This document provides background information on auto rickshaws and their drivers. It discusses that auto rickshaws provide an important transportation service but drivers face many challenges including increasing costs, lack of benefits, and health issues from long hours of driving. The document examines the socioeconomic conditions and health problems of auto rickshaw drivers in Dombivli City in particular. It explores issues around their living conditions, income stability, and lack of access to government welfare programs and healthcare. The historical background section discusses competing claims about the origins of auto rickshaws, tracing them back to a German patent for a 3-wheeled vehicle in 1886.

1. 1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
STUDY OF SOCIO – ECONOMIC CONDITION OF RIKSHAW
PULLERS WITH REFERENCE TO DOMBIVALI CITY
INTRODUCTION:
The history of human civilization is closely interlinked with the development and
advancement in the field of transportation. Transportation accounts for as much
as 20 per cent of the Gross National Productin the advanced countries. Road and
Road transportation are essential infrastructure for the growth and development
of economy of a nation. The United States Department of Transportation in its
1972 National Transport Report stated that ―The national transport system is a
major componentin the national economy; and an important factor in shaping the
life style of the people, community development and industrial location pattern.
It is very much right that auto rickshaw service renders a connecting task from
door to destination, whereas other public transport connects people from
destination to destination. The auto rickshaw is a common form of urban
transport, bothas a vehicle for hire and for private use, in many countries around
the world, especially those with tropical or subtropical climates, including many
developing countries.
Road Transport has vital role to play in the development and opening up of
backward and interior or remote areas of the country. India being a Developing
economy, road transport deserves a high priority as it forms the Backboneof both
the passenger transport and the freight movement. The Private sectoroperates 60

2. 2
per cent of the passenger services. The urban Transport systems are
predominantly operated by the private agencies under Self- employment
programmes. Predominately among them includes the taxis and auto- rickshaws.
Transportis the de-facto barometer of economic, social and commercial progress
which transforms the entire world into one organized unit. It carries Ideas and
inventions to the peoples of different countries; and has considerably contributed
to the evolution of human civilization. A growing economy needs a speedy,
efficient and cheap system of transport. In a country like India as in the case of
any other developing country, the first pre-requisite of economic development is
the development of transport facilities.
Road transport particularly motor transport by joining different parts of the
country carries the fruits of development of different parts, resulting in an
increased demand for the goods. This finally stimulates industry and agriculture,
widens the scopefor trade and commerce and other essential activities, and gives
a real push to the developmental process. Thus, encouragement of transport by
the growth of industry and agriculture, by fostering a balanced regional growth
ofindustry and agriculture, and byraising the overall level ofconsumptionfinally
brings about a rise in the living standards of the people. A well-knit transport
system is a sine-quo-non for all-round and sound development of economy. It
contributes different components and different sectors of the economy, and
affects all parts of development such as accessibility, flexibility and reliability.
The economic, social and political progress of a country depends on the pace
progress of transport system. Full benefits of developments in any field; be it
agriculture, cultural activities, education, health, social welfare and industry can
trickle downto the commonman only if the efficient transportsystemis available.
Thus, transportation is the life-blood of civilization and constitutes an important

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item of infrastructure for economic growth. The benefits of economic
development contrary to the expectations have failed to trickle down to the lower
level income group of persons in the society. The gap between the haves and the
have-nots is continuously widening. It may be due to Failure of the
implementation or due to selection of wrong priorities in the Developmental
effort. This tendency of widening gap between rich and poor should not be
allowed to grow any more as it is socially and politically dangerous. Furthermore,
in order to build better and healthy society, it is highly essential to remove
imbalances in the society.
Auto-drivers belong to the lower income group. They provide door to door
service and act as a freedom mode to public transit with 9% of train commuters
using Auto rickshaws to access the stations. Auto drivers play an integral
transport role to the people. There are still problems with the current system from
the passengers, drivers and the government.
In simple words, transport means the movement of people and goods from one
place to another. Fair and Williams8 used the word transportation as the
movement of persons or property from one place to another. Hanson defined
transport as ―one of the ancillaries of commerce.‖ The Chambers Dictionary
defines transportas ―to carry and convey‖, and transportation as ―carriage from
one place to another: the conveyance to troops and their necessities.
Auto rickshaws are a common means of public transportation in many countries
in the world. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle
rickshaw. Auto-rickshaws provide door-to-doorservice and act as a feeder mode
to public transit. It can reach up to every corner and enter into every street of the
places concerned. It is very much right that auto rickshaw service renders a
connecting task from doorto destination, whereas other public transport connects
people from destination to destination. The auto rickshaw is a common form of

