A few months ago, I found myself navigating the bustling streets of Chickpet, a vibrant area in Bangalore. Narrow lanes crisscrossed with busy bylanes, and the air buzzed with the sound of commerce. Old buildings stood stoically; some were weathered by time, and others were in the process of transformation. The streets were alive with traders managing their wares and customers. Amid this lively chaos, my colleague Manjunath Krishna and I set out to meet people whose quiet determination often goes unnoticed.
We encountered three young labourers working diligently on a small construction site, installing electrical fittings. They had arrived in Bangalore six months earlier from a village in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, drawn by the hope of a better livelihood. Back in their village, opportunities were scarce, and they had taken a leap of faith to build a future here. Encouraged by friends and fellow villagers already employed in similar jobs, they decided to try their luck.
Their journey was nothing short of courageous. None of them had any technical skills when they left home, but their belief in their ability to learn kept them going. The day we met them, just six months later, they had become confident in their new roles, handling electrical work with growing expertise.
These young bachelors share a rented room, pooling their resources to afford a modest but decent place to live. Their day begins early, with work hours stretching from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They cook their meals, which serves two purposes: saving money and preserving the familiar taste of their hometown cuisine. Sundays are their only day off, a time they spend socializing and relaxing with friends.
One tool that stands out in their lives is the smartphone. Most of them own large-screen devices that have become indispensable. Smartphones help them stay connected with family and friends, providing a vital lifeline to their roots. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are not just a source of connection but also entertainment. One worker we met is even a budding influencer on Instagram, creating reels that engage a growing audience.
During lunch breaks, these phones provide moments of respite, offering access to videos, news, and updates from around the world. Affordable mobile data, thanks to India’s low costs, has made this possible, enabling blue-collar workers to consume content and remain informed and entertained.
Despite their hard work, these workers often live paycheck to paycheck, with limited time or resources to invest in skill development. This lack of access to training traps them in a cycle that is hard to escape.
Breaking this cycle requires innovative thinking. Mobile technology, which is already an integral part of their lives, offers a promising solution. By creating accessible, easy-to-consume content tailored to their needs, we can help them learn new skills on the go. Short videos or interactive modules on work practices and tools could empower them to grow professionally without disrupting their daily lives.
Helping blue-collar workers upskill isn’t just an economic imperative; it’s a moral one. It calls for creativity, commitment, and collaboration to design solutions that truly make a difference. Mobile technology holds the potential to bridge the gap, providing these workers with the tools they need to build brighter futures—one step at a time.
The story of the three labourers in Chickpet is a testament to the resilience and potential of blue-collar workers. With the right support, their journey can inspire many more to dream big and achieve even more.
Fabrication owners and contractors often operate in small-scale factories with limited resources and a tight group of laborers. The success of their projects hinges on timely execution, making labor reliability and availability critical. However, the challenges they face in managing labor are multifaceted, and their implications ripple through the entire sector.
The Crucial Role of Labor in Fabrication Projects:
Fabrication projects operate on strict timelines. For contractors, every delay can mean financial penalties, loss of reputation, and cascading project bottlenecks. Unlike salaried employees, daily wage laborers have no long-term commitment to the work. Their absence or frequent leaves disrupt the workflow, leaving contractors scrambling to meet deadlines.
Challenges in Labor Hiring:
Unavailability of Local Workers:
In regions with greater economic development, local workers prefer less physically demanding jobs like delivery agents or hotel staff.
This shift leaves fabrication work heavily reliant on migrant labor from states such as West Bengal, Bihar, and other northern states.
Limited Hiring Resources:
There are no dedicated platforms like LinkedIn or Naukri.com tailored to this unorganized labor market.
Hiring primarily depends on referrals from existing workers, which is unreliable and inconsistent.
No Formal Agreements:
The absence of formal hiring contracts or agreements creates a major challenge. Workers often leave jobs without notice, leaving contractors in the lurch.
Legal recourse is nonexistent, as the informal hiring structure lacks enforceable terms.
Skill Deficits:
Many laborers lack the basic skills required for fabrication work. Training them from scratch is a time-intensive process, with the pace of learning varying widely between individuals.
