what does the refrence to chappals in lost spring tell us about the economic condition of the rag pickers ?

The reference to chappals in ‘Lost Spring’ tells about the miserable life of the rag pickers settled in Seemapuri. Most of the impoverished children busy in rag picking were not wearing footwear. The boys were barefoot as it was a tradition to remain barefoot. It had become their habit not to wear chappals. But according to the writer it was their excuse to conceal their poverty.