Migrant women contribution to urban informal sector business in Mumbai

Abstract. Tamil women from places like Salem, Villipuram, Ullandurpettai, Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu a southern state of India, who were migrated to Mumbai more than 45years before and subsequently, are in control of this profession. Over the years this small household business and caste-based occupation spread over in sizes, but significantly it has not lost its exclusive Tamil character, because most of the participants are Tamil women. Examples from rags to riches are galore in this informal sector business, which has helped for their socio-economic development. The mothers prepare the gajra in the platform and their young daughters sell these in the ladies compartment of the local train.

There are examples of women who initially came to Mumbai and started this business and have been quite successful in producing highly educated grandchildren and at the same time retaining the family tradition of selling flowers (gajra) by daughter-in-law are exciting notes.  This study is based on empirical research carried out in Mumbai . The study has been devoted to acquire the reason of the heir migration, to acquaint with the socio-cultural pattern and the strength of these women belonging to specific caste groups to be in this trade for such a long time despite changes. Some of them have been able to provide a decent life to their children whereas some are still struggling.