70 69.3 60 50 40 30 28.3 20 10 0 Illiterate SSLC completed 2 Plus Two completed 0.3 Others Educational Qualification
- 143 - Table 4.8 FAMILY SYSTEM ADOPTED S.No Family system No of respondents Percentage adopted 1 Nuclear family 265 88.3 2 Joint family 35 11.7 The above table 4.8 observes the family system adopted by the respondents. Among the total number of respondents 88.3 per cent of the respondents living in a nuclear family system and the remaining 11.7 per cent living in a joint family system. Majority of the respondents (88.3%) living in a nuclear family. This table clearly shows the breaking down of joint family system among the respondents.
- 144 - Table 4.9 SEASONAL NATURE OF THE BUSINESS S. No Nature of business No of respondents Percentage 1 Seasonal 52 17.3 2 Permanent 248 82.7 The above table 4.9 clearly explains about the seasonal nature of the business. Major (82.7) per cent of street vendors are doing it as a permanent business and the remaining 17.3 per cent are doing on seasonal basis. Majority respondents are engaged permanently in street vending. This shows clearly that their only source of livelihood is street vending. Their business is susceptible to the vagaries of climate and seasons. This makes them so vulnerable and poor.
- 145 - Table 4.10 SIZE OF FAMILIES S. No Family size No of respondents Percentage 1 2-4 members 197 65.7 2 5-7 members 103 34.3 3 Above 7 members - - The above table 4.10 explains about the size of the family of the respondents. Among the respondents 65.7 per cent of the respondents have 2-4 members in their family and the remaining 34.3 per cent of the respondents have 5-7 members in their family. Majority of the respondents have a small family. This clearly follows the demographic pattern of Tamil Nadu. There is a growing awareness about the benefits of small family system in Tamil Nadu. This is endorsed by the fact that that the majority of the respondents have 2-4 members.
- 146 - Chart 8 Family Size 34.3 2-4 members 5-7 members 65.7
- 147 - Table 4.11 HOUSING S. No Housing No of respondents Percentage 1 Own House 83 27.7 2 Rental 217 72.3 The above table 4.11 shows that the nature of house owned by the respondents. Among the respondents 72.3 per cent of the respondents are living in the rental houses and the remaining 27.7 per cent of the respondents are living in their own houses. Majority of the respondents do not own a house. This shows the poor economic status of the respondents and as shelter being one of the essential prerequisites for dignified living and it is not available to the majority of the respondents. This indicates that respondents are not having a decent standard of living.
Percentage - 148 - Chart 9 Housing 80 72.3 70 60 50 40 27.7 30 20 10 0 Own House Housing Rental
- 149 - Table 4.12 TYPE OF HOUSE S.No Type of house No of respondents Percentage 1 Pucca 62 20.7 2 Thatched 238 79.3 The above table 4.12 shows the type of house in which the respondents are living. Among the respondents 79.3 per cent of the respondents are living in a thatched houses and the remaining 20.7 per cent of the respondents are living in a pucca house s. Majority respondents live under the thatched roofing houses. Thatched houses are prone to fire accidents. Thatched houses usually lack basic facilities like toilet, both-rooms and other civic facilities. The nature of the house reveals the nature of unhygienic life the majority of the respondents are leading.
- 150 - Table 4.13 ENERGY USED FOR COOKING S.No Energy used for No of respondents Percentage cooking 1 LPG 186 62.0 2 Kerocine 69 23.0 3 Firewood 45 15.0 The above table 4.13 clearly shows that the type of energy used for cooking. Among the respondents 62 per cent of the respondents are using LPG for cooking, 23 per cent of the respondents are using kerosene and the remaining 15 per cent of the respondents are using firewood. Majority respondents use LPG as an energy for cooking. The majority of the respondents are using LPG for cooking is really a heartening feature of the lives of street vendors and this is due to the efforts of the state government to provide free LPG connection to the families living under poverty.
- 151 - Chart 10 Energy used for cooking 15 23 LPG Kerocine Firewood 62
- 152 - Table 4.14 NET INCOME (Per Month) S.No Net Income (in Rs.) No of respondents Percentage 1 Below Rs. 3000 83 27.7 2 Rs. 3001-5000 140 46.7 3 Above Rs. 5000 77 25.6 The above table 4.14 clearly shows the net income of the respondents per month. Among the respondents 46.7 per cent of the respondents earn Rs. 3001-5000 as monthly income, 25.6 per cent are earn more than Rs. 5000 and the remaining 27.7 percent earn below Rs. 3000. Only 46.7 per cent of the respondents get Rs.2001-5000 as their monthly income. The average annual income of India is Rs. 44000 and in Tamil Nadu is Rs. 34,000. The above table clearly endorses the broad picture of income distribution prevailing in India. In India 22.2 per cent of the people are below the poverty line. The above table shows that 27.7 per cent of the respondents are earning less than Rs.3000 and it implies that they belong to the category of Below Poverty Line.
- 153 - Table 4.15 MONTHLY EXPENDITURE S.No Expenditure No of respondents Percentage 1 Below Rs. 3000 85 28.3 2 Rs. 3001-5000 135 45.0 3 Above Rs. 5000 80 26.7 The above table 4.15 shows that the expenditure of the respondents. Among the total respondents 28.3 per cent of the respondents spend below Rs.3000 per month, 45 per cent spend at the range of Rs.3001-5000 and 26.7 per cent spend above Rs.5000. The expenditure is the most crucial factor of economic welfare of the people. Lower expenditure on the part of the respondents indicates low consumption, lower welfare and low standard of living.