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urban transport, both as a vehicle for hire and for private use, in many countries
around the world, especially thosewith tropical or subtropicalclimates, including
many developing countries.
1.1SELECTION OF THE TOPIC :
Many believe that the world is moving very fast because of development in
service, industry and IT sectors as well as other scientific innovations narrowing
the gap of information and communication. The globalization of market
economy, products and services marketing helped many developing countries to
enhance sectoral growth and emerge their national economy. India is a large
democratic country in the world with spacious diversity of language, caste,
culture and habits of the people. The country is large in many accounts and
currently it has about 1.40 billion population, out of which over one-thirds are
living below the poverty line. These economically and socially poor people are
mostly resource less people and wage labourers involved in various informal and
unorganized sectors for their livelihood. Most of the socio-economically poordo
not have adequate access to financial and social amenities due to various reasons.
The country urged to move fast for social and human development of its all
citizens. It is important for the country to manage socioeconomic vulnerability of
economically poor people and inequalities of livelihoods capitals which are
unparallel with ups and down in the era of economic development and want to
improve livelihoods of all.
The economically poor people are living in different pockets and scattered all
over the country with small groups in rural and urban areas. The present study
has mainly investigated the situation of Rickshaw Pullers (RPs) belong to
unorganized sector for livelihood and most them are rural-urban migrants living

5. 5
in poorhousing and unhygienic environment with their family and children. Their
accesses to various financial and non-financial products and services are very
limited dueto lack ofpermanent settlement, permanent identity, assets, resources,
knowledge and financial capacity. The vulnerability of women and children of
RPs are also more acute and need intense support from the government and
development organizations to improve their food intake, housing, health,
education and social security.
Presently, a large number of economically and socially poormen and women are
untapped in the trend of socioeconomic growth and therefore the overall growth
of the country is interrupted in many ways. In the case of RPs, they acutely lack
productive livelihood capitals.
It is imperative to count them in financial sectors through financial inclusion for
inclusive economic growth and human development of the country. The nation
need to bridge the gap of inequalities between the economically ‘rich and poor’
and ‘men and women’ for greater benefit of social and economic development
through various means and methods with sound Policies and Programmes. I
believe the government and other development organisations will keep step
forward commitment by transforming obstacles to equal opportunities with
enabling environment and vulnerability to resilient for improving livelihoods of
its all types of poor people. I presume this report will help the nation to initiate
Policy and Strategy for Development Programmes to improve livelihoods
conditions of economically and socially poorRPs living in urban area as well as
its implications of findings would be also useful for the rural Programs.
1.2 Relevance of the Problem
An auto rickshaw is a motorized development of the traditional pulled rickshaw
or cycle rickshaw. Most have three wheels and do not tilt. An Auto rickshaw is
common form urban transport both as a vehicle for higher and for private use. It

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is very much right that auto rickshaw service renders a connecting task from door
to destination, whereas other public transportconnects peoplefrom destination to
destination. But things have been changed now. Increase in fuel price, taxation,
entry of online taxi services etc. have made some differences (The Hindu, 2016).
The same report also stated that many are leaving this job due to non-stability of
income.
The situation is even worse in the caseof hired auto drivers, drivers with vehicle
loan. Often there are policies to reduce the transport fair so that the burden will
not fall on people. And also there are ordinances at intervals to increase vehicle
insurances and taxes. A daily fluctuation of the fuel price is not a fact to be
proved. There are studies and polices but all those do not pay attention to the
issues related to auto drivers especially in matters with income stability. There
are highlights of exemplary auto drivers who helped the diseased, aged, students
on their way. There are studies which focus on different aspects of the auto
rickshaw drivers, but there are less studies and orientation towards their income
related issues. Despite this, auto rickshaws and their drivers face considerable
criticisms from the public the media and policy makers. There is a contentious
public debate about the perceived faults of auto rickshaws and their drivers, and
the policies to address theseissues. Increase in fuel price, taxation, entry ofonline
taxi service etc. has also made the situation deteriorated.
Health is one of the major indicators which reflecting the excellence of life and
therefore it has been rightly said "Health is Wealth". Good health is an essential
requirement for the enjoyment of every aspect of life. Auto drivers are exposed
to a number of health problems as a direct result of the postureadopted in driving.
A diet high in fats and carbohydrates and low in fresh fruit, salads and fiber will
add to the level of poor health. Auto rickshaw drivers are not properly concern
their health due to busy schedule on their work. The driving posture also causes

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problems for the digestive system and the incidence of smoking and drinking can
also create health problems of auto drivers. Thus study aims to describe the
occupational health Problems of the auto rickshaw drivers in the study area.
Health is a very significant matter in the daily life ofa vehicle driver. Long hours
on road contribute to the occupational health hazards. The aim of this study is to
identify the health problems among the auto rickshaw service providers in
relation to their age and the number of hours put in driving the auto rickshaws.
The study had been carried out in Dombivli city the result showed that muscular-
skeletal problem was most common and of frequent occurrence among all age
groups of the auto rickshaw service providers. Relevant preventative measures
have been suggested for the better health condition of the drivers.
The profession of rickshaw pulling is characterized by part time, full time or
seasonal employment. They have time flexibility in their profession. They can
earn more if they feel good in exchange ofmore daily rent and additional physical
stress. Most of the rickshaw drivers are coming from the economically laggard
regions of the country. Most of them possess only a small amount of schooling
and skill. Hence, we want to look into their condition of their livelihood. They
have to find the cheap place for lodging and they have to take food at as low price
as possible for saving the money from the little income in order to remit to their
families. They have to suffer the most physical stress, which is bad for them later
on in their lives-- also they are the direct victims of environmental pollution of
Dombivli city. Hence, we want to look into how they copeup in these situations
or plan to do so and how they survive with their meagre but volatile income.
Therefore, the problem statement of this paper is to examine vulnerabilities,
shocks, coping mechanisms of the rickshaw pullers of the Dombivli City, this in
combination of examining their future aspirations.

