All Resources in India

More than a decade after the world coined a definition for informal sector workers, nothing seems to have changed for these poor people who work on the fringes of so-called organised labour. Informal activity in the developing world consists primarily of unregulated but productive work, on which depends the survival of millions. Data on the labour force currently collected through the official statistical systems in India and at the national level in most countries, are not able to capture the new processes of informalisation of the workforce.

The Indian economy grew at a rate of about five percent per annum during the 1980s. Despite this growth the country faced an acute economic crisis, reflecting some domestic problems but primarily external ones relating to pressure on the balance of payments. Major domestic problems related to inflation, which peaked at 17 percent in 1991, and a central government fiscal deficit that stood at an all time high of 8.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Consider the following scenarios - Li Guihong (not her real name) worked in a shoe factory in southern China. Her job was to apply glue to the shoes. However, the glue she used was a benzene-based solvent, which is very toxic. Ventilation in the factory was very poor and workers were directly exposed to the toxic fumes. Management had provided the workers with cotton face masks, and the workers in the factory believed that these could protect them. However, Li is now in a hospital in Guangzhou, suffering from partial paralysis. She is unable to walk on her own and is in a wheel chair.

Peter Wad

Sanjiv Pandita

Sanjiv Pandita

Is the Internet a common shared public resource, which symbolises free speech in society or is it just a medium to enhance corporate globalisation and a delivery system for neo-liberal agenda? This was one of the issues discussed in the Asia Internet Rights Conference which was held in Seoul from 8 to 12 November 2001.

Introduction

A safe and healthy work environment is the basic right of every worker. However, the global situation falls far short of this right. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that more than 125 million workers are victims of occupational accidents and disease in a single year. Of these approximately 220,000 workers die and about 10 million are seriously disabled.

K R Nayar

The local government of Kerala recently published a report suggesting the revival of the co-operative medical sector in the state.

Issue No : 32 September - November 1999

Helene Bours and Michael Earle

No Safe Passage

The proposal for a Multilateral Agreement on Investment spells danger for fisheries

Issue No : 32 September - November 1999

IRENE