Urban Livelihoods

At labor chowks, daily wage workers wait with their tools for people to come and take them for work. The labor have usually migrated from the rural areas in search of employment and since they are so poor they cannot afford to have permanent shelters in the urban areas. Therefore, they are forced to live on streets and pavements and keep their tools at nearby shops. They are not given basic health facilities and face difficulties every day. They work on their own. They are not employed by anyone and therefore, have to organize their own work. Often people who make a living in the city are forced to set up their homes on streets or stay in night shelters by paying money every time they go in there.

Regular and permanent job is completely secured and regular employees receives fixed income. Regular or permanent workers attend same office or factory regularly. Their work is clearly identified. They get a regular salary. Unlike casual workers they will not be asked to leave if the company or factory does not have much work. Their job-time is defined and they also get paid holidays and other benefits from their employers.

Casual job, on the other hand is totally unsecured and there is no fixed income. Casual workers’ jobs aren’t permanent. If they complain about their pay or working conditions, they are asked to leave. There is no job security or protection is there is ill treatment. They are also expected to work for longer hours. Forget the additional benefits, they have not been provided even the basic amenities.

Sudha works as a marketing manager in a company which manufactures biscuits. She gets a regular salary and is a permanent worker with the company. She can expect her job to continue for a long time. Being a permanent worker, she also gets other benefits such as the following:

Savings for old age: A part of her salary is kept in a fund with the government. She will earn interests on these savings. When she retires from this job, she will get this money and she can live on that.

Holidays: She gets off on Sundays and national holidays. She also gets some days as annual leave.

Medical facilities for her family: Her company pays the medical expenses up to a certain amount for her and her family members. She gets medical leave if she falls ill and her salary is not cut if she takes this leave.