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Auto drivers faces many problems like non availability of parking places,
increasing fuel price , increasing road taxes, continuously changing traffics
rules etc. The fuel hike is the major problem faced by the auto drivers and
these hikes are not often conformity with the fare fixed by the government.
Majority of auto drivers are unaware of heal the effects of noise and pollution
which they are suffering. Continues sitting in the driving position exert
considerable forces on spines and causes a number of health problems to auto
drivers like back pain, headache, allergic problems, stress and general stiffness.
As a cross section ofauto drivers in other cities in India the auto drivers in
Dombivli city is also facing similar socio-economic problems. This study is
an attempt to analyses, the socio economic and health status of auto drivers
in Dombivli city. Auto-rickshaws play an important role in urban transport in
India. Crores of commuters mainly depend on the auto drivers for safe journey to
reach their destination. Auto rickshaws are used in cities and towns for short
distances, they are less suited to long distances because they are slow and the
carriages are open to air pollution. The work of an auto driver is highly
responsible one he is responsible for safety and punctuality ,the job also
requires a high level of concentration and alertness. The auto rickshaw drivers in
Dombivli are facing tough times due to various factors, including increasing
prices of fuel and spareparts, hike in the insurance premiums the active presence
ofinternet ride sharing company OLA which is much popular among the younger
generation and the increasing the useof private vehicles. The drivers include both
men and women and they do not get propertoilet facilities even though they have
complained to the public authorities constantly. Many drivers were forced to look
for other jobs due to the increasing cost of maintaining the vehicles. The traffic
police often fine them for parking vehicles at no-parking zones due to lack
of space and congestion at places like beach road. Due to lack of proper space
to live, water and sanitation and unhealthy and unhygienic living conditions
make these auto drivers more vulnerable to ill health which results in to

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loss of working days and extra expenditure on getting medical aid to resume
the work again. All these factors like working, living and health are
interconnected and have direct impact on individual’s day to day life. With the
backdrop this information on key variable related to living conditions of auto
drivers in Dombivli city were explored. Availability of the basics facilities
in the house of drivers is a mark of healthy and comfort living. The house
should have basic facilities like water, electricity, toilet, kitchen, store and
proper sewerage condition in normal or middle class houses. But these
facilities lack in the accommodation of auto drivers and it may of them were
having these necessary provision in the house they are not in the qualitative in
nature. These auto drivers don’tenjoy any type of health and medical benefits in
course of illness and occupational injuries. Apart from this, many of these
auto drivers do not get the benefits of various governmental welfare facilities
like public distribution system (PDS), provision for free education etc.... due to
the fact that either they are not aware about these welfare provisions or lacks
proper documentation to claim the benefits.
1.3 Historical Background
The history ofthe Tuck Tuckalso known as the Auto Rickshaw is disputed, some
claim the first TukTuk was in 1947 others claim it was 1934. We take a look at
these claims and put a spanner in the works as we believe the first Tuk Tuk dates
back to 1886. The claim of first Tuk Tuk being 1947 comes from Italy with the
claim the Piaggio Ape was the first Tuk Tuk. There is no doubtthat in its modern
style Piaggio Ape was the first, however, there were Tuk Tuks 61 years before
Piaggio designed the Ape. Some say the first Tuk Tuks were in 1934 and were
Japanese. 3 wheelers were being exported from Japan to Thailand in 1934 but
were they Tuk-Tuks? In our view, they were not Tuk Tuks as they were just
motorbikes with 3 wheels. The front of them was simply a motorbike with a two-

10. 10
wheeled axle fitted at the rear. So you can hardly call them a Tuk Tuk. It was the
Germans, in 1886 the Germans applied for a patent for a vehicle that had 3
wheels, two at the rear and one at the front. The vehicle also had a single-cylinder
rear engine and was steered by a handle. Notice how similar that is to today’s Tuk
Tuks surely it has to be a Tuk Tuk the engine even made a tuk sound as it drove
by and it is that sound that the name Tuk comes from.
So the first Tuk Tuk was also the first car. Newspapers reported on July 1886 the
first outing of the Benz Patent Motor Car which was a three-wheeled car.For
anyone that makes the claim a Tuk Tuk is not a car because it only has three
wheels the fact that the first car also had three wheels proves you are wrong.
When it comes to the History of the Tuk Tuk the first claim comes from Japan
dates back to 1934, however research seems to point to these being more of a
motorcycle adapted into three-wheelers by putting a 2 wheeled axle on the rare.
ORIGIN OF AUTO RICHKSHAW
The word rickshaw originated from the Japanese word jinrikisha where Jin stands
for human, Riki I for power or force and Sha for vehicle, giving rise to the literal
meaning human powered vehicle.
Originally invented in Japan around the 1869, it was the result of a lifting of ban
on wheeled vehicles form the Edo or the Tokugawa Period (1603-1868). It was a
time of major technological advancement and a boomin the urban sectorin Japan
which gave birth to the rickshaw.
There is much on-going debate about the inventor of the rickshaw as a lot of
people claim to have invented it for their own personal needs through various
sources of inspiration. Isumi Yosuke with Suzuki Tokujiro and Takayama
Kosukeis believed to have invented the first rickshaw in Japan in 1869.

