The Gazetteers Department

Watches, radios, musical instruments, etc., are indispensable to modern society although they are considered as luxury. An increasing use of these things reflects the cultural development and prosperity of people at any place. It also gives rise to a number of shops undertaking repairs and renewals of luxury articles and gives employment to some persons. The repairing shops for radios, watches, musical instruments are seen at Bhir, Ambejogai and Parali Vaijanath towns. Total employment in them is insignificant since, in the first instance, these establishments are very small in size and have little demand for their services, and secondly they require personnel which is more or less technical in nature.

Despite the fact that these establishements do not need heavy investment by way of fixed capital, the accessories and tools used by them are many and are obtainable only at high price. They also require a number of costly spare parts. The repairing charges, therefore, are never small notwithstanding the fact that much depends upon the nature and quality of work done. Charges, for the same reason, vary from place to place. On the whole, a moderate estimate of the income of the technician shows that his average earnings amount to Rs. 200 per month.

Side by side with the repairing services, some of the technicians also undertake sale of new and second hand luxury articles, and earn handsome profits. In 1961 there were as many as 196 persons, engaged in these occupations. They chiefly included precision instrument-makers, watch-makers, jewellers and related workmen.