Socio-Economic Conditions of Agricultural Labourers in Thiruvalai Panchayat, Sirkali Taluk, Tamil Nadu: An Investigative Study

Agricultural progress is normally regarded as a prerequisite of economic development. It is true that economic development in the modern times has come to be associated with industrialization; nevertheless, it is generally accepted that industrialization can follow only on the sound wheels of agriculture. In a developing economy, agriculture has to be given priority in order to accelerate the rate of economic progress. The First Agricultural operations are done by the hired labourers. Labour Enquiry Committee (1950-51) defined that the Agricultural Labourers is a person who works for more than half of the total number of days during the year of wages. Agricultural Labourers are on the lowest range of the socio-economic ladder of the Indian society. They formed the most disadvantaged group; their wages are typically low, conditions of work are poor and employment is frequently irregular. The level of living which their earnings permit is very meagre. They generally live from hand to mouth. Hence this paper endeavors to explore study is made to examine the socio-economic conditions of agricultural labour at Thiruvali Panchayat, Sirkali Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. The study suggested that the wages are very low so step to could be taken so that these workers earn a regular reasonable income. Equal pay for equal work should be followed in both agriculture and non-agriculture work. Further, it is also suggested MGNREGA would help the agricultural labourers in the off season so it necessary to increase the wage and number of days of employment.