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Onthe other hand, the Burlington County Historical Society in New Jersey claims
to have an 1867 invention of the rickshaw by James Birch. The invention is on
display at the Burlington County Historical Society museum till date.
For now we will keep the debate about the inventor aside and assume the most
widely accepted theory of its Japanese origin by the trio and carry on with our
focus on its evolution in the Indian context. With the rise in the need for cheap
transportation due to urbanization and foreign trade, within no time the rickshaw
popularized in metro cities of the Asian continent. By 1870, 40,000 rickshaws
were operational on the streets of Tokyo. The availability of cheap man-power
was one of the major reasons behind the popularization of rickshaws.
This in turn resulted in a 4 huge productionof this low-costvehicle and its export
to other countries in the Asian subcontinent and South Africa where cheap man-
power was in abundance. The primary effects of transport are:
(1) Expansion of transport facilities results in directly improving the service
sector.
(2) Improvement in transportation gives ample scopeforthe development of new
regions and resources, and
(3) Transportation helps in expansion of markets.
THE INDIAN CONTEXT
Around 1880, rickshaws appeared in India, first introduced in Shimla by
Reverend J. Fordyce. In Kolkata, rickshaw was introduced by the Chinese
Traders around 1900, primarily to carry goods.
The history of Chinese in Kolkata is unique and now Kolkata is the only city of
India where Chinatown still exists. This city was geographically the easiest
accessible metropolitan area from China by land. Yang Man Powered Vehicle
was mainly used to carry goods in port area. Then they started to operate it in
various partofKolkata City as goods cart. In1914 Chinese applied forpermission

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to use rickshaws to transport passengers. British rulers made 'hand pulled
rickshaw' as the cheap mode of transport in 1919 by implementation of Calcutta
Hackney Carriage Act. Soonafter 'Hand-pulled rickshaw' became popular among
those people who could not afford cars or cabs. Pulled rickshaw became the
symbol of the city‘s culture and tradition. At that time Kolkata was not only the
biggest city of the subcontinent but also provided the maximum job opportunity
to the neighbouring states. The informal sector of Kolkata grew further with the
new job opportunity.
A large number of Bihar migrants took rickshaw pulling as their job, because it
was easier than any other work. These Bihar people were mainly from the flood
and prone areas of North Bihar or drought porn areas of South Bihar. The history
of this cart is full of controversy and struggles. From the beginning the traffic
authority of the city was not in favour of this cart considering one of the reasons
of traffic congestion.
From the British period, the rickshaw pullers used to face harassment from the
police department. As many of them were poor migrants from undivided Bihar
and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, they were easy targets for bribery. After 1950, no
single license was issued to the pullers butowners licenses were issued in various
time. Thus, the hand rickshaw pullers licenses were decreasing day by day due to
the adamant attitude of the registering authority. The rickshaw pullers also
informed that pullers licenses were not renewed on time resulting in cancellation
of licenses. By such process the strength of fresh or renewed licenses of the
rickshaw pullers have come down to only 1750 from 24000 by 1990.
So, most of the rickshaw pullers used to pull rickshaws without a proper license
after 1950

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Several major streets have been closed to rickshaw traffic since 1972, and in the
1982 the city seized over 12000 rickshaws and destroyed them.
After 1980s several human right organizations including the National Human
Right Commission stared to advocate in favour of removal of hand rickshaws
from Kolkata as in Hong Kong and Singapore. It seemed to them as Inhuman
Practice .These organizations argued that in 21st century, it is inhuman that one
man is pulling another man.
Moreover, since the introduction ofthe hand pulled rickshaw, the traffic authority
has complaining on this slow motion cart. According to the Traffic Department
of Kolkata Police, there is only 6.5% of space as roads in the city. So for faster
traffic flow, it is important to remove hand pulled carts.
In 1992, it was estimated that over 30000 rickshaws were operating in the city,
all about6000 ofthem legally, lacking a license (no new license have been issued
since 1950).
In Context to Mumbai
The quadricycle is finally going to hit Indian roads after several vocal voices
against it. Interestingly, the very auto-rickshaw it aims to replace did not have an
easy ride to the road either. If one considers the fact that it took a prime minister
of the country to test the auto-rickshaw before it was accorded approval, one
would say the quadricycles journey has been relatively easy.
The pioneer of the three-wheeler in India was Navalmal Firodia, a Gandhian
lawyer-turned-entrepreneur, who also coined the term auto-rickshaw.
His son and chairman of Force Motors, Abhay Firodia, writes in a book on his
father, Navalmal Kundanmal Firodia, that Firodia thought of the auto-rickshaw

