Monday, July 30, 2012

HEALTH STATUS OF TEXTILE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF UTTER PRADESH, INDIA

HEALTH STATUS OF TEXTILE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF UTTER PRADESH, INDIA

Ajeet Jaiswal, University-of Delhi, Delhi, India

EAA Summer School eBook 1: 217-223, European Anthropological Association
16–30 June, 2007, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

Industrialization is necessary for prosperity and at times for the survival of a nation. The production is the real wealth of a Nation. Only industrialization is not enough, real benefit is brought by continuous top performance of the worker which is only possible by their good health. Industrial workers constitute only a segment of general population and the factors that influence the health of the population also apply equally to industrial workers. Occupational health is undoubtedly an issue that calls for more research by experts and activists. Respiratory problem is one of the major health threats to Textile Workers. It leads to some systemic symptoms in exposed Workers, along with a number of other physical problem like, hearing loss or noise problem, low back pain Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions. Byssinosis diseases Colour vision dysfunction in long term solvent (dye) exposure, till now the studies are mostly clinically based. A lacuna in anthropological perspective is observed. In the present study an attempt has been made to study the morpho-physiological changes among textile workers of District Varanasi, Utter Pradesh. The study has been conducted to assess changes in lung functions and airway reactivity resulting from exposure to textile dust.
The subjects comprises of control group (non-workers) and test group (workers) of the same ecological condition (Industrial environment). Effect of dust was seen on anthropological and physiological variables Effect of dust was categorized based on the duration of exposure to dust, concentration of dust, socio economic factors and life styles. The 300 workers of three different sectors (cotton, wool/synthetic, silk)of the textile industry who worked in a textile unit containing 8 subworking sectors. The pattern of disease incidence in different production center of the textile industry is grossly dissimilar. As the result suggest that exposure to textile dust is responsible for acute and consistent decrease in lung function as well as a slight increase in airway reactivity.

THE HOMINIZATION PROCESS OF HOMO SAPIENS

THE HOMINIZATION PROCESS OF HOMO SAPIENS

Ajeet Jaiswal University of Delhi, Delhi, India


EAA Summer School eBook 1: 43-46, European Anthropological Association 16–30 June, 2007, Prague, Czech Republic

The Hominization process consists of evolutionary transformation of hominoids into Hominids. It is a process that has occurred in the hominoid-line since its divergence from the last common hominoid ancestor shared with any living ape. Initially the term has a restricted meaning and implied emergence of modern man, different from all other forms. Currently, however, the term is broadened and includes all those aspects of structural and behavioral changes that occurred in the Hominid line finally leading to man.

All such changes can be broadly grouped into following heads.

1. Bipedalism
2. Hand manipulation and tool use (manual dexterity)
3. Modification of jaw and teeth.
4. Enlargement of brain
5. Changes in vocal tracts, language and speech

A study of the occupational health function among female textile workers

A study of the occupational health function among female textile workers

Ajeet Jaiswal
Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry-605014, India. E-mail: ajeet.jais@gmail.com,



International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol. 2(9) pp. xxx-xxx, November, 2010
Available online http://www.academicjournals.org/ijsa
ISSN 2006- 988x ©2010 Academic Journals
Accepted February 2nd 2011


Abstract

Reduction of respiratory function among textile workers in the textile industry has been observed since the
1970s. A contaminant of raw cotton fiber and cotton dust, has been proposed as a affecting agent that
may deteriorate the respiratory function. Present study aimed to find the factors associated with the
deterioration of respiratory function among female textile workers. The sample consisted of 243 men above the
age of 20 years who had worked for at least 3 months years in a textile factory and 235 female non textile
workers of same area were studied. All the respondents were interviewed by a pretested questionnaire to
gather information regarding the chest symptoms, certain personal characteristics and occupational history.
Statistical analyses like Chi-square and odds ratio was done to determine the significant difference between
female textile workers and female non textile workers. Univariate analysis of the factors for symptomatic
byssinosis showed that dusty worksites, heavy smoking and duration of service years were significant.
Logistic regression analysis showed that working in the scouring (odds ratio 11.0), spinning (odds ratio 4.7)
and weaving sections (odds ratio 2.6), heavy smoking (odds ratio 12.4) and more than 10 years of service (odds
ratio 2.8) were independent significant risk factors. Efforts to reduce dust levels in the working environment
and to discourage smoking among textile workers need to be strengthened to minimize the risk of developing
byssinosis.
Key words: Occupational health, respiratory problems, textiles workers, non textiles workers, FEV 1.0.