- 154 - Table 4.16 BORROWING S.No Borrowing No of respondents Percentage 1 Below Rs. 500 180 60.0 2 Rs. 501-750 106 35.3 3 Rs. 751-1000 14 4.7 The above table 4.16 explains the borrowing of the respondents. In the study area 60 per cent of the respondents borrow below Rs. 500, 35.3 per cent of the respondents borrow Rs. 501-750 and the remaining 4.7 per cent of the respondents borrow Rs. 751-1000. Borrowing is very heavy. All the respondents borrow for running their business and to meet their day to day needs. The indebtedness among the street vendors shows that they are leading their life only with borrowing. They are continuously borrowing money from individual money lenders. They are not able to come out of the clutches of money lenders and indigenous bankers. They are debt ridden and reeling under debt trap.
- 155 - Table 4.17 RATE OF INTEREST PER YEAR S.No Interest rate No of respondents Percentage 1 36% 109 36.3 2 60% 191 63.7 3 More than 60% - - The above table 4.17 shows the rate of interest paid by the respondents. Almost 63.7 per cent of the respondents pay 60 per cent interest per year and 36.3 per cent pay 36 per cent per year. The rate of interest charged by the money lenders and indigenous bankers is exorbitant. The rate of interest ranges from 36 per cent which is very high compared to the rate of interest charged by commercial banks which is hovering around 8 per cent to 14 per cent. The high rate of interest makes the respondents debt ridden.
- 156 - Table 4.18 SAVINGS (per month) S.No Savings No of respondents Percentage 1 No Savings 220 77.3 2 Below Rs.2000 80 26.7 3 Rs. 2001-4000 - 0.0 4 Rs. 4001 and above - 0.0 The above table 4.18 depicts the savings of the respondents. Among the total respondents 26.7 per cent of the respondents have the habit of saving and the remaining 77.3 per cent of the respondents have no savings. Hypothesis The Average National Saving Rate in India is 29.8 per cent to 30.8 per cent of one s income. In the study area almost 77.3 per cent of the respondents have no savings. This proves the research hypothesis conclusively that the street vendors have relatively low savings.
- 157 - Table 4.19 POLITICAL PARTY AFFINITY S.No Political Party No of respondents Percentage 1 DMK 133 44.3 2 AIADMK 101 33.7 3 CONGRESS 26 8.7 4 D.M.M.K 40 13.3 5 Others - - The above table 4.19 clearly shows the political party to which the respondents are belonging to. The table indicates that 44.3 per cent of the respondents are belonging to DMK, 33.7 per cent of the respondents are belonging to AIADMK, 8.7 per cent of the respondents are belonging to Congress and the remaining 1 3.3 per cent are belonging to D.M.M.K. DMK is the party supported by the majority respondents closely followed by AIADMK. The trend simply echoes the popular trend prevailing in the state.
- 158 - Table 4.20 Home Amenities S.No Particulars Yes No 1. Mixie Respondents 64 236 Percentage 21.0 79.0 2. Refrigerator Respondents 31 269 Percentage 10.33 89.67 3. Washing Machine 4. Television 5. CD Player Respondents 0 300 Percentage 0.0 100.0 Respondents 300 0 Percentage 100.0 0 Respondents 84 216 Percentage 28 72 6. Other items Respondents 0 300 Percent 0.0 100.0 The above table 4.20 exhibits the home amenities owned by the respondents. Only 21 per cent of the respondents have mixie, 10.33 per cent have refrigerator, 28 per cent have CD player and all the respondents own televisions. This is due to the reason that the Tamil Nadu Government has supplied colour televisions freely to the poor sections of the society.
- 159 - Table 4.21 PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSON S.No Physically No of respondents Percentage Challenged 1 Yes 48 16.0 2 No 252 84.0 The above table 4.21 depicts about the physical deficiencies of the respondents. Among the total respondents 16 per cent are physically challenged. Differently enabled respondents are sizeable in number and this shows street vending provides an avenue for share of livelihood for the differently abled section of the society.
- 160 - Table 4.22 TAKING CARE OF AGED PARENTS S.No Look after aged No of respondents Percentage parents 1 Yes 35 11.7 2 No 265 88.3 The above table 4.22 clearly shows that whether the respondents are look after their aged parents are not. It is already clear that majority of the respondents life style is nuclear family. Here 11.7 per cent of the respondents take care of their parents at the time of their old age and the remaining 88.3 per cent are do not take care their parents at their old ages. This shows the pathetic status of old age people hail from the families of street vendors. Their lives are marked by poverty and hopelessness.
- 161 - Table 4.23 GIRL CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED S.No Girl children are No of respondents Percentage educated 1 Yes 259 100.0 Total 259 100.0 The above table 4.23 clearly reveals about the education of the girl children. Among the total number of respondents only 259 respondents have girl children. 100 per cent of the respondents have preferred their girls to get education. This is surely welcoming news for the society. This shows clearly the growing awareness among the street vendors to educate the girls particularly. They strongly feel that education is a potent tool, through which they can remove the clutches of poverty.
