FANNING THE EMBERS
The study involved primary data collection from 9,867 chulhas owners who acquired it during 1996-97 to 2000-01 spread over 128 districts in 24 states. The survey also involved 1979 non-chulhas owners. The main socio-economic findings are:
• Agriculturists and daily-wage earners together represented about 75 per cent of owners followed by 11.6 per cent salaried people.
• About 39 per cent of owners were aware of the programme. But most were unaware of the benefits of the improved chulhas.
• In 38.8 per cent cases, beneficiaries demanded the improved chulhas, while the remaining 61.2 per cent beneficiaries were persuaded by the implementing agencies.
• To a large extent, women members were instrumental in persuading the males to acquire the chulhas. About 81 per cent of the heads of households consulted women members before acquiring it.