The Changing Occupational Structure and Economic Profile of Textile Industry of Banaras, Uttar Pradesh

The Changing Occupational Structure and Economic Profile of Textile Industry of Banaras, Uttar Pradesh

Ajeet Jaiswal
Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India Mobile: 09791201427, 08122594335; E-mail: ajeet.jais@gmail.com

KEYWORDS Ordinary Weaver. Master Weaver. Kothidar/Gaddidar. Powerloom


J Soc Sci, 30(1): 89-98 (2012): Interdisciplinary Reflection of Contemporary Society

ABSTRACT
In recent years, debates on modern economic development have become a central issue, not only in politics
but also in the academic field. Bookstores all over the globe count numerous works on this theme, new ones appearing regularly, and newspapers are filled with articles and discussions on the subject. Within academia, not only economists but also historians have become increasingly involved in debates on the origination of the divide between richer and poorer countries. One of the central questions is what lies at the basis of a country’s economic success. A ‘modern’ structure of the labour market, with a relatively low share of the population in the primary sector, a high degree of specialization and high levels of wage labour, is often considered to be one of the driving forces behind economic achievement. This paper attempts to investigate the changing occupational structure and economic profile of the Textile Industry of Banaras, Uttar Pradesh. A total number of 300 adult workers working in different sectors in seventeen different factories and 300 Non Textile Workers were interviewed. The analysis of the present study suggests that the, the industry
started with the independent weaver as the nodal point, gradually changed into family based corporate  usiness enterprise, and also the rise of intermediaries (Ordinary Weaver, Master Weaver and Kothidar/Gaddidar) within the occupation are the most important phenomena, thus reflecting the changing occupational structure and economic profile of Textile workers of Uttar Pradesh.

A Study on Nutritional Profile of Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh

A Study on Nutritional Profile of Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh

Ajeet Jaiswal
Asst. Professor, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry - 605 014

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development. July - December, 2011, Vol. 2, No. 2

Abstract
Background
Man needs a wide range of nutrients to lead a healthy and active life and these are derived through the diet
they consume daily. Good nutrition is a basic component of health. The present paper assesses the Nutritional Profile of Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh.

Methods
Out of total 920 subjects studied, 463 Textile Workers and 457 Non Textile Workers were randomly selected and interviewed for the purpose of study; Tools used were three days home visits and group meetings. Anthropometric measurements taken were height and weight. Dietary data was collected using standardized cups methods.

Results
The findings depict that most of the Textile Workers and Non Textile Workers were basically non-vegetarian and majority of the Textile Workers and their families mostly missed regular pattern of three meals a day. Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) was found to be more prevalent in Textile Workers as compared to Non Textile Workers but the prevalence of over weight/obesity was seen more in Non Textile Workers.

Conclusions
The nutritional status of the Textile Workers and their families was not an excellent one.

Key Words
Textile Workers, Non-Textile Workers, Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), Nutritional Status.

Occupational Injuries related to Sleepiness in Indian Traditional Industries


Occupational Injuries related to Sleepiness in Indian Traditional Industries
Ajeet Jaiswal
Dr. Ajeet Jaiswal, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University,  Puducherry, India.  Email: ajeet.jais@gmail.com, Phone no. : 09791201427, 08122594335. 

