Change and Development in Rural Society

The maliks could use the power of the state because they were not only economically powerful landowners but also members of a dominant caste. Their social and political influence was strong enough to secure support from the various arms of the state in their favour. So, their control over land, caste status, and local politics helped them advance their interests.

The labourers had harsh working conditions because the maliks had both economic power and dominant caste power. They could command labour and also influence the state to support their interests. This widened the gap between the dominant class and the underclass, and the labourers were left with very little bargaining power or protection.

The government should protect landless agricultural labourers and migrant workers by ensuring minimum wages, secure and regular employment, and strict enforcement of labour laws. It should also provide social security, better working and living conditions, and protection from exploitation by landlords, contractors, and employers. For migrant workers, safe migration, fair recruitment, and access to basic facilities and benefits are important. The chapter also refers to government support through schemes such as crop insurance, credit, and agricultural support measures, which can reduce distress indirectly.

Some direct linkages are:
- No access to land means a person must depend on agricultural labour or other work.
- Low wages and insecure employment keep workers poor.
- Underemployment means they do not get work for many days in the year.
- Bonded labour and hereditary labour ties reduce freedom and chances of mobility.
- Women’s exclusion from land ownership also limits economic independence.
These conditions make upward socio-economic mobility very difficult.