- 162 - Table 4.24 OWN SMART CARD AND FREE MEDICAL INSURANCE COVER OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT S.No Own smart card and No of respondents Percentage free insurance cover 1 Yes 300 100.0 It is clear from the above table 4.24 that all of the respondents are having the smart card and free insurance cover which are given by the government for various purposes. The smart card holders are entitled for the benefits like old age pension, sickness benefit and free medical insurance. The smart card to some extent provides social security to the street vendors. Hypothesis The hypothesis states that the awareness level of the respondents is very low about the government schemes on smart card and free insurance cover. But the above analysis clea rly shows that all the respondents are impressive of smart card issued by the government. They are also fully covered by the free insurance. Hence the hypothesis is rejected altogether. The conclusion is that the awareness level of the respondents about the government schemes on smart card and free insurance is very high.
- 163 - Table 4.25 USAGE OF SMART CARD S.No Smart Card No of respondents Percentage 1 Better 208 69.3 2 Good 92 30.7 3 Not satisfied - - Total 263 100.0 The above table 4.25 shows the use of smart card given by the government to the respondents. Majority of the respondents (69.3 per cent) feel it as better and 30.7 per cent feel it as good. Majority respondents feel the usage of smart card is better. Smart card enables the street owners to have access with some social security benefits like old age pension, health insurance and sickness benefit. But the social security measures are quite inadequate to ameliorate the economic condition of the respondents in the stu dy area.
- 164 - Table 4.26 SUPPORTING CASTE SYSEM S.No Support caste No of respondents Percentage system 1 Very strongly 5 1.7 2 Strongly 9 3.0 3 Neutral 226 75.3 4 No support 15 5.0 5 Strongly no 45 15.0 supporting The above table 4.26 clearly explains the opinion of the respondents about the caste system. Among the respondents 1.7 per cent of the respondents are very strongly support the caste system, 3 per cent are strongly support the caste system, 75.3 per cent are neutral. 5 per cent do not support caste system and the remaining 15 per cent of the respondents are strongly opposing the caste system. Majority respondents may or may not support caste system. This table clearly shows the changing attitude of the people in the caste system. Tamil Nadu is one of the most progressive state where caste system is vanishing steadily but slowly.
- 165 - Table 4.27 EQUAL STATUS FOR WOMEN S.No Equal status for No of respondents Percentage women 1 Strongly Agree 19 6.3 2 Agree 79 26.3 3 Neutral 193 64.3 4 Not Agree 7 2.3 5 Strongly not Agree 2 0.7 The above table 4.27 shows the opinion of the respondents about the equal status for women. Among the respondents 6.3 per cent of the respondents strongly support the equal status, 26.3 per cent agree with this, 64.3 per cent are neutral, 2.3 per cent not agree with this and the remaining 0.7 per cent of the respondents oppose. Majority respondents may or may not support equal status for women. This table shows that only 32.6 percent of the people support the stand of equal status for women. A major section of the respondents are not keen on improving the status of women. It is not surprising in the Indian context since India is always regard ed as a male dominated society.
- 166 - Table 4.28 INTER RELIGIOUS MARRIAGE S.No Inter religious No of respondents Percentage marriage 1 Strongly Agree 12 4.0 2 Agree 25 8.3 3 Neutral 76 25.4 4 Not Agree 169 56.3 5 Strongly not Agree 18 6.0 The above table 4.28 clearly explains the opinion of the respondents about inter religious marriage. Among the respondents 4 per cent of the respondents strongly agree the inter religious marriage, 8.3 per cent agree, 25.3 per cent neutral, 56.3 per cent not agree and the remaining 6 per cent of the respondents strongly not agree the inter religious marriage. Majority respondents do not agree inter religious marriages. A major section of the respondents are not infavour of inter religious marriage and it shows that religion holds still vice like grip in the behaviour of the respondents.
- 167 - Table 4.29 INTER CASTE MARRIAGE S.No Inter caste marriage No of respondents Percentage 1 Strongly Agree 17 5.7 2 Agree 19 6.3 3 Neutral 15 5.0 4 Not Agree 214 71.3 5 Strongly not Agree 35 11.7 The above table 4.29 clearly explains the opinion of the respondents about inter caste marriage. Among the respondents 5.7 per cent of the respondents strongly agree, 6.3 per of the respondents agree, 5.0 per cent of the respondents neutral, 71.3 per cent of the respondents not agree and the remaining 11.7 per cent strongly oppose the inter caste marriage. Majority respondents do not agree the inter caste marriage. The inter caste marriage is not supported by 71.3 per cent of the respondents. This shows that respondents are highly caste and convention ridden.
- 168 - Table 4.30 AGREE DOWRI SYSTEM S.No Agree Dowri System No of respondents Percentage 1 Strongly Agree 19 6.3 2 Agree 79 26.3 3 Neutral 193 64.3 4 Not Agree 7 2.3 5 Strongly not Agree 2 0.7 The above table 4.30 depicts the opinion of the respondents about the dowri system. Among the respondents 6.3 per cent of the respondents strongly agree, 26.3 per cent of the respondents agree, 64.3 per cent of the respondents stand neutral, 2.3 per cent of the respondents not agree and the remaining 0.7 per cent of the respondents strongly opposes the dowry system. The majority of the respondents (64.3 per cent) remain neutral about the menace of dowry. It implies that they passively entertain the dowry system in vogue.
