Labour Force in Informal Economy

Based on a study of workers in the informal sector with special attention to rikshaw-pullers, the volume discusses their role in providing cheap and flexible transport services to the urban people and the manner in which they are ignored in policy-making frameworks. It is a study of their poverty, unregulated work environment marked by hazardous working and living conditions, their migration to the cities, their socio-economic condition including health, food habits and family life, and aspects related to their welfare in urban areas. It examines their social and economic vulnerability especially due to lack of education, development of skills, and awareness. It points out how their quality of life can be improved and suggests social work intervention strategies for their development.