Socio-Economic Status of Coir Co-operative Societies Worker: A Case of East and West -Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh

Aims: The paper examines socio economic status of coir industry workers. The Coir Industry is one of the most important traditional small enterprises in India which provides employment to about 7 lakhs persons of whom a majority is from rural areas belonging to the economically weaker sections of society. Nearly 80% of the coir workers in the fibre extraction and spinning sectors are women. The Coir industry earns foreign exchange to the tune of Rs. 1425.77 crores in 2013-14 (Coir Board, Annual Report, 2013-14). The Development of Coir Industry has taken place in areas where there is concentration of coconut cultivation and availability of coconut husks. The major coconut growing states and union territories include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry etc. The study highlighted the socio economic status of coir industry workers in two selected district of Andhra Pradesh namely East and West Godavari District.

Study Design: Random sample method.

Place and Duration of Study: Two Districts of Andhra Pradesh state i.e., East and West Godavari District.

Methodology: The study used primary data collected from 1000 coir industries workers,

Objectives: The important objectives of the study are to study the working conditions of workers in coir industries, to analyze the income and expenditure pattern of workers in coir industries, to analyze the problems of workers of coir industries, to identify the living conditions of workers of coir industries in two Districts.

Results: The study area coir industries workers socio-economic status pathetic conditions.

Central and state government should take necessary policy measures to improve the status of this industry workers.

Conclusion: It was recommended that government should fix the minimum wage system in order to cater the needs of the workers, government should provide bonus to the workers regularly provide necessary working facilities to the workers in the working hours.