- 169 - Table 4.31 RELIGION HELPS TO MAKE A GOOD HUMAN BEING S.No Religious helps to No of respondents Percentage make a good human being 1 Better 174 58.0 2 Good 125 42.0 3 Not satisfactory - - The above table 4.31 clearly explains the opinion of the respondents on religion helps to make a good human being. Among the total number of respondents 58 per cent of the respondents feel it is better and the remaining 42 per cent of the respondents fe el it is good. Religion has an good impact over all the respondents.
- 170 - Table 4.32 RELATIONSHYIP WITH OTHER RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES S.No Equal status for No of respondents Percentage women 1 Very cordial 20 6.7 2 Cordial 214 71.3 3 Nothing special 65 22.0 The above table 4.32 clearly shows the opinion regarding relationship with other religious communities. Among the respondents 6.7 per cent of the respondents feel it is very cordial, 71.3 per cent feel it is cordial and 22 per cent feel it is nothing special. Majority of the respondents maintain a cordial relationship with other religions. Tamil Nadu is not affected by communal clashes. There is perfect harmony among different religious sects of the society. This view is endorsed by 71.3 per cent of the respondents.
- 171 - Table 4.33 ENTERTAINMENT S.No Entertainment No of respondents Percentage 1 Cinema 80 26.7 2 Television 209 69.7 3 Stage Plays 7 2.3 4 Others 4 1.3 The above table 4.33 observes the entertainment of the respondents. Among the respondents 26.7 per cent of the respondents watch cinema, 69.7 per cent watch TV, 2.3 per cent going for stage plays. Majority of the respondents enjoy television as an entertainment. It shows that viewing cinemas in theatres is slowly declining and Television emerges the most powerful entertainment media for the people. And in Tamil Nadu Television sets are freely distributed to the poor by the Tamil Nadu Government.
- 172 - Table 4.34 FAVOURITE HERO IN TAMIL FILM INDUSTRY S.No Favourite Hero No of respondents Percentage 1 Vijayakanth 15 5.0 2 Ajith 4 1.3 3 Vijay 5 1.7 4 Kamal 60 20.0 5 Rajini 79 26.4 6 Shivaji 64 21.3 7 M.G.R 73 24.3 8 Others - - The above table 4.34 shows the favourite cine hero of the respondents. Among the respondents 26.3 per cent of the respondents like Rajini, 24.3 per cent like M.G.R, 21.3 per cent like Shivai, 20 per cent like Kamal and followed by Vijayakanth. Over 46.4 per cent of the respondents like actors Kamal and Rajini.
- 173 - Table 4.35 REASON FOR LIKING PARTICULAR HERO S.No Reason for liking No of respondents Percentage 1 Appearance 74 24.7 2 Acting 188 62.7 3 Dancing 11 3.7 4 Others 27 8.9 The above table 4.35 explains the reasons for liking a particular hero. Among the total number of respondents 24.7 per cent of the respondents look on the physical appearance of the hero, 62.7 per cent like their acting, 3.7 per cent of the respondents like their dance and the remaining 8.9 per cent like them for various other reasons. Cinema Heroes participation in the politics is very common in Tamil Nadu. Since 1960 all the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu are having a role in the Tamil Cinema field. Hero worship is one of the great fashion in Tamil Nadu.
- 174 - Table 4.36 TYPE OF SERIAL LIKE TO WATCH S.No Serial No of respondents Percentage 1 Comedy 49 16.3 2 Tragedy 51 17.0 3 Family subject 200 66.7 4 Others - - The above table 4.36 observes which type of serials the respondents willing to watch. Among the respondents 66.7 per cent of the respondents like to watch family subject serials followed by tragedy and comedy type of serials. Majority (66.7%) of the respondents like family subject.
- 175 - Table 4.37 URGENT NEED S. No Urgent Need No of respondents Percentage 1 Housing 71 23.7 2 Education to children 211 70.3 3 Financial 18 6.0 4 Others - - The above table 4.37 clearly exhibits the list of urgent need of the respondents. Among the total number of respondents23.7 per cent of the respondents felt the live need for housing, 70.3 felt the need for education and the remaining 6 per cent felt that financial needs are urgent. Majority of the respondents (70.3%) felt that Education to their children is their urgent need. The respondents are illiterates and they feel atleast the posterity should be educated properly. The sound education among the street vendors can empower them socially and economically.
- 176 - Table 4.38 VICES S.No Vices No of respondents Percentage (N:136) 1 Smoking 69 50.73 2 Drinking 61 44.85 3 Gambling 6 4.42 Total 136 100.0 The above table 4.38 shows the bad habits of the respondents. Among the respondents 136 are having vices. Among the respondents having vices 50.73 per cent of the respondent s smokes and 44.85 per cent drink. It is saddening to know that 45.3 per cent of the respondents are having vices. This is one of the major reasons for their low standard of living. The unnecessary expenditure on smoking, drinking and gambling has eaten away a major chunk of their income. This has led to poverty and penury among the street vendors.
