MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

BARBERY AND HAIR-CUTTING SALOONS

From ancient times barber is one of the twelve village servants known as balutedars. In the past barbery and hair-cutting was the hereditary profession of the Hajam or Nhavi community of the Hindus.

The saloons in Sholapur city and other towns are well-furnished and well-equipped with various items such as big and costly mirrors, costly chairs, radio sets, fan, etc. Generally in large-sized saloons the owner employs outside workers and pays them at piece rates. Persons from the Nhavi community are mainly engaged in this occupation. But persons from other communities have also taken to this occupation in towns.

In Sholapur district the number of barbers, hair-dressers, beauticians" and related workers was 2,676 as per the Census of 1961. [The statistics are taken from Census of Maharashtra, Part II-B (ii), Occupational Classification, 1961. Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,200 for a small establishment.] Only one female was reported to be engaged in this profession.

A hair-cutting saloon requires fixed capital for costly furniture, radio set, fan, mirrors and a few sets of accessories. The investment in fixed capital varies from Rs. 600 to Rs. 3,000 depending upon the size of the establishment. Generally, the rates charged by the hair-cutting saloons are the same in all establishments in the towns.

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