The Gazetteers Department

The occupation is of a recent origin and though not as diversified as in urban areas has made inroads into the distant parts of the district. Grinding of grain by women with grinding wheels in their own houses at day-break was a common sight till very recently. This has become very rare today and in most cases grinding of grains is done in the flour mills which have become a common feature of urban and rural life. The flour mills are operated on oil engines in rural areas and on electric power in towns, provided the latter is available. In rural areas two or three villages have a flour mill in common. The flour mills are mostly located in busy localities or near the market places. The machinery of a Hour mill consists of electric motors, or oil engines and grinders. It costs between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 3,500 approximately. A flour mill needs a number of small tools for repairs. They include wrenches, hammers, files, jacks and so on and cost about Rs. 20 to Rs. 25. The repairing charges for sharpening the grinders, etc., per year come to between Rs. 200 and Rs. 400. The capital required for the occupation was mostly raised by the proprietors from their own resources.

Almost all the establishments are housed in rented premises, the rent varying between Rs. 20 and Rs. 40 per month. The charges for the use of power depend upon the size of the establishment and the turnover of business. Generally the establishments are managed by the owners with the aid of family members. In a few cases the establishment engaged a salaried employee who was paid about Rs. 50 per month. The average income of these flour mills varies between Rs. 150 and Rs. 250 per month.

Their business is more or less steady throughout the year. However, it is brisk during holidays such as diwali, holi, etc., on market days and during the marriage season.

In conclusion it may be said that though the flour mills offered a boon in disguise to the housewives, it necessarily deprived the women-folk of an essential exercise.

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