- 177 - Table 4.39 PLACE OF TAKING MEDICAL TREATMENT S.No Equal status for women No of respondents Percentage 1 No treatment 11 6.36 2 Taking bills on my own 15 8.67 3 Private nursing homes 33 19.07 4 Government hospital 102 58.95 5 Home medicines 12 6.95 Total 173 100. 0 The above table 4.39 clearly shows where the place of medical treatment taken by the respondents. Among the total respondents only 173 respondents have gone for treatment. Rest has not met with any sickness. Among the total respondents met with sickness 19.07 per cent of the respondents are taking medical treatment in private nursing homes, 58.95 per cent of the respondents in government hospital and 6.95 per cent of the respondents taking home medicines for their diseases. Major percentages (58.95%) of the respondents are going to Government Hospitals. Due to the availability of Free Medical Insurance Scheme many of the respondents are capable of treating themselves in hospitals at free of cost. This is a great success to the free medical insurance scheme offered by the Tamil Nadu Government.
- 178 - Table 4.40 FACING PROBLEMS OF HARASSMENT DURING STREET VENDING S.No Problem facing No of respondents Percentage 1 Police 73 26.17 2 Government officials 58 20.78 3 Local Politicians 129 46.24 4 Rowdies and local 19 6.81 dadas The above table 4.40 clearly observes the problem of harassment occurred at the time of vending. Among the total number of respondents 24.3 per cent of the respondents opined that police, 20.8 per cent opined that government officials, 46.24 per cent of the respondents opined local politicians and the remaining 6.81 per cent felt rowdies and local dadas. The local politicians are harassing the street vendors by forcing to donate a part of their hard earned money for their personal aggrandizement. They also demand money for arranging functions related to their politic al parties. Hypothesis The above table proves the researcher s hypothesis stating that the street vendors are harassed by the officials, police and politicians is proved correct.
Percentage - 179 - Chart 11: FACING PROBLEMS OF HARASSMENT DURING STREET VENDING 50 45 46.24 40 35 30 25 26.17 20 20.78 15 10 6.81 5 0 Police Government officials Local Politicians Rowdies and local dadas Problem facing
- 180 - Table 4.41 ASSISTANCE FROM NGOs S.No Assistance from No of respondents Percentage NGO 1 No Assistance 234 78.0 2 Financial 59 19.33 3 Medical 4 1.33 4 Educational 3 1.0 5 Others - - The above table 4.41 clearly explains about which sort of assistance received by the respondents from NGOs. Among the total number of respondents 78 per cent of the respondents receive no assistance from Non Governmental Organizations, 19.33 per cent gets financial assistance from NGOs, 1.33 per cent receives medical aid and only 1 per cent receives educational assistance. This clearly exhibits major street vendors are out of the focus of NGOs even though there are many NGOs are functioning for various objectives at the study area.
- 181 - Table 4.42 OPINION ABOUT THE PRICE OF COMMODITIES S.No Opinion about price No of respondents Percentage of commodities 1 Very High 46 15.4 2 High 214 71.3 3 Normal 40 13.3 The above table 4.42 clearly explains the opinion of the respondents regarding the price level of the commodities. Among the total number of respondents15.3 per cent of the respondents felt the price is high, 15.3 per cent of the respondents felt that very high and the remaining 13.3 per cent of the respondents felt that the prices are normal. The food inflation haunting the Indian economy severely impacts the street vendors. They feel that the prices of essential commodities had risen to the alarming proportion. The soaring prices have reduced their consumption and their economic welfare.
- 182 - Table 4.43 PERFORMANCE OF TRICHY CORPORATION S.No Performance of No of respondents Percentage Trichy Corporation 1 Very good 40 13.3 2 Good 167 55.7 3 Better 56 18.7 4 The worst 37 12.3 The above table 4.43 clearly indicates the opinion of the respondents regarding the performance of the Municipal Corporation. Among the total number of respondents 13.3 per cent felt very good, 55.7 per cent felt good, 18.7 per cent of the respondents felt better and the remaining 12.3 per cent felt the worst. They feel happy with the overall administration of the local Corporation. But they expect that the local administrator must provide more amenities like water and electricity to the people living in slums.
- 183 - Table 4.44 PERFORMANCE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT S.No Performance of No of respondents Percentage State Government 1 Very good 44 14.7 2 Good 132 44.0 3 Better 76 25.3 4 The worst 48 16.0 The above table 4.44 clearly shows that the opinion of the respondents regarding the performance of the state Government. Among the total number of respondents 14.7 per cent felt very good, 44 per cent of the respondents felt good, 25.3 per cent of the respondents felt better and the remaining 16 per cent of the respondents felt the worst. The respondents felt that the performance of the State Government is good and only less per cent of the respondents felt that the performance of the government is worst. There is no anti-government wave among the respondents.
- 184 - Table 4.45 PERFORMANCE OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT S.No Performance of No of respondents Percentage central Government 1 Very good 12 4.0 2 Good 239 79.7 3 Better 49 16.3 4 The worst - - The above table 4.45 clearly shows that the opinion of the respondents regarding the performance of the Central Government. Among the total number of respondents 4 per cent felt very good, 79.7 per cent of the respondents felt good, 16.3 per cent of the respondents felt better. The performance of the central government is also very much appreciated by the respondents like state government. The respondents have felt that the performance of the central government is better than the state and local governments.
