Welfare includes anything that is done for the comfort and improvement of employees and it is provided over and above the wages. The welfare measures need not be in monetary terms only but in any kind/form. Employee welfare includes monitoring of working conditions, creation of industrial harmony through infrastructure for health, industrial relations and insurance against disease, accident and unemployment for the workers and their families. Labour welfare entails all those activities of employer, which are directed towards providing the employees with certain facilities and services in addition to wages and salaries.

The significance of welfare measures was realized as early as 1931, when the Royal commission on labour started. The benefits are of great importance to the workers. The measures of labour welfare may be regarded as wise investment because these would bring a profitable return in the form of greater efficiency. The employer gets the physical and mental work from the employees and they must pay an equal return to the employees. These returns also include welfare measures.

MEANING OF LABOUR WELFARE:

Labour welfare has been defined in various ways though unfortunately no single definition has gained universal acceptance. The oxford Dictionary defines labour welfare as "efforts to make life worth living for worker." Another definition implies that welfare is fundamentally an attitude of mind on the part of management, influencing the method by which management activities are undertaken.

NEED FOR THE STUDY:

One of the most important reasons for the study is low efficiency of labour. In India can be found in the miserable conditions under which workers are compelled to work in factories are many. Without providing congenial work environment in terms of physical amenities and psychological climate, a worker cannot commit himself to work and produce the expected result. A bad working condition not only affects the labour productivity but also causes frustration, ill health and work monotony. Therefore the management on its own interest of the welfare of the worker has to take measure to provide required amenities and improve working conditions. The facilities under labour welfare may include such services and amenities as subsidized canteens, rest houses, recreation facilities, housing sanitary, medical facility and transport etc. The responsibility of providing welfare facilities over and above these requirements, the management can also provides welfare facilities over and above theses requirements. Therefore this study is conducted to ascertain the workers existing conditions, labour welfare facilities in the Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation in terms of socio-democratic variables of the workers.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

The scope of the study can includes, the following:

Ø Building a system that helps employees to attain fulfillment.

Ø Maintain workplace safety and the improvement of physical and mental health of the employees.

Ø Creating a safety net to enable employees to comfortably focus on work.

Ø Grating benefits at the time of need to the labours.

Ø Taking all measures necessary for fulfillment of the above mentioned objectives.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Asiya Chaudhay, Roohi Iqbal (2011) has made, “an empirical study on effect of welfare measures on employees’ satisfaction in Indian Railways” Indian Railways are one of the biggest public sectors in the country and its employee’s more than 13 laks of people under different categories. It has separate department to deal with the employees’ problems and tries to manage them effectively. From the very beginning of the industrial venture Employees has been an important factor of production .This paper is devoted to study on effect of welfare measures on employee’s satisfaction in Indian Railways. Employees’ welfare has acquired an important place in the modern commercial world. Even today no technical development has been able to undermine the place of labour in the industrial field.

Dharam Paul(2011) in his research work titled “Labour Welfare Policy & Administration In Haryana: A Study” The term 'Labour Welfare' is very comprehensive and includes various types of activities undertaken for the economic, social, intellectual or moral benefit or moral benefit of the labour community workers. With the rising tempo of Indian industrialization, labour administration has become an important part of a factory organization and, therefore, the importance of labour administration cannot be ignored from the point of view of employers in particular and the workers and the community in general. This requires the setting up of effective administrative machinery both at central and state levels to implement the legislative measures taken on matters connected with labour and to supplement the same Industry.

Jayanthi. K, Ashok kumar. P, Manju. V (2012), the research study title “a study on labour welfare measures in salem steel plant” Industry depends more on the meaning viewed both in the developing as well under developed economics. Industry is a process of growth which organically linked both to the social and economic development. Iron and steel Industry forms the base of all Industrial activity. This study examines the significance and objectives of Labour Welfare. Keeping this view the reaches felt that it is necessary to study the impact of labour welfare on Salem Steel plant. This helps to promote industrial relations and to reduce the level of absenteeism. The present study explores aspects like the various Labour Welfare provided by the Salem Steel Plant to its employees and the attitudes of the worker’s towards the various welfare provided by the

Malathi.T and Paul Dhinakran.D (2011) brought out a study on, “Employees’ Job Satisfaction towards HRM Practices in Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) LTD.” Job satisfaction is the most frequently used variable in an organization. Human beings strive to seek contentment in every aspect their working life. There are many ways attain satisfaction by an individual in general. It is a complex procedure to accurately measure the level of job satisfaction perceived by employees, particularly in TNSTC (Kumbakonam) Ltd. For the purpose of this study, 714 employees were selected from the organization by adopting the proportionate stratified sampling method. This study discusses and analyses and analyses various components of the employees’ job satisfaction towards prevailing HRM practices in TNSTC (Kumbakonam).

