Work profile of female sweepers in Hisar and Fatehabad district

Abstract

Cleaning is a fundamental occupation that employs millions of individuals worldwide, both men and women. Now a day, sweeping in India is not yet well recognized as other significant jobs. It is still considered as a very low status job which is usually done by uneducated people and most of them are women. Cleaning tasks encompass a range of activities, including dusting, mopping, sweeping, swabbing, vacuuming, and buffing. The study was conducted in Hisar and Fatehabad district of Haryana state. For the study the sample size was 280 from both the district. Data was collected with the help of structured interview schedule individually through face to face interview in their local language. This study examines the demographic, educational, and socio-economic profiles of sweepers in Hisar and Fatehabad districts, focusing on their working conditions and material possessions. Findings reveal that most respondents are aged 20-30 years, with educational attainment primarily up to middle school. A significant proportion of respondents come from families with low educational backgrounds and work in elementary occupations. The majority have a monthly income between 10,000 and 20,000 rupees and save between 500 and 1000 rupees monthly. Most respondents fall into the upper-lower socio-economic category. The typical working hours are from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with over half having 2-4 years of service. Sweepers primarily engage in brooming and mopping, with varied rest periods and work intensities. The data highlights inadequate protective measures and basic facilities at the workplace, underscoring the need for improved working conditions and socio-economic support.