Livelihood of Former Jute Workers in and around Titagarh Jute Mill Area

There is a significant role of jute industry in Indian economy with one of its most important centres in West
Bengal, specifically in Hooghly basin. It is given the title of the ‘Golden Fibre’ internationally with its high
versatility and cheap price. But unfortunately its market is deterioration with decrease in productivity. Such
deterioration has resulted in closing down of various mills stretching its effects on the workers engaged in
them. This study deals with the effect on livelihood of former labours of the industry of Titagarh, a major
zone concentrating jute mills in north 24 parganas in the left bank of river Hooghly.. The main objectives of
the study are to bring out the present scenario of livelihood of former jute workers in and around Titagarh
Jute Mill area concentrating in Ward 1, 2 and 3 and illustrate the physical and socio economic attributes that
encompasses them. The research is done based on quantitative and qualitative methods based on structured
questionnaires on sample size summing up to 150 based on direct interviews with 50 from each ward, and
secondary data from various sources. It is found out that the physical setting have provided favourable
conditions for settling up of the industry and attracting labours to settle down around it. Unfortunately after
closing down of the mills, the conditions of the former workers have deteriorated with dense settlement and
lower standard of living which need attention for development. Unfortunately, the deteriorated conditions
are intermingled with social unrest and disruptions