The dalits in this region hardly posses any land of their own. A large majority of them are agricultural coolies. They work in the lands of the upper castes and are paid a paltry wage of Rupees 60 per day (approximately $1.20 U.S. Dollars) and Rupeees 30 per day for men and women respectively. This income is not on a regular basis and therefore the families find it difficult to meet both ends. It is during emergency situations that they fall prey to moneylenders who charge exorbitant rates of interest.
Some of the elders work under the landlords similar to the situation of bonded labour. They find solace in working under the rich landlords. They are tuned to such a type of life. In return they get food grains, and get some money occasionally. Though some of the dalits possess land it, is not more than 1 or 2 acres and they are highly dependent on the rains for cultivation, which is highly erratic. The last four years has been a period of drought.
