Ravi works on other people’s farms in the sowing season and on construction sites later in the year. He is paid for each day’s work. Which option correctly gives Ravi’s status and a reason why such workers are among the most vulnerable?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Casual wage labourer; he has no regular income and can be dismissed without compensation
Ravi works on others’ farms and sites and is paid by the day, so he is a casual wage labourer. Such informal workers get no regular income and can be dismissed without compensation.
Option (1) Self-employed; he decides how, where and when he works — Incorrect. Ravi does not run an enterprise of his own. He works for others, so he is not self-employed.
Option (2) Casual wage labourer; he has no regular income and can be dismissed without compensation — Correct. He is paid by the day, and informal workers have no protection.
Option (3) Regular salaried employee; his contract is renewed daily and is protected by labour laws — Incorrect. A regular employee is paid regularly, not by daily renewal of the contract.
Option (4) Casual wage labourer; he is counted as unemployed whenever he changes his employer — Incorrect. The status is right, but the reason is wrong. A person engaged in work is a worker, whichever employer he works for.
NCERT (2026-27): Glossary: “Casual Wage Labourer – A person who is casually engaged in others’ farm or non-farm enterprises and, in return, receives wages according to the terms of the daily or periodic work contract.” “… Workers and enterprises in the informal sector do not get regular income; they do not have any protection or regulation from the government. Workers are dismissed without any compensation. …” |