A study entitled Hand-rickshaw Pullers of Kolkata by The Calcutta Samaritans and ActionAid highlights the plight of the rickshaw-puller who, on a good day, earns between Rs 100 and Rs 120, nearly half of which goes to the rickshaw owner. The survey by the two civil society organisations showed that 90% of rickshaw-pullers are homeless, with an overwhelming majority of 54% living in deras (garages or places where they park their carts). Another 39% live on the pavements; the rest live in their own or rented houses. The survey also revealed that 60% of rickshaw-pullers suffer from tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Their lifestyle makes them prone to respiratory diseases and heart ailments. Few rickshaw pullers own their own rickshaw. Almost all pullers rent from the license holder who collects a daily rental fee. It is only after this rental fee is paid that the puller can turn a profit.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:34:15 +0000
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