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as a replacement for the bicycle rickshaw. The motivation was to provide a
humane and yet low-cost public transportation for the common man.
This is how it began. During a sessionofthe legislative assembly of then Bombay
in February 1947, the plight of cycle-rickshaws and the inhuman conditions
rickshaw pullers operated in were raised by a member. Then home minister of
Bombay province Morarji Desai suggested that cycle-rickshaws be discontinued.
Firodia saw the possibility of introducing a low-cost modern transport solution
and reckoned that such a vehicle had to be radically different from the existing
modes of conveyance. Firodias Company, Jaya Hind Industries, got into an
agreement with Bachhraj Trading Corporationto setup a JV forjointly importing,
manufacturing and selling auto-rickshaws, its parts, chassis and bodies.
Firodia spotted a three-wheeler goods carrier picture from a trade paper and
decided that it could be replicated to become an inexpensive means of transport.
In January 1947, he drew up a plan and submitted it to Desai. The transport
commissioner’s office, which functioned under the home ministry, noted: If the
vehicle is satisfactory from a technical viewpoint, then we shall permit it under
the public conveyance plan. This set Firodia working further on the concept.
The vehicle they aimed to replicate turned out to be a vehicle manufactured by
Piaggio of Italy. Firodia bought a scooter and two three-wheeler goods carriers
from Piaggio, inspired by which they then built a body for the auto-rickshaw.
Many alterations were made on the basic three-wheeler chassis. Starting with a
body made in wood to the final one made in sheet metal, many versions were
tried to arrive at the final product, which was not very different from what is seen
as the auto-rickshaws of today, notes the book on Firodia.
But it was the task of putting the vehicle on the road that really tested Firodias
skills. Desai, the final authority, was not an easy man to deal with. But Firodia
got lucky, as a Congress sessionwas to be held in April 1948 in Bombay and PM
Jawaharlal Nehru was going to attend. Through a friend, Raosaheb Patwardhan,
Firodia managed to introduce the new vehicle to Nehru. Pandit-ji took a round of

15. 15
the Government House in the rickshaw and was impressed. After this meeting,
Firodia put in a formal application for permission to register and operate such
vehicles as public conveyance. Morarji Desai agreed and the state transport
department took a trial and granted permission, says the book.
A deal was signed with Piaggio and initially components of the chassis in knock-
downcondition were brought to beassembled in India and the rickshaw bodywas
to be built locally. Thus was born the auto-rickshaw for the Indian market.
It was in 1948 that the auto-rickshaw was introduced as an approved public
conveyance in Bombay province. But these new three-wheelers did not find any
takers initially. Here came another lucky breakthrough. The use of cycle-
rickshaw as a mode ofpublic conveyance was prohibited in Pune and Firodia saw
an opportunity for the auto-rickshaw in the Pune market. They started the first
centre for auto sales in Pune in 1949, but sales were not brisk and they sold only
six auto-rickshaws. Another centre was opened in Hyderabad, but here again
there was no response.
By the end of 1949, Firodias idea of converting the three-wheeler goods chassis
from Italy into a passenger auto-rickshaw was successful. The vehicle has not
gone off road since.
1.4 Brief Profile of study Area
As per the population count, Kalyan-Dombivli has an estimated population of
about 1,246,381. The population of the town has increased consisting of a major
portion of Maharashtrians who speak Marathi language. Dombivli is honoured as
the first ever fully literate town of Asia but has been taken over by a town in
Kerala. There are several schools in the town which offer for Primary and
Secondaryeducation to the children. Mostof these are affiliated to the University
of Mumbai. Also, there are several colleges offering technical education to

16. 16
students. A couple of these are affiliated to the Board of Technical Education,
Mumbai.
As per provisional reports of Census India, population of Kalyan-Dombivali in
2011 is 1,246,381; of which male and female are 649,626 and 597,701
respectively.
Population of Kalyan Dombivli in 2022 - 14.5 lakhs (approx)
Kalyan Dombivli Census 2011 2022 Estimates
Total Population
1,246,381 (12.46
Lakh)
14.50 lakhs
Male Population 6,49,626 7.5 Lakh
Female Population 5,97,701 7 Lakh
Kalyan Dombivli Demography 2011 Census
Population Density 9088 per sq. km.
Average Literacy (%) 91.37%
% of Male Literates 93.73%
% of Female Literates 88.81%
Sex Ratio 920
Child Sex Ratio 902
Children (0-6 years) 1,21,122
Kalyan Dombivli Population Census 2011
As per the provisional data of the 2011 census, Kalyan-Dombivli had a
population of 12, 46,381 (12.46 Lakhs). Out of which the male population was 6,
49,626 and the female population was 5, 97,701.
DENSITY
The initial provisional data released by census India 2011, shows that the density
of Kalyan-Dombivli for 2011 is 9088 people per sq. km. Kalyan-Dombivli city
administers area is 137.15 sq. km.