- 185 - Table 4.46 RUNNING FAMILY DURING SLACK SEASON S.No Running family No of respondents Percentage during slack season 1 From savings 175 58.3 2 Borrowings 125 41.7 The above table 4.46 clearly depicts how the respondents are meeting their day to day family expenses during the slack seasons. Among the total number of respondents 58.3 per cent of the respondents use their savings and the remaining 41.7 per cent of the respondents borrow money from others. So when there is a slack season, especially rainy season they are pushed to withdraw their past savings. They also borrow to meet their requirements. The lack of occupational mobility is due to the lack of alternate employment opportunities.
- 186 - Table 4.47 AGAINST UNTOUCHABILITY S.No Against No of respondents Percentage Untouchability 1 Very strongly 10 3.3 2 Strongly 29 9.7 3 Neutral 237 79.0 4 No acceptance 24 8.0 The above table 4.47 explains about the opinion of the respondents about untouchability. Among the total number of respondents 3.3 per cent of the respondents very strongly oppose untouchability, 9.7 strongly oppose, 79 per cent of the respondents neutral and the remaining 8 per cent of the respondents has no acceptance. The respondents reluctant to give their strong views against untouchability. This implies that untouchablity is not unanimously endorsed or opposed by the people.
- 187 - Table 4.48 BELIEF IN SUPERSITITION S.No Belief in No of respondents Percentage superstition 1 Astrology 233 77.7 2 Fatalism 26 8.7 3 Black magic 38 12.7 4 Others 3 0.8 The above table 4.48 clearly shows the respondents belief in superstition. Among the total number of respondents 77.7 per cent of the respondents believe astrology, 8.7 per cent of the respondents believe in fatalism, 12.7 per cent of respondents believe black images and the remaining 0.8 per cent believes other things. The respondents have strong faith in astrology, fatalism, black images and other things. Illiteracy among the street vendors is the major cause for believing superstitions.
- 188 - Table 4.49 FACILITY - ELECTRICITY S.No Electricity No of respondents Percentage 1 Yes 260 86.7 2 No 40 13.3 The above table 4.49 clearly explains whether the respondents having electricity facility in their house or not. Among the total number of respondents 86.7 per cent of the respondents have electricity facilities and the remaining 13.3 per cent of the respondents do not have electricity facilities in their house. The Tamil Nadu government provides free electricity to the slum dwellers and they are entitled for one electric light in their homes without paying electricity fee.
- 189 - Chart 12: Facility Electricity 13.3 86.7 Yes No
- 190 - Table 4.50 FACILITY - TOILET S.No Toilet No of respondents Percentage 1 Yes 71 23.7 2 No 229 76.3 The above table 4.50 clearly explains whether the respondents have toilet facility in their house or not. Among the total number of respondents 23.7 per cent of the respondents have toilet facilities and the remaining 76.3 per cent of the respondents do not have toilet facilities in their house. This shows the unhygienic lives led by the vast section of the section of the street vendors.
- 191 - Chart 13: Facility Toilet 23.7 76.3 Yes No
- 192 - Table 4.51 FACILITY - WATER S.No Water No of respondents Percentage 1 Yes 96 32.0 2 No 204 68.0 The above table 4.51 clearly explains whether the respondents are having water facility in their house or not. Among the total number of respondents 32.0 per cent of the respondents have water facilities and the remaining 68.0 per cent of the respondents do not have water facilities in their house. The respondents have to fetch water from the street taps in the early hours. Fetching water involves standing in the queues and spending lot of time in transporting the potable water to the homes.
- 193 - Chart 14: Facility Water 32 68 Yes No
- 194 - Table 4.52 FACILITY - DRAINAGE S.No Drainage No of respondents Percentage 1 Yes 88 29.3 2 No 212 70.7 The above table 4.52 clearly explains whether the respondents are having drainage facility in their house or not. Among the total number of respondents 29.3 per cent of the respondents have drainage facilities and the remaining 70.7 per cent of the respondents do not have drainage facilities in their house. The absence of drainage facilities adversely affects the health and hygiene of the respondents. This may cause the contagious diseases like Malaria, Cholera and Dungue fewer to the respondents.
- 195 - Chart 15: Facility - Drainage 29.3 70.7 Yes No
- 196 - Table 4.53 FACILITY TRANSPORT (MOTORIZED) S.No Transport No of respondents Percentage 1 Moped 49 16.33 2 Bike 6 2.00 3 No Vehicle 245 81.67 0 The above table 4.53 shows that about 81.67 per cent of the respondents have no vehicle. This clearly exhibits that the respondents have no mode of transport on their own and they have to depend upon the public transport system.
- 197 - Chart 16: Facility Transport 16.33 2 81.67 Moped Bike No Vehicle
- 198 - Table 4.54 FACILITY - COMMUNICATION S.No Communication type No of respondents Percentage 1 Cell Phone 276 92 2 Public Phone 24 8 Total 300 100 The above table 4.54 clearly exhibits that 92 per cent of the respondents own a cell phone. This has exhibited the boom in mobile telephony in India. The cheapest mobile phone service in India has reached the poor street vendors also.