Miss Ramneet Kaur (2012) in an article, “Need, Scope and Evolution of Labour Welfare – A Theoretical Analysis” India guarantees complete freedom and protection to every individual for the fullest realisation of his individual personality. In the present age of technical development the problems of labourers are becoming more and more complex. In the light of this thinking a study of welfare Porgrammes for labourers assumes great significance. The objective of the present study is to spell out the need, objective, evolution and to find out the measures for the effective implementation of various labour welfare measures

Rama Satyanarayana.M Jayaprakash Reddy. R, (2012) made an attempt to study the “Labour Welfare Measures in Cement Industries in India” satisfaction levels of employees about labour welfare measures in KCP limited (Cement Division). For the purpose of the study, convenience random sampling method is adopted to carry out the study by the researcher. Out of 925 employees, 90 are selected covering almost all the departments. A questionnaire is used for present study to know the opinions of the employees on each statement. The results of the research reveal that majority of the employees are satisfied with all the welfare measures provided by the organization.

Sabarirajan, Meharajan, Arun (2010) the present paper investigation issues of “A study on the various welfare measures and their impact on QWL provided by the Textile Mills with reference to Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India” welfare measures are recreational, medical, educational, housing, sanitation and so on. Every organization provides the statutory welfare measures but some organization provides some more welfare facilities to the employees so that they may retain the employees and their quality of work life.

Sunder.K (2009) made an attempt to study, “Job Satisfaction of Drivers and Conductors in Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation – A research Study.” A study of job satisfaction of drivers and conductors attached to Villupuram Region inTamilNadu. India brought to light both positive aspects and dark spots. White there is high level of satisfaction on certain determinants of job satisfaction such as job commitment; security of job etc, there is cent per negative response on some other factors connected with satisfaction determinants.

Venugopal, Bhaskar(2011), the article titled “Employee Welfare Activities With Respective Measures In Industrial Sector - A Study On Industrial Cluster At Chittor District” Employees in industrial cluster at Chittoor district are availing welfare measures such as recreational, medical, educational, housing, transportation, sanitation, safety and also statutory welfare measures such as Workmen Compensation, ESI, Sickness, P.F and Maternity benefits but these industries have to provide some more welfare facilities to their employees such as Gratuity, Pension, Welfare fund, so that they may retain the employees and their quality of work life.

Vijaya Banu.C, Ashifa. M.J.(2011), the research study title “a study on labour welfare measures in public sector Transport corporation” Labour Welfare Measure in Public Sector Transport Corporation throws light on welfare measures followed in Public Sector Transport Corporation. This study analyses the various dimensions of labour welfare measures that are perceived to the labours.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

· To analyse the employee’s satisfaction towards labour welfare measures in TNSTC, Kumbakonam and.

· To identify the relationship between welfare facilities and demographical factors.

Primary data

The primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time and those happen to be original in character. The major tool has used for collecting data in this study is an interview schedule. The schedule has been constructed with reference to different aspects influencing the welfare facilities in the TNSTC. The schedule has been designed to consist of two parts namely:

· Questions regarding personal data

· Questions regarding welfare facilities

In addition to the primary data collected through interview schedule the researcher has discussion with technical staff, clerical staff, supervisor etc. This helped the researcher to collected more valuable information.

Sampling Design

Census Sampling

Collection of data from all possible respondents in a population of universe. It is called census method. This study has adopter this method of sampling. The researcher has collected the data from the sample size of 150 out of 150 populations. It is total population it id easy to conclude and analyze the data. For this study census method are used.

Statistical tool for analysis

· Chi-square test

Limitations of the study

· Some of the respondents may not produce their own reflection while response to the questionnaire.

· Few of the respondents hesitated to give opinion about their management

· Some of the respondents discussed among themselves before answering.

· Many of the respondents hesitated to give correct information.

Table – 1 Selected Respondents Demographic Profile

Gender	No. of Respondents	Percentage
Male	122	81
Female	28	19
Total	150	100٪
Age	No. of Respondents	Percentage
Less than & 30 Years	9	6
30-40	32	21.3
40-50	63	42
50-60	46	30.7
Total	150	100٪
Year of Experience	No. of Respondents	Percentage
1-5	10	6
5-10	20	13
10-15	57	38
20& ABOVE	63	43
Total	150	100٪
Monthly Income	No. of Respondents	Percentage
Less than RS 10000	8	5.3
RS 10000-20000	38	25.5
20000-30000	73	48.6
30000-40000	30	20
Above 50000	1	0.6
Total	150	100٪

Source: Primary Data

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The results of the analysis of the collected data are presented in table 1.

