Socio-Economic Status in Private Taxi Drivers in Punjab, North India

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the socio-economic status of taxi drivers in Punjab, North India. Punjab is a developed area where people are used to hire taxies. The major cities of Punjab were taken as Amritsar (tourist come to see Golden Temple/Harmandir Sahib), Ludhiana (Textile Hub) and Jalandhar. Public transport is not comfortable and, due to having less time, business class people and tourists prefer to hire taxi, which are more convenient for them to travel. As a result, many people now make a living from driving taxis. Therefore, the researchers decided to investigate the socio-economic standing of private taxi drivers.

Methodology: Employing a random sampling technique, 300 taxi drivers' data was gathered using a research schedule. In order to understand more about the socioeconomic standing of taxi drivers, an analysis was conducted on the data that was gathered.

Results: Results showed that the socio-economic status of taxi drivers is poor. They enjoy poor and miserable living conditions and lack the basic amenities of life. They are in debt and don’t have any social security. 

Recommendations: There is great need that taxi owners and the government should take serious initiatives to improve the lives of private drivers who are not covered under any social security law.