- 199 - Chart 17 Facility -Communication 100 90 92 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 8 0 Cell Phone Public Booth
- 200 - Null Hypothesis (H 0 ) There is no significant variation in income of the street vendors and nature of their business. Alternative Hypothesis-(H 1 ) There is a significant variation in income of the street vendors and nature of their business. Table 4.55 Nature of Business and Monthly Income Nature of business Monthly Income Total Below Rs.3000 Rs.3001-5000 Rs.5001 and above Fruit seller 14 36 10 60 Vegetable 25 54 24 103 seller Canteen 21 17 19 57 Flower seller 10 17 13 40 Others 13 16 11 40 Total 83 140 77 300 2 2 ( O E) = = 17.6876 E d.f. = 8 It is found from the above table that table value of 2 =15.5 at 5% level of significance calculated 2 value is greater than the table value at 5% level. So, there is no significant variation between income of the street vendors and their nature of the business. So, the null hypothesis is accepted. The alternative hypothesis which states that there is a significant variation in income of the street vendors and their nature of the business is disproved.
- 201 - Null Hypothesis- (H 0 ) There is no significant relation between expenditure of the street vendors and nature of their business. Alternative Hypothesis (H 1 ) There is a significant relation between expenditure of the street vendors and nature of their business. Nature of business Table 4.56 Expenditure and Nature of Business Monthly Expenditure Total Below Rs.3000 Rs.3001-5000 Rs.5001 and above Fruit seller 19 30 11 60 Vegetable 22 60 21 103 seller Canteen 20 16 21 57 Flower seller 13 15 12 40 Others 11 14 15 40 Total 85 135 80 300 2 2 ( O E) = = 20.2567 E d.f. = 8 It is found from the above table that table value of 2 =15.5 at 5% level calculated 2 value is greater than the table value at 5% level. So, there is no significant relation between the expenditure of the street vendors and their nature of business. So, the null hypothesis is accepted. The alternative hypothesis which states that there is a significant relation between the expenditure of the street vendors and nature of their business is disproved.
- 202 - Table 4.57 Sex and Political Support Cross Tabulation Political Party Belongs to Total DMK AIADMK CONGRESS DMMK Male 75 57 13 19 164 Sex Female 58 44 13 21 136 Total 133 101 26 40 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 1.345 3 0.719 Likelihood Ratio 1.340 3 0.720 Linear-by-Linear Association 1.137 1 0.286 N of Valid Cases 300 a. 0 cells (.0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 11.79. Chi Square Value = 1.345 Degrees of Freedom = 1.340 P value = 0.719 P value > 0.05 Not significant 2 From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that is 1.549; df = 3; P value is observed to be 0.719 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Sex and Political affiliation of the respondents.
- 203 - Cross Tabulation Table 4.58 Age and Political Support Age Political Party Belongs to Total DMK AIADMK CONGRESS DMMK Below 25 yrs 0 2 2 0 4 25-30 yrs 30 17 6 3 56 31-40 yrs 28 24 6 12 70 41-50 yrs 66 41 9 18 134 Above 50 yrs 9 17 3 7 36 Total 133 101 26 40 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 23.488 12 0.024 Likelihood Ratio 22.490 12 0.032 Linear-by-Linear Association N of Valid Cases 300 2.068 1 0.150 a. 7 cells (35.0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 35. Chi Square Value = 23.488 Degrees of Freedom = 12 P value = 0.024 P < 0.05 Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 23.488; df = 12; P value is observed to be 0.024 which is less than 0.05. Hence there is significant relationship between Age and Political party belongs to. The middle aged people of 41-50 are overwhelming the DMK party.
- 204 - Table 4.59 Religion and Political Learning Cross Tabulation Religion Political Party Belongs to Total DMK AIADMK CONGRESS DMMK Christian 1 2 2 1 6 Hindu 111 80 20 33 244 Muslim 21 19 4 6 50 Total 133 101 26 40 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 5.930 6 0.431 Likelihood Ratio 4.463 6 0.614 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.280 1 0.597 N of Valid Cases 300 a. 5cells (41.7%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.52. Chi Square Value = 5.930 Degrees of Freedom = 6 P value = 0.431 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 5.930; df = 6; P value is observed to be 0.431 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Religion and Political party affiliation. This is against the view in Tamil Nadu that the minority religious people are supporting the DMK party.
- 205 - Cross Tabulation Table 4.60 Community and Political learning Community Political Party Belongs to Total DMK AIADMK CONGRESS DMMK Forward 1 0 0 0 1 Backward 52 51 12 20 135 Most 67 39 11 17 134 Backward Scheduled 13 11 3 3 30 Caste Total 133 101 26 40 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 5.465 9 0.792 Likelihood Ratio 5.872 9 0.753 Linear-by-Linear Association N of Valid Cases 300 0.909 1 0.340 a. 6cells (37.5%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.09. Chi Square Value = 5.465 Degrees of Freedom = 9 P value = 0.792 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 5.465; df = 9; P value is observed to be 0.792 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Community and Political party affiliation of the respondents.
- 206 - Table 4.61 Borrowing and Vices Cross Tabulation Vices Total Smoking Drinking Gambling Borrowing Below 41 36 3 80 Rs.500 Rs.501-26 21 3 50 750 Rs. 751-2 4 0 6 1000 Total 69 61 6 136 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 1.736 4 0.784 Likelihood Ratio 1.944 4 0.746 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.191 1 0.662 N of Valid Cases 136 a. 5 cells (55.6%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.26 Chi Square Value = 1.736 Degrees of Freedom = 4 P value = 0.784 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 1.736; df = 4; P value is observed to be 0.784 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Borrowings and Vices.