Table – 2 Rating about Facilities of Canteen:

S. No	Labour Welfare	Highly Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neutral	Satisfied	Highly Satisfied
1	Rate of food in canteen	9 (6%)	8 (5.3%)	44 (29.3%)	78 (52%)	11 (7.4%)
2	Facilities of canteen	7 (4.6%)	10 (6.6%)	52 (34.8%)	69 (46%)	12 (8%)
3	Canteen cleanliness	7 (4.6%)	8 (5.6%)	55 (36.6%)	70 (46.6%)	10 (6.6%)
4	Quality of food	7 (46%)	12 (8%)	50 (33.4%)	68 (45.4%)	13 (8.6%)

Source: Primary Data

Table – 3 Rating about the Functioning of Workers Committee

S.No	Labour Welfare	Highly Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neutral	Satisfied	Highly Satisfied
1	Functioning of worker committee	6 (4%)	10 (6.8%)	57 (38%)	61 (40.6%)	16 (10.6%)
2	Provision of welfare facilities	7 (4.6%)	11 (7.4%)	58 (38.7%)	63 (42%)	11 (7.3%)
3	Welfare committee member are well concerned about the welfare facilities to the employees	2 (1.4%)	9(6%)	55 (36.6%)	72 (48%)	12 (8%)

Ø The table 2 shows rating about rate of food in canteen 52% are satisfied, 29.3% of the respondents are in neutral, and 7.4% are highly satisfied and 6% are highly dissatisfied and 5.3% are dissatisfied.

Ø The table 2 shows rating about facilities of canteen 46% are satisfied, 34.8% of the respondents are neutral, and 6.6% are in dissatisfied and 4.6% are highly satisfied and 8% are highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 2 shows rating about canteen cleanliness 46.6% are satisfied, 36.6% of the respondents are in neutral and 6.6% are in highly satisfied and 5.6% are dissatisfied and 4.6% are highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 2 shows rating about Quality of food in canteen 45.4% are satisfied33.4% of the respondents are neutral, and 8% are in dissatisfied and 8.6% are highly satisfied and 4.6% are highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 3 shows rating about functioning of workers committee 40.6% are satisfied, 38% of the respondents are neutral, and 10.6% are in highly satisfied and 6.8% are dissatisfied and 4% are highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 3 shows rating about provision of Welfare Facilities 42% are in satisfied, 38.7% are in neutral, 7.4 are dissatisfied, 7.3% are in highly satisfied, 4.6% are in highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 3 shows rating about Welfare Committee member are well concerned about the welfare facilities to the employees 48% the respondents are satisfied, and 36.6% are in neutral and 6% are dissatisfied and 8% are highly satisfied, 1.4% are in highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the Lighting and ventilation facilities in company 46.6% the respondents are satisfied are satisfied, and 37.3% are in neutral and 7.4% are dissatisfied and 8.7% are highly satisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the Drinking Water facility in company44.6% of the respondents are satisfied, and 30%are in neutral and 17.4 are highly satisfied and 8% are dissatisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the sufficient room facility42.6% are satisfied,36.6 of the respondents are, and 8.6% are in dissatisfied and 4.6% are highly dissatisfied and 7.6% are highly satisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the Loan facilities rendered by the company 41.5 are satisfied, 32% of the respondents are neutral and 12.6 are in dissatisfied 5.3% are highly dissatisfied and 8.6% are highly satisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the star insurance 38% the respondents are satisfied and 36% are in neutral and 18.6% are highly satisfied and 7.4% are dissatisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the festival allowance 43.4% of the responds are satisfied, and 32.6% are in neutral and 12.6 are dissatisfied and 5.4 are highly dissatisfied, are 6% highly satisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the satisfaction level of leave encashment 38% the respondents are satisfied, and 36.6% are neutral and dissatisfied d 12.6% are dissatisfied and 6.6%are highly satisfied, are 5.9% highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the satisfaction level of work environment 42% the respondents are satisfied, and 26% are in neutral and 13.4% are dissatisfied and 12% are highly satisfied, are 6.6% highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 4 shows rating about the satisfied system of free family bus pass card 42.6% the respondents are satisfied, and 28.6% are in neutral and 13.5% are highly satisfied and 12.7% are dissatisfied, are 2.6% highly dissatisfied.

The table 4 shows rating about the satisfied with the house rent allowance 39% the respondents are satisfied, and 32% are in neutral and 16% are dissatisfied and 6.6% are highly satisfied, are 6% highly dissatisfied.

