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MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS
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PAN BIDI SHOPS
The 1961 census returned 2545 persons as employed in this occupation.
A survey was conducted in order to get a clearcut idea of the occupation in the district. Different shops of different sizes from different places and localities were surveyed. The survey revealed the following observations:
Accessories.
The raw materials like betel leaves, betel-nut, catechu or kath, lime or chuna are bought in the local market from retail traders. Bidis are either bought or are manufactured at home with the help of paid workers. Some shops also keep post cards, envelopes, inland letters, match boxes, soaps etc., for sale. The total expenditure incurred for the purchase of these articles varies with the size of the shop and the ability of the owner to sell them. The monthly turnover, however, ranges from Rs. 600 to Rs. 75 in case of big and small shops, respectively.
Tools and Equipment.
The requirements of the shops are china pots to keep lime,
nut-cutters, balances to weigh and a small cupboard to stock bidis and other articles. Generally these shops are decorated with photos and mirrors; and in big cities, they usually keep a radio set. The total cost of equipment comes to Rs. 500 except in case of some big shops.
Labour.
No fixed capital, as such, is required for this occupation other
than that required for the purchase of raw material, tools and
equipment. The business is effected on a cash basis and hence no
capital is locked up. Daily purchases are made by keeping account
with the retail traders.
The occupation does not allow the employment of a large number of people due to its small size. In some cases the owner himself runs the business, without the assistance of a paid worker In case when the owner undertakes the manufacture of bidis, he employs workers on piece-rate wages. The daily earning of the workers ranged from Rs. 2 to Rs. 3. Since 1948, the bidi manufacturing industry has been brought under the purview of the Minimum Wages Act.
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