Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Informal Sector Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026
This is the syllabus of the College of Social Work (Empowered Autonomous), Nirmala Niketan, which is the only college offering the B.S.W. under the University of Mumbai. The college has been autonomous since 2019-20 and empowered autonomous since 2024-25, so it sets this syllabus and conducts these examinations itself, and the degree awarded is still a University of Mumbai degree. The University last set a common B.S.W. paper of its own in 2019; this is the current document, amended in June 2026.
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Syllabus for Informal Sector
About this course
India has a rich history of labour and labour movements. Most of the employments in the country is still coming under the unorganised, informal sector. The unorganised labour force is characterised several socio – economic problems of the individual and families. The shift from organised to unorganised sector also is crucial transition. Social work professionals with roots in working with the most marginalised need a strong understanding of labour issues in India. It also need to give an understanding of the social security system and how it can be beneficial for the workers in the informal sector.
Course objectives
- To gain conceptual clarity about the difference between formal and informal labour and formal and informal sectors
- To understand the characteristics, historical development, and socio-economic factors influencing the informal labour sector.
- To analyse human rights issues and evaluate the impact of policy interventions on informal labourers.
- To conceptualize a field project based on the concept of informal labour
Learning outcomes
- CO 185 Compare and contrast formal and informal labour and sectors.
- CO 186 Critically analyse informal labour dynamics using various theoretical frameworks
- CO 187 Exhibit skills to advocate for policies enhancing informal workers' rights and welfare.
- CO 188 Develop a field-based project on informal labour
Unit I: Theoretical Framework for Understandi ng Informal Labour and Informal Sector
- Understanding informal labour and informal sector (Definition & Characteristics)
- History of informal labour and informal sector in India
- New economic reforms and impact on informal economy
- Different types of Informal Occupations in Rural and Urban Settings
- Employment in context of Race, Caste, Gender, Region and religion
- Theoretical perspectives in Informal Sector
- Social Security Measures
Essential readings
- National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector (2007) Report on Conditions of Work and Promotion of Livelihoods in the Unorganized Sector. New Delhi: National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector ( https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/libr ary/resource/report-on-conditions- of-work-and-promotion-of- livelihoods-in-the-unorganised- sector/ )
- International Labour Office Report VI - Decent Work and the Informal Economy: Sixth Item on the Agenda International Labour Conference: 90th Session. Geneva: International Labour Office.
- Agarwal. A.N (2001) Indian Economy: Problems of Development and Planning. Mumbai: Vishwas Prakashan.
- Chen, M. A., Jhabvala, R. and Lund, F. (2002) ‘Supporting Workers in the Informal Economy: A Policy Framework’ Working Paper on the Informal Economy 2002/2. Employment Sector, International Labour Organisation.
- ( https://www.ilo.org/publications/supporting-workers-informal- economy-policy-framework )
Unit II: Field Projects on Different Target Groups (in Groups)
- Suggested Topics for Field Projects:
- Mine workers
- Fisherfolks
- Saltpan workers
- Agricultural workers
- Ragpickers
- Domestic workers
- Construction workers
- Modalities of Field Projects:
- Mini research
- Baseline Study
- Documentary Film
- Training Modules
- White/working paper
Essential readings
- Jhabvala, R Subramanya, R (2000) The Unorganised Sector, Work Security and Social Protection New Delhi: Sage Publications.
- Dutt, R. and Sundharam (2006) Indian Economy Mumbai: Vishwas Prakashan.
- Chen, M. A., Jhabvala, R. and Lund, F. (2002) ‘Supporting Workers in the Informal Economy: A Policy Framework’ Working Paper on the Informal Economy 2002/2. Employment Sector, International Labour Organisation. ( https://www.ilo.org/publications/s upporting-workers-informal- economy-policy-framework )
- Bhowmik, S (editor) (2016) The State of Labour: The Global Financial Crisis and its Impact New Delhi: Routledge
- Vaijayanta A., Balakrishnan, G. and George, P. (2018) Community Practices in India: Lessons from the Grassroots. London: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
- Reports of Mahila Vikas Kisan Manch- Seema Kumar
Reproduced from Regulations and Syllabus of Bachelor of Social Work Degree (2023), Amended 2026, published by the College of Social Work (Empowered Autonomous), Nirmala Niketan, which is affiliated to the University of Mumbai and sets this syllabus itself. Wording is as printed in that document.
The complete syllabus
This subject is cut from the college's own syllabus document. Open it here if you want the whole thing rather than a single subject.