Table – 4 Rating about the Provision of Welfare Facilities

S. No	Labour Welfare	Highly Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neutral	Satisfied	Highly Satisfied
1	Lighting and ventilation facilities	0 (0%)	11(7.4%)	56 (37.3%)	70 (46.6%)	13 (8.7%)
2	Drinking water facility	0 (0%)	12 8%)	45 (30%)	67 (44.6%)	26 (17.4%)
3	Rest room facility	7 4.6%)	13 (8.6%)	55 (36.6%)	64 (42.6%)	11 (7.6%)
4	Loan facilities	8 (5.3%)	19 (12.6%)	48 (32%)	62 (41.5%)	13 (8.6%)
5	Star Insurance	0 (0%)	11 (7.4%)	54 (36%)	57 (38%)	28 (18.6%)
6	Festival Allowances	8 (5.4%)	19 (12.6%)	49 (32.6%)	65 (43.4%)	9 (6%)
7	Satisfaction level of leave Encashment	8 (5.6%)	19 (12.6%)	55 (36.6%)	58 (38.6%)	10 (6.6%)
8	Satisfaction level of work environment	10(6.6%)	20 (13.4%)	39 (26%)	63 (42%)	18 (12%)
9	Free Family Bus Pass Card	4 (2.6%)	19 (12.7)	43 (28.6)	64 (42.6%)	20 (13.5%)
10	House Rent Allowance	9 (6%)	24 (16%)	48 (32%)	59 (39%)	10 (6.6%)

Table – 5 Rating about the Medical Facility

S. No	Labour Welfare	Highly Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neutral	Satisfied	Highly Satisfied
1	Medical facility	9 (6%)	35 (23.4%)	42 (28%)	57 (38%)	7 (4.6%)
2	Medical cheek up	4 (2.6%)	17 (11.5%)	47 (31.3%)	67 (44.6%)	15 (10%)
3	Medical Benefits and Equipments	5 (3.3%)	21 (14%)	44 (29.4%)	69 (46%)	11 (7.3%)
4	Seating facility	5 (3.3%)	29 (19.3%)	41 (27.5)	68 (45.3)	7 (4.6)
5	Recreation facility	10 (6.6%)	44 (29.3%)	58 (38.6%)	38 (25.5%)	0(0%)

Source: Primary Data

Table – 6 Representing the Relationship between the Gender and Rest Room Facility Gender Rest Room Facility Cross Tabulation

Gender	Highly Dissatisfied	Dissatisfied	Neutral	Satisfied	Highly Satisfied	Total
Male	2	9	49	51	8	119
Female	5	4	6	13	3	31
Total	7	13	55	64	11	150

Ø The table 5 shows rating about the satisfied with the Medical facility 38% the respondents are satisfied, and 28% are in neutral 23.4% are dissatisfied and 6% are highly dissatisfied, are 4.6 highly satisfied.

Ø The table 5 shows rating about the periodical Medical cheek up done to the employee hospital 44.6% the respondents are satisfied, and 31.3 are in neutral and 11.5% are dissatisfied and 10% are highly satisfied, are 2.6% highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 5 shows rating about the satisfied with the Medical Benefits and Equipments 46% the respondents are satisfied, and 29.4% are in neutral and 14% are dissatisfied and 7.3% are highly satisfied, are 3.3 highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 5 shows rating about the seating facility 45.3% the respondents are satisfied, and 27.5% are in neutral and 19.3% are dissatisfied and 4.6% are highly satisfied, are 3.3% highly dissatisfied.

Ø The table 5 shows rating about the satisfaction level of recreation facility 38.6% the respondents’ neutral, and 29.3% are dissatisfied, 25.5% are in satisfied and 6.6% are highly dissatisfied.

Ho: There is no relationship between gender and rest Room facility

H1: There is relationship between Gender and rest room facility

Table – 7 Chi-Square Test

	Value	df	Asymp. Sig. (2-side)
Person Chi-Square	6.401	4	.171
Likelihood Ratio	5.397	4	.249
No of valid cases	150

The table value of Chi-Square for 4 degree of freedom at 5% level of significance is 6.401. Therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. Thus it can be concluded that there is no significance relationship between gender and rest room facility.

Findings

v 42% of the respondents are belongs to 40-50, 30.7% are come under 50-60, 21.3% of the respondents are belongs to 30-40, 6% are come under less than 30 years.

v 81%of the respondents are male, 19% of them female.

v 43% of respondents are having experience in 20 & above, 38% are come under 10-15 & 15-20.

v 50.8% of the respondents are satisfied with their rate of food, 46% are satisfied with the facilities of canteen.

v 40.6% of the employees are satisfied with the provision of welfare facility.

v 42.6% of the respondents are satisfied with the system of free family bus pass card.

v 38% of the respondents are satisfied with the Medical facility provided.

v The null hypothesis is accepted. There is no relationship between gender and canteen facility.

v There is a relationship between age and medical facility, Experience and working environment, and Monthly income. Hence it’s also a positive correlation.

