Labour in a textile city: a study of workers needs and welfare in ahmedabad

Abstract

The basic hypothesis of this study is that welfare expenditure undertaken by various independent agencies does not meet the felt needs of the workers. A socio- economic survey was conducted identify these needs. The survey covered 356 'chawls' and 43 housing colonies in 7 areas where industrial workers live. The data suggest, interalia, that the immediate needs of the working class are: sanitary facilities, primary school, cooperative housing society, vocational school for children and vocational school for adults. Survey results generally validate the hypothesis of this study.