Research on person or business that is part of the unorganized sector

Case Study: Make a visit to your local market or your surrounding area to do a research on any person or business you think is a part of the unorganized sector and find details about the following:

Visit to Dharavi, home to the biggest community of idol-makers (Kumbhar community), whose main occupation is making idols. These workers get raw materials from outside Mumbai, and do colouring and finishing work in Mumbai. Idol-makers in Mumbai are part of the unorganized sector and hardly receive any support from the government.

a) The nature of their business.

Idol-makers make and sell idols made from different kinds of materials – Mud, Clay, POP (Plaster of Paris), and Eco-Friendly. Most of their sales happen during Ganesh festival and Durga festival.

b) Approximated the amount invested for the business.

Idol-makers do not have work throughout the year. Most of their work happens during the peak festive period (June to Sept). Rest of the year they take up work for events, weddings, etc. or are engaged in other occupations.

c) Approximate the amount of profit they earn.

Established idol-makers make around 6-8 lacs a year, but the lesser-known idol-makers earn much less. Many of them struggle to get work throughout the year. During peak festive season, lot of workers get temporary work and are paid around Rs.300-Rs500 (overtime extra) per day.

d) Payment made by them to the government in terms of Taxes (GST)

Most of the small players pay no taxes on their earnings. However, most of them struggle to make decent money only from idol-making. Lot of them go without work for most part of the year, and take up other occupations to supplement their income.

The bigger names however pay taxes, and are required to apply for licenses annually during the festive season as they occupy the footpath to carry out their work.

e) How do they contribute to the society

Idol-making is a traditional occupation for many; their families have been doing it for decades. Their skills are in demand during the festive seasons, when there is a huge demand for idols.

However, with almost no support from the government, and a stagnant market, the younger generation are keen to pursue other occupations such as electrician, etc.

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