Suggestion

Ø Maximum numbers of respondents are satisfied with the provision of welfare facilities given by the TNST. So the company be required to maintain the same position.

Ø Most of the respondents are satisfied with facilities such as canteen services, canteen cleanliness, canteen quality of foods, drinking water, so the company is requiring maintaining the same level.

Ø Only few of the respondents are dissatisfied with the room facility, recreation facility of the company. So, among these facilities company take some improvement actions.

Ø Many of respondents satisfied with the lighting facility, drinking water facility, washing facility, latrines and urinals facility. Among these facilities the TNSTC to be required to maintain the same level.

Ø Maximum numbers of respondents dissatisfied with the medical benefits and the first aid festival allowances, and leaves encashment.

Ø Only thirty five of the respondents dissatisfied with the medical benefits and the first aid facilities by the company.

Ø In overall working environment the respondents having satisfaction level. But few of the respondents having the dissatisfaction. So the company be required to take some initiative decisions.

CONCLUSION:

The article entitled A Study on Employee Satisfaction towards Labour Welfare in TNSTC reveals that the workers are satisfied with the welfare measure provided to them. Welfare includes anything that is done for the comfort and improvement of employees and is provided over and above the wages. In modern business environment, the company should retain the employees which will helpful to achieve their goal. It only acts vital role to create morale, satisfaction of the employees and retain them. The researcher concluded the employees of TNSTC are satisfied in statutory and non statutory welfare. Some of the dissatisfaction level is identified in the areas of recreation facility and special reference to other hospitals. It is pointed and suggested with alternative to overcome the dissatisfaction level in the particular area. Hence the research should enhance the Employee’s Satisfaction towards Labour Welfare in TNSTC.

REFERENCE:

1. Asiya Chaudhay, Roohi Iqbal “an empirical study on effect of welfare measures on employees’ satisfaction in Indian Railways” international journal of research in commerce & management, ISSN 0976-2183, Volume no: 2 (2011), issue no. 7 (July), pp130-137.

2. Dharam Paul “Labour Welfare Policy & Administration In Haryana: A Study” International Referred Research Journal, ISSN- 0974-2832 Volume. I ISSUE-25 February, 2011, pp60-61.

3. Jayanthi. K, Ashok kumar. P, Manju. V, the research study title “a study on labour welfare measures in salem steel plant” Asian journal of Research in social science e & humanities, ISSN 2249-7315, Volume 2, Issue 3 (March, 2012) pp180-197.

4. Malathi.T and Paul Dhinakran.D, in his article, “Employees’ Job Satisfaction Towards HRM Practices in Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) LTD.” Indian Journal of Transport Management Volume No.35 No.3. (July- Sepember2011): 231-239.

5. Miss Ramneet Kaur, “Need, Scope and Evolution of Labour Welfare – A Theoretical Analysis” Asian journal of Research in social science e & humanities, ISSN 2249-7315, Volume 2, Issue 6 (June, 2012) pp48-58.

6. Rama Satyanarayana.M Jayaprakash Reddy. R, “Labour Welfare Measures in Cement Industries in India” International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences, Volume 2, Issue 7 ISSN: 2249-5894, July(2012), pp257-264.

7. Sabarirajan, Meharajan, Arun “A study on the various welfare measures and their impact on QWL provided by the Textile Mills with reference to Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India” Asian Journal of Management Research, ISSN 2229 3795, pp15-24.

8. Sunder. K in this article “Job Satisfaction of Drivers and Conductors in Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation – A research Study.” Indian Journal of Transport Management, Volume No.33 No.4. (October-December 2009): 278-297.

9. Venugopal, Bhaskar, “Employee Welfare Activities With Respective Measures In Industrial Sector - A Study On Industrial Cluster At Chittor District” international journal of research in commerce, it & management, Issn 2231-5756, Volume no. 1, issue no. 6, 2011, (November) pp 78-84.

10. Vijaya Banu.C, Ashifa. M.J, “a study on labour welfare measures in public sector Transport corporation” IJBEMR , ISSN 2229-4848, Volume 2, Issue 2 (February2011) pp129-140.

Received on 02.08.2012 Accepted on 30.08.2012

Asian J. Management 3(3): July-Sept., 2012 page 163-168