- 207 - Table 4.62 Religion and Inter Caste Marriage Cross Tabulation Religion Inter Caste Marriage Total Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Not agree Strongly Not agree Christian 0 1 1 4 0 6 Hindu 13 12 13 180 26 244 Muslim 4 6 1 30 9 50 Total 17 19 15 214 35 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 11.529 8 0.174 Likelihood Ratio 11.181 8 0.192 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.190 1 0.663 N of Valid Cases 300 a. 8 cells (53.3%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.30 Chi Square Value = 11.529 Degrees of Freedom = 8 P value = 0.174 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 11.529; df = 8; P value is observed to be 0.174 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Religion and inter caste marriage.
- 208 - Table 4.63 Age and Agree Dowry System Cross Tabulation Age Inter Caste Marriage Total Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Not agree Strongly Not agree 0 0 0 3 1 4 Below 25 yrs 25-30 yrs 0 2 1 31 22 56 31-40 yrs 2 2 2 48 16 70 4150 yrs 2 2 4 88 38 134 Above 50 yrs 0 0 0 28 8 36 Total 4 6 7 198 85 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 11.218 16 0.796 Likelihood Ratio 13.608 16 0.628 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.155 1 0.694 N of Valid Cases 300 a. 17 cells (68.0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.05 Chi Square Value = 11.218 Degrees of Freedom = 16 P value = 0.796 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 11.218; df = 16; P value is observed to be 0.796 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Age and their opinion about dowry system.
- 209 - Cross Tabulation Table 4.64 Religion and Agree Dowry System Religion Inter Caste Marriage Total Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Not agree Strongly Not agree Christian 0 0 0 5 1 6 Hindu 4 6 5 158 71 244 Muslim 0 0 2 35 13 50 Total 4 6 7 198 85 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 4.001 8 0.857 Likelihood Ratio 5.906 8 0.658 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.184 1 0.668 N of Valid Cases 300 a. 10 cells (66.7%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.08. Chi Square Value = 4.001 Degrees of Freedom = 8 P value = 0.857 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that X is 4.001; df = 8; P value is observed to be 0.857 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Religion and their opinion about dowry system.
- 210 - Table 4.65 Community and Agree Dowry System Cross Tabulation Community Inter Caste Marriage Total Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Not agree Strongly Not agree Forward 0 0 0 1 0 1 Backward 3 2 0 90 40 135 Most 1 3 4 91 35 134 Backward Scheduled 0 1 3 16 10 30 Caste Total 4 6 7 198 85 300 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 14.888 12 0.248 Likelihood Ratio 15.235 12 0.228 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.121 1 0.728 N of Valid Cases 300 a. 14 cells (70.0%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 0.01. Chi Square Value = 14.888 Degrees of Freedom = 12 P value = 0.248 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 14.888; df = 12; P value is observed to be 0.248 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no significant relationship between Community and the acceptance and non acceptance of dowry system among the respondents.
- 211 - Table 4.66 Diseases having and Vices Cross Tabulation Diseases Vices Total having Smoking Drinking Gambling Yes 41 37 3 81 No 28 24 3 55 Total 69 61 6 136 Chi-Square Tests Value df Asymp. Sig. Pearson Chi-Square 0.259 2 0.979 Likelihood Ratio 0.255 2 0.881 Linear-by-Linear Association 0.21 1 0.886 N of Valid Cases 136 a. 2 cells (33.3%) have expected count less than 5. The minimum expected count is 2.43. Chi Square Value =0.259 Degrees of Freedom = 0.255 P value = 0.979 P > 0.05 Not Significant From the above Chi-square analysis it is observed that 2 is 0.259; df = 2; P value is observed to be 0.979 which is more than 0.05. Hence there is no statistically relevant relation between vices of the respondents and the incidence of vices affected them.
- 212 - Table 4.67 Well Being Index S.No No of Score Respondents 1 Home Amenities Mixie only 64 21 Refrigerator only 31 10.33 Washing machine 0 00 Television 300 100 CD Player 84 28 159.33/500 2 Transport Moped 49 16.33 Bike 6 2.00 No Vehicle 245 0 18.33/300 3. Kitchen Facilities LPG 186 62 Keroscene 69 23 Fire Wood 45 15 100/300 4. Hygiene Toilet 71 23.66 Drainage 88 29.33 Water 96 32.00 84.99/300 5. Education Illiterate 208 69.33 Literate 92 69.33/100
- 213-6. Entertainment Cinema 80 26.66 TV 209 69.99 Stage play 7 2.33 Others 4 1.33 99.98/400 7. Communication Cell Phone 276 92 Public Phone 24 8 100/200 8. Health Care Self medicine 27 9 Private Hospitals 33 11 Government Hospitals 102 34 54/300 685.96 x 100 2400 =28.59 The Well Being Index is a composite index which is constructed on the basis of 8 well defined parameters clearly reveals that the well being index of the street vendors is abysmally low. The well being index of the street vendors is worked out to the just 28.59 out the maximum of 100. There are certain spheres the street vendors are lacking severely.