17. 17
LITERACY RATE
The average literacy rate of Kalyan-Dombivli City in 2011 was 91.37%. If things
are looked out at gender wise, male and female literacy was 93.73% and 88.81%
respectively. Total literate in Kalyan-Dombivli city was 1,029,041 of which
549,217 are males while 479,824 are females.
Kalyan and Dombivali City Total Male Female
City Population 12,46,381 6,49,626 5,97,701
Literates 10,29,041 5,49,217 4,79,824
Children (0-6) 1,21,122 63,695 57,427
Average Literacy (%) 91.37% 93.73% 88.81%
Sexratio 920
Child Sexratio 902
SEX RATIO
With regards to the Sex Ratio in Kalyan-Dombivli, it stood at 920 per 1000
males. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per the latest reports of
Census 2011 Directorate. In the 2011 census, the child sex ratio is 902 girls per
1000 boys.
CHILD POPULATION
In census enumeration, data regarding child under 0-6 age were also collected.
There were a total of 1, 21,122 children under the age of 0-6 years. Of total
63,695 are boys while 57,427 are girls. Child Sex Ratio as per census 2011 was
902. In 2011, Children under 0-6 formed 9.70 % ofthe totalpopulation ofKalyan-
Dombivli City.

18. 18
Kalyan and Dombivali Religion 2011
Hinduism is majority religion in Kalyan and Dombivali city with 80.75 %
followers. Buddhism is second most popular religion in Kalyan and Dombivali
city with 7.28 % following it. In Kalyan and Dombivali city, Islam is followed
by 6.76 %, Christianity by 2.12 %, Jainism by 2.67 % and Sikhism by 0.19 %.
Around 0.09 % stated 'Other Religion', approximately 0.15 % stated 'No
Particular Religion'
Description Total Percentage
Hindu 10,07,228 80.75%
Muslims 84,312 6.76%
Christian 26,397 2.12%
Sikh 2,364 0.19%
Buddhist 90,815 7.28%
Jain 33,264 2.67%
Others 1,073 0.09%
Not Stated 1,874 0.15%
Auto rickshaws play an important role in public transport in Mumbai. There are
246,458 black and yellow metered auto rickshaws, often simply called autos, in
the Mumbai MMR as of 2008. Since 2002, all auto rickshaws have been required
to use CNG as fuel. However, not all rickshaws comply. Mumbai MMRDA
extends up to Thane M.C, Alibag, Badlapur, Bhiwandi M.C, Kaylan M.C. and
Ulhasnagar M.C., and in these areas a CNG filling facility is not available, hence
the fuel is either petrol or LPG.
Auto rickshaws are not permitted to enter Old Bombay. The southernmost points
accessible to them are Bandra Fire Station in Western Mumbai and Sion Bus
Depot in Central Mumbai. Auto rickshaws registered in Mumbai are not allowed
travel beyond the municipal limits. They have been allowed to travel between
Sion to Mulund in the Central Suburbs and up to Mankhurd on the Harbour line.

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People who wish to travel beyond Mumbai to suburbs like Vashi, Airoli have to
catch a suburban rickshaw. In the western suburbs, they are allowed to travel
between Bandra and Bhayandar only.
A mechanical meter decides the fare which is proportional to distance traveled.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) updated the
auto-rickshaw fares and declared a hike recently that is applied from 1st March
2021.The regulation for auto rickshaws is similar to taxis, and methods of
complaining against the auto rickshaws and taxis are available on the Mumbai
RTO website.
Maharashtra has roughly 10 lakhauto rickshaws registered across the state, with
over 3 lakh rickshaws operating within the state's capital Mumbai, and its sister
city, Pune.
Economical Aspects
Today, Dombivli is well known for rapid industrial growth with major dyes,
paints, chemical, and heavy metal factories based in the industrial part of the
town. Some of the well-known ones are Gharda Chemicals, Vicco Labs, Lloyd
Steel, and Deepak Fertilizers. The 1980s saw Dombivli growing into a crowded
and saturated city due to industrial development under the plan. Dombivli's
approachability byroad and rail, and its potential in land and manpower increased
tremendously. The industries have been developed in two phases so far, and new
plans have been proposed.
In Kalyan-Dombivli Munciple Corporationout oftotal population, 469,306 were
engaged in work activities. 94% of workers describe their work as Main Work
(Employment or Earning more than 6 Months) while 6% were involved in
Marginal activity providing livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 440991 workers

20. 20
engaged in Main Work, 2,361 were cultivators (owner or co-owner) while 2,602
were Agricultural labourer.
Out of total population, 440991 were engaged in work or business activity. Of
this 345060 were males while 95391 were females. In census survey, worker is
defined as person who does business, job, service, and cultivator and labour
activity. Of total 440991 working population, 93.97 % were engaged in Main
Work while 6.03 % of total workers were engaged in Marginal Work.
1.5 Definitions of Related Aspects:
 An Auto rickshaw is amotorized version of the pulled rickshaw or cycle
rickshaw. Most have three wheels and do not tilt.
 A light three wheeled vehicle driven by a motorcycle engine.
 A rickshaw is a simple vehicle originally used for carrying passengers.
 Auto rickshaw is a usually three wheeled cabin cycle for private use and
as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled
rickshaw or cycle rickshaw.

