Socio-Economic Profiles of Mining Workers: A Case Study

Abstract

Mining plays an important role in Indian industry which contributes 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at present. It also exports about 30 million tonnes of iron ore annually. Similarly, Odisha is one of the mineral rich states of the country having a special distinction in the country’s overall mining sector. The objectives of the study are to examine socio profiles as well as economic features of mining workers. This article is based on primary data by collecting 722 mining workers in the study area of Jajpur and Keonjhar district of Odisha. It is found that out of 722 respondents, 596 (82.5 %) are Male workers and 126 (17.5 %) are female workers in mining sector in both Jajpur & Keonjhar districts of Odisha. Moreover, it is also found that out of 722 mining workers in the respective study area of Odisha, 323 (44.7%) are earning 20000-30000 income, whereas only 35 (4.8%) mining workers are able to earn more than 30000 income. The social and economic benefits of the high level of economic activities are being derived in the mining areas of Jajpur and Keonjhar districts of Odisha.