SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF CYCLE RICKSHAW PULLERS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

The present paper is an attempt to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of cycle rickshaw pullers and to find out the causes of rickshaw pulling. The adverse effects of this profession on the health of the rickshaw pullers, the problems faced by them and their remedial measures have been also taken into account. The study is based on primary data collected through the field survey and direct questionnaire to the respondents in Aligarh city. The survey was carried out during the months of February and March, 2010. The overall analysis of the study reveals that the rickshaw pullers are one of the poorest sections of the society, living in abject poverty but play a pivotal role in intra-city transportation system. Neither is their working environment regulated nor their social security issues are addressed. They are also unaware about the governmental schemes launched for poverty alleviation and their accessibility in basic amenities and infrastructural facilities is also very poor.