Human Biology Review (ISSN 2277 4424)   1(3) 2012, Original scientific paper (Jaiswal  pp  248-267)
Revised and accepted on  18.07.2012


ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the rate of sleepiness and its relation to occupational injuries in Indian Traditional Industries. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaire about eight sleep habits, symptoms of depression, occupational injury due to fatigue, demographics, presence of diseases and lifestyle factors from 920 workers between the ages of 18–65 (mean 433.5) year in small scale industries. Occupational injury was assessed by asking subjects ‘Have you ever been injured during your work, including minor scratches and cuts (Yes/ No)?  Both sleep and injury were assessed over the previous one year period.  One-third of workers answered that they had experienced injury.  Workers with sleep features of DIS, sleeping poorly at night, insufficient sleep, and insomnia had a significantly higher prevalence for injury after adjusting for multiple confounders.  The findings suggest that poor nocturnal sleep habits are associated with self-reported occupational injury.

Key words:  Occupational injury, Epidemiology, Safety, Sleep, Small scale industries.

Health conditions of the Textiles Workers and their association with breathing condition

Health conditions of the Textiles Workers and their association with breathing condition

*Ajeet Jaiswal, **A K Kapoor, ***Satwanti Kapoor

The Asian Man: Vol. 5, Issue 1, January - June 2011 : 28-33

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the occupational health and respiratory functions of textile workers. In the  present study, an attempt has been made to study the occupational health and an influence on lung functions among textile workers and to compare their health profile with the non-textile workers. A total number of 463 adult workers working in different sectors in seventeen different factories and 457 non-workers of the same area were studied; a Statistical analyses like t- test and odds ratio was done to determine the significant difference between textile workers and control Subjects.The respiratory symptoms were found higher in Exposed Textile Workers as compared to control subjects. The multivariate analysis showed that the Period of exposure, Smoking habits(OR=9.54), Wool/synthetic (OR=19.2) and dye sector, Scouring (OR=11.0) and spinning sector (OR=4.78), poor ventilation (OR=17.1), Living in Kaccha  Muddy) house (OR=7.65), with dry floor, with less than two rooms (OR=2.59), with dirty surrounding (OR=3.39), using smoke emitting chullah (stoves) (OR=8.19) especially Cowdung/Firewood were found to be most detrimental factors of cardio respiratory function among Textile Workers.

Key Words: Occupational health, textile workers, respiratory functions.

Social and Economic Democracy and Removal of Untouchability

Social and Economic Democracy and Removal of Untouchability
By Dr. Ajeet Jaiswal
Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India

Journal of HUMAN SOCIAL SCIENCE
Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal
Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA)
Online ISSN: 2249-460x & Print ISSN: 0975-587X

Abstract -

Ambedkar viewed democracy as an instrument of bringing about change peacefully. Democracy does not merely mean rule by the majority or government by the representatives of the people. This is a formalistic and limited notion of democracy. Like many other national leaders Ambedkar had complete faith in  democracy.Ambedkar made ceaseless efforts for the removal of untouchability and the material progress of untouchables. From 1924 onwards, he led the movement of untouchables till the end of his life. He firmly believed that the progress of the nation could not be realized without first removing untouchability. Ambedkar held the view that the removal of untouchability was linked to the abolition of the caste system and that it could be only by discarding the religious notions from the basis of the caste system. Therefore, in the course of his analysis of the caste system, he examined the Hindu religious philosophy and criticized it. He did this boldly, often facing strong resentment from the orthodox Hindus.This paper attempts to investigate Ambedkar’s thought on democracy and removal of untouchability. For this the researcher discuss about social and economic democracy, factors necessary for the successful operation of democracy, removal of untouchability, self-respect among untouchables and some of the important factors like education, economic progress, political strength, conversion.

