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MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS
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TYPE-WRITING
Beautiful handwriting was once a qualification
for a successful Hindu bridegroom. Although stress on handwriting
has diminished a good deal, especially after the introduction of
the printing press-into modern society, knowledge of typing has
been prescribed as one of the qualifying conditions for candidates
entering into many services. That is why more persons take up
typing as a necessity than as an art.
But whether as an instrument of art or as a means to secure a
living, a type-writer is badly in need all over the country today.
Product of a modern scientific invention, it has certainly helped
to keep correspondence neat and up to date and increased the
efficiency of office work. Moreover, it has also created a number
of openings for young men and more particularly for women who are
believed to have swift fingers.
In Bhir district the spread of the type-writer is extremely
limited. The type-writing institutes are few. They are found at
Bhir and Ambejogai, most of them having been started only
recently. There are classes for training students in type-writing
and undertake typing work, when available. Their main source of
income, however, is from the coaching class. The fees vary
according to the duration of the training.
To start with, a type-writing institute requires a heavy
investment in fixed capital, viz., the type-writing
machines, whose number determines the size of the establishment.
In Bhir district it was found that an average establishment was in
possession of 2 to 3 typing machines, each costing Rs. 800. The
machine generally lasts for six years after which replacement
becomes essential.
Operational costs of the establishment are very small since the
institute does not need to spend heavily on accessories like
papers, ribbons, etc.
The type-writing institute in Bhir is managed and conducted by a
single person, with an occasional help of a family member or an
outsider. When the latter is employed, he is paid up to Rs. 40
per month. Their are no prescribed timings of work, although it is
run from morning till evening, unless there is much extra-work to
do. Vacations following the annual examinations (i.e. in
the month of May) and dipawali, form the busy season of
work for the institute.
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