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 Auto rickshaw are an essential form of urban transport in many
developing countries and a form of novelty transport in many Eastern
countries.
Living conditions - They are the everyday environment of people, where they
live, play and work. Theseliving conditions are a productofsocialand economic
circumstances and the physical environment – all of which can impact upon
health – and are largely outside of the immediate control of the individual.
(Cambridge Dictionary)- Theoretical definition
Living conditions - In this the term living conditions to refer the challenges and
risks related to the economic instability due to increase in fuel price, private
vehicles, tax and insurance and the entry of online taxi. – Operational definition
Challenges - something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be
done successfully and therefore tests a person‘s ability (Cambridge Dictionary).
- Theoretical definition.
Challenges - the physical, economic and social difficulties faced by the Auto
rickshaw drivers in their life. - Operational definition.
1.6 Characteristics of Rickshaw Pullers
Higher age group of RPs are more at present and some of them (10%) started
rickshaw pulling below their age of 25 years. However, about 51% RPs
mentioned that they started rickshaw pulling while they were below 20 years of
age.

22. 22
About 53% RPs are driving rickshaw more than 10 years which indicate that it is
their main occupation and livelihood below are some characteristics of RP
1) Time Management: Rickshaw Pullers are good in time management they
take the quickest route and collect the applicable fare. They drive safely to
ensure passenger and public safety. They have good conduct with
passengers and public.
2) Alertness: Rickshaw Pullers are always alert in terms they confirm all
checks have been carried out for road worthiness of the vehicle. They
confirm all papers and documents including driving license, vehicle
document and document related to goods etc. are available. They always
ensure extra care while carrying school children that they are seated
properly without limbs exposed outside. They always confirm all gauges
are functioning including the MCT and in built navigation system before
starting the vehicle. They throttle gradually for better control.
3) Enthusiastic and Energetic: They always check with the passenger about
their destination and start the fare meter and show the starting reading to
the customer. They select the destination route ofthe passenger considering
the traffic conditions and distance. They greet the passenger appropriately.
They load the passenger’s luggage in the vehicle. They offer help for
boarding to elderly or differently abled customers. They point out to
customer any newspaper, magazine, entertainment media available on
vehicle. In case of adverse weather conditions like rain they ensure side
entry areas are covered with water proof resistant sheet to avoid
inconvenience to passengers.
4) Discipline: Rickshaw Pullers drive through selected route without violating
any traffic norms. They avoid unnecessary honking and avoid using high
beam lights in city. They do not use mobile phone while driving. They do
not include in unnecessary talk with customer and specially avoid topics

23. 23
involving politics or communal issues. They also help customer in de
boarding safely taking special care in case of elderly and differently abled.
They always collect the fare based on the reading that is displayed on the
meter based on fare prior settled with customer. Fare may be collected in
cash and sure to return balance. They do not demand any tips but accept
thankfully if the customer offers. They always verify no valuables or
belongings of the customer have been left in the vehicle. They always
respond appropriately to all permanent and temporary traffic signals, signs
and road markings as well as hand signals oftraffic policeman. They always
use parking light when stationary, where needed.
5) Communication Skill: Rickshaw Pullers communicate information in a
format that the passenger is able to interpret, behave courteously with
passenger. They communicate effectively to control room any damage or
repairs required with respect to smooth functioning of vehicle.
6) Team Work and Multitasking: Rickshaw Pullers seamlessly coordinate
with control room to ensure timely pickup and drop of passenger, assist
other drivers who require help and take help where needed, coordinate with
traffic inspectors, toll operators etc.
7) Learning Attitude: Rickshaw Pullers keep oneself updated with the new
vehicle technologies and functionalities, gain knowledge / experience from
driving on of different routes and profile of passengers.
8) Planning: Rickshaw Pullers plan and drive based on traffic and road
condition using radio links/ navigation aids where available. Plan safe
handling of life and materials as per the exact load being transported e.g.
special people groups like children, elderly, differently abled or perishable,
hazardous goods.
9) Decision Making: Rickshaw Pullers make proper decisions pertaining to
fitness of vehicle for safe driving, breakdown conditions, accident and
emergency situations and medical emergencies.

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10) Passenger Management: Rickshaw Pullers understand how to manage
children, aged and differently abled individuals, effective tackling of
passengers and public who may be stressed, frustrated, confused, angry or
drunken, build passenger friendly work environment and use customer
centric approach to resolve crisis.
11) Reflective thinking: Rickshaw Pullers know and understand how to learn
from past mistakes to resolve technical and non-technical problems. They
keep all the safety equipment’s in an organized manner so that there is no
difficulty to find them.
12) Cleanliness and Hygiene: Rickshaw Pullers ensure cleanliness of vehicle.
They escalate issues related to hazardous material if not reported in case of
goods transport to concerned authority.
13) General conduct on the road: Rickshaw Pullers give preference and right
of road usage to children, elderly and differently abled. They comply with
any related rules, regulations and practices for handling general public
issues as well as show consideration towards stray animals.
14) They check the exhaust as per the recommended guideline and ensure the
vehicle in meeting the emission norms. In casenot get the vehicle re-tuned/
adjusted.
1.7 Different Concept Regarding the problems
Health Problems of Auto Rickshaw Drivers:
I. Common health risk factors
Smoking: Smoking substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, is
attributable to about 30 percent of all cancer deaths and is the leading cause of
chronic lung disease.