The Need for Organization in an Unorganized Sector:
The fabrication industry, like many other unorganized sectors, suffers from systemic inefficiencies. A lack of proper hiring mechanisms, skill development programs, and labor retention strategies exacerbates the challenges contractors face. Organizing this sector is not just an option but a necessity for long-term sustainability.
Potential Solutions:
Development of Labor-Specific Hiring Platforms:
Creating online platforms tailored to fabrication and related industries could connect contractors with skilled and semi-skilled laborers.
These platforms could include features like skill certifications, job history tracking, and reviews from past employers.
Skill Development Programs:
Government or private organizations could establish training programs to prepare laborers for fabrication work, ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers.
Providing certifications for trained workers would also improve their employability and reliability.
Formalizing Employment Contracts:
Introducing formal agreements, even in daily wage setups, could create accountability. Simple contracts outlining notice periods or commitments can make a significant difference.
Worker Incentives:
Offering incentives like regular work schedules, performance-based bonuses, or accommodation could encourage laborers to stay longer and perform better.
The fabrication industry stands at a crossroads, where challenges in labor management threaten its growth and stability. While the sector remains largely unorganized, there is immense potential to bring about positive change through innovative hiring practices, skill development, and worker retention strategies. For fabrication owners and contractors, addressing these issues is not just about survival—it’s about paving the way for a more structured and efficient future.
Life along the serene coastal regions of West Bengal holds its own charm, but for Biswajith and Ranjith, two 15-year-old school dropouts, the rural landscape was a daily reminder of their struggles. Both boys were daily wage workers, living hand-to-mouth, often uncertain if they could afford their next meal. Each morning, they would set out on their bicycles, scanning the village and nearby areas for work that could earn them a few rupees to support their families. Despite their best efforts, their earnings barely covered household expenses.
One fine day, Ranjith returned with exciting news. A neighbor had shared details about job opportunities in Bangalore, a city he described as vibrant, fast-paced, and full of promise. Intrigued, Biswajith listened intently as Ranjith painted a picture of city life: skyscrapers, bustling streets, and an array of job opportunities. For Biswajith, this was a chance to break free from the monotony of rural life and contribute meaningfully to his family.
After much discussion and encouragement from their parents, the boys were referred to a fabrication factory in Bangalore by a friend. With dreams in their eyes and a plan in place, they boarded a train to the city, leaving their village behind.
Stepping foot in Bangalore was like entering a different world for the boys. The city’s modern lifestyle and constant movement left Biswajith stunned. They managed to find a small room with a kitchen that barely accommodated three people but was enough to call home.
Their first day at the factory was daunting. As complete beginners, they started as helpers earning INR 400 per day. The work was physically demanding, but Ranjith adapted quickly, determined to master the skills needed for growth in fabrication. Biswajith, however, began exploring other opportunities in the city.
While Ranjith stayed focused on the fabrication job, learning welding, grinding, and painting, Biswajith decided to try his hand at being a waiter in a restaurant. The job offered a monthly salary of INR 12,000, food, and accommodation. Initially, the offer seemed promising, but the long 12-hour shifts and frequent encounters with demanding customers made it challenging for him.
Ranjith, on the other hand, continued to grow in his role at the factory. With the support of his friends, he learned quickly, got better at using machinery, and received an increment of INR 500 per day within five months. His persistence paid off, and after a year, he was promoted to assistant fitter, earning INR 800 per day.
Meanwhile, Biswajith struggled to find his footing, frequently switching jobs in search of better conditions and higher pay. His inability to settle into a single role kept him stuck at a base salary below INR 12,000, leaving him frustrated and financially unstable.
A year in Bangalore transformed both boys in different ways. Ranjith’s dedication and willingness to learn brought him stability and growth, proving that perseverance could lead to success. For Biswajith, the lesson was harder: finding comfort and higher pay isn’t easy without commitment and skill-building.
Their story is a reflection of many young individuals migrating to cities with dreams of a better life. While the journey may be fraught with challenges, focus, adaptability, and hard work can pave the way to a brighter future. For Biswajith, the hope of settling into a stable role remains, inspired by Ranjith’s progress and the opportunities that still await in the city of dreams.