Keywords : Democracy, Social Thought, Political Thought, Untouchability.
GJHSS-C Classification : FOR Code : 960703

Ethnographic Profile of the Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh

Ethnographic Profile of the Textile Workers of Uttar Pradesh

Ajeet Jaiswal, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
Phone: 09791201427, 08122594335, E-mail: rpgajeet@gmail.com

Anthropologist, 14(2): 231-237 (2012): International Journal of Contemporary and Applied Studies of Man

KEYWORDS Religious Rites. Rituals. Workers. Hindu. Muslim

ABSTRACT With the changing industrial landscape of the country, new working class areas have come into being and old
ones are expanding. In the new areas, adaptability to this culture depends on the extent and strength of the workers’ link with
rural areas. The characteristics of the Textile Workers revolve around Social Composition, Sex Composition, Emergence of
Tribal Labour, Low Level of Literacy, Heterogeneity of Working Class, High Rate of Absenteeism, Labour Turnover and
Migratory Character. An anthropological attempt has been made in the present study to analyse the ethnographic profile of
the textile workers of Uttar Pradesh. A total number of 463 adult workers working in different sectors in seventeen different
factories were interviewed, The religious and ritualistic analysis of the observance of actions or procedures in a set and
ceremonial way of the Hindu and Muslim textile workers of Uttar Pradesh, reflects that the religious rites and rituals of Hindu
workers were more complex than Muslim workers and they believe in the concept of actions (karma) and earn merit (punya)
for themselves, their families, their ancestors, their future and society in general.

A Study on the Intake and Expenditure of Calories among the Manufacturing Workers

A Study on the Intake and Expenditure of Calories among the Manufacturing Workers

Ajeet Jaiswal
Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry
Corresponding author: Dr. Ajeet Jaiswal, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India. Email: rpgajeet@gmail.com,
Phone no. : 09791201427, 08122594335.


Human Biology Review (ISSN 2277 4424) 1( 2) 2012
Original scientific paper (Jaiswal. pp 151-168)
Revised and accepted on April 30, 2012

Abstract:

Nutrition and adequate diet plays an important role in the efficiency and welfare of the workers and non workers and in manufacturing work, the nutrient demand and energy expenditure are little high as compare to Non workers. Therefore, adequate nutrient and energy intake of manufacturing workers is of paramount importance. The interrelationship of physical activity, food intake and extremes of environmental temperature are important considerations influencing nutritional intake and physical performance in various activities of workers. Here, an attempt has been made to assess the Intake and Expenditure of Calories among the Manufacturing Worker of Uttar Pradesh.
The present study assessed the nutritional status of 152 workers working in different working level under Varanasi district. The dietary status was determined by the food and nutrient intake using diet history and the energy expenditure was computed by a factorial method using activity level and time records of 7 days. Another object was to develop survey methods for assessing the proportions of the calorie intake spent by industrial workers on various activities. The opportunity was taken during the survey of collecting certain Anthropological, medical and physiological data for industrial workers. The energy expenditure during work was estimated from the energy costs of individual tasks and the time spent in those tasks. The objects of the study, which was a new development in the survey field, were in general successfully achieved. The study showed that the necessary information could be collected by survey methods, but that there are difficulties in interpretation and that, in particular, further study of job assessment and more data on standards of calorie expenditure for various activities are required.
Key words: Nutrition, Food Consumption, Calorie Intake, Medical Examination, Job Assessment.

A Study of Taste Sensitivity of Phenylthiocarbamide and Colour blindness among the Jats of District Rohtak

A Study of Taste Sensitivity of Phenylthiocarbamide and Colour blindness among the Jats of District Rohtak (Haryana)
Ajeet Jaiswal and A.K. Kapoor
Indian Anthropologist (2011) 41:2, 49-56

Abstract

An organic compound called Phenylthiourea could divide people into two classes, “Tasters”
and “Non-tasters” irrespective of age, sex and race according to a study that was done by
A.L. Fox in 1932. Fox 1932, Harris and Kalmus (1951), Das (1956) showed that dominance
of taster gene “T” is incomplete with the failure of its penetrance in the heterozygotes to a
certain percentage. A study of taste sensitivity of P.T.C. and colour blindness among the Jats
of district Rohtak, Haryana was done. The t gene frequency was found to be 0.46 in the total
population and that of colourblindness was 3.11% among the males. The results have been
compared with the populations of the northern region of India. The trait of colourblindness
among the populations of the Northern India region has been looked into, in view of the
selection relaxation hypothesis.
Key words: PTC, Colourblindness, Jats, Rohtak, Haryana
Introduction

Monday, July 16, 2012