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Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular
disease, hypertension and diabetes. It also exacerbates problems with conditions
such as arthritis or back pain.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High blood pressure increases an
individual’s risk of heart disease, renal failure and stroke. Excess body weight
correlates closely with increased blood pressure. Drivers now need to have a
blood pressureof140/90 mm Hg orbelow in orderto maintain their CDL license.
If a driver has high blood pressureand/or is being medicated for it, he or she will
need to be recertified more frequently.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Alcohol and other drugs contribute to unintentional
injury (suchas motor vehicle accidents), suicide and other violent deaths. Alcohol
is also a factor in a high percentage of chronic diseases.
Stress: Stress can cause numerous mental and physical problems including
immune system dysfunction, which can lead to types ofarthritis, cancer and other
diseases. Home life and social contacts are a powerful sourceof supportforthose
experiencing stress. Absence of this support compounds the problem, making
drivers even more susceptible to stress related health issues.
Fatigue: Driver fatigue is an especially important safety concern to commercial
motor carriers and other drivers (Share-auto, Auto, Bus, etc.). High mileage,
stressful driving conditions and other factors make fatigue a far greater concern
to commercial motor vehicle drivers than that of the non-commercial drivers.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep Apnea is a condition that restricts upper airway breathing
and can cause sleep disorders that can impact a driver's performance. This can
causea driver to experience daytime drowsiness and affect their reaction time and
judgment in the same way as being intoxicated. An increase in age and bodymass
index (BMI) has been found to be the main causes of such disorders. Share-auto
drivers diagnosed with sleep disorders should be temporarily disqualified until
the condition is either ruled out or successfully treated.

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Poor Eating Habits: A good diet is one of the most important influences in an
individual’s health, one of the greatest in need of change, yet one of the most
difficult to change –particularly for drivers who are forced to eat most of their
meals on the road. A diet high in fats and carbohydrates and low in fresh fruits,
salads and fibres can create or add to health problems.
PhysicalInactivity: Physical inactivity increases the risk of many physiological
diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and
breast and colon cancer, as well as the risk of psychological illnesses such as
depression, anxiety and stress.
II. Occupational Health Diseases among Auto drivers:
Occupation and health interact with one another. The work environment and the
nature of job contribute significantly in the causation of diseases. Professional
driving is associated with long hours in a single body posture, under exposure to
vibration, vehicle exhaust, and noise. Furthermore, the work is performed in an
environment that demands constant vigilance. There are, however, many specific
diseases for which significantly increased risks of mortality and morbidity have
been reported.
Blood pressure: High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous
because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and
contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney
disease, and to the development of heart failure. If a person has high blood
pressure it means that the walls of the arteries are receiving too much pressure
repeatedly – the pressure needs to be chronically elevated for a diagnosis of
hypertension to be confirmed.
Back pain: The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles,
ligaments, tendons, disks and bones - the segments of our spine are cushioned
with cartilage-like pads.
Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain.

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Cardiovasculardiseases:Cardiovascular diseases include illnesses that involve
the blood vessels (veins, arteries and capillaries) or the heart, or both - diseases
that affect the cardiovascular system.
Headache: Headache is a broad term that encompasses many different things.
Headaches are pains that occurin any region of the head; they can occuron both
sides the head or be isolated to a certain location.
Stomach pain: Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your
chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs are injuries
and disorders that affect the human body's movement or musculoskeletal system
(i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.). Common
MSDs include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Tendonitis. Muscle / Tendon strain.
Chronic Ailment diseases: A chronic condition is a human health condition or
disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that
comes with time. The term chronic is often applied when the courseofthe disease
lasts for more than three months. Common chronic diseases include arthritis,
asthma, cancer, COPD, diabetes and viral diseases such as hepatitis C and
HIV/AIDS.
Psychological distress: Psychological distress is a general term that is used to
describe unpleasant feelings or emotions that impact your level of functioning.
Learn about the causes of psychological distress, the symptoms, and more.
Cancer:Cancer is not one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. Its
two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body
and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant
sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.
Drivers are treated with disregard by the government and resented by customers,
and, thus, have no say in the system in which they operate. With such negative

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societal attitude towards them, they find their uniform discriminatory and
degrading, and avoid being identified as auto rickshaw drivers.
It was found that even auto rickshaw strikes were in the interest offinanciers who
control the system. In the case of a fare hike, the driver‘s earnings also increase.
However, daily rents are increased simultaneously and thus the price ofthe permit
is inflated in the process, which completely cancels out the increase in earnings.
Auto rickshaw drivers are required to carry roughly 16 documents with them at
all times. As a licence requires documents like school mark sheets and other
papers which several drivers do not possess, they fail to get licences, giving the
traffic and transport police an excellent opportunity to solicit bribes.
Drivers who have used electronic meters are unhappy with the system, as they
find them unreliable and prone to malfunction. Technical institutions have found
them to be erratic and sensitive to rain, temperature, electrical disturbances, and
mechanical shocks. Moreover, they take time to be repaired.
Lack of employment benefits like health insurance, due to the informal nature of
the sector, places an additional burden on the drivers, as a majority of them are
married and have to support their families.
However, despite these problems, promoting auto rickshaws in a city is a key part
of developing an integrated public transport system and stalling the growth of
private cars. Discouraging the Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), which
includes auto rickshaws, would eventually result in increased private car
ownership, highlighting the critical role played by auto rickshaws in not only the
city of Dombivli, but the transport system of the country.