Of masons, electricians, plumbers and painters

After almost a year since its announcement the Government of Nagaland has finally launched the Year of Construction Workers recently. It is indeed smart step  since the need for more local masons and other workers in the construction sector are in demand and have been elucidated by many leaders and observers for quite some time. Earlier probes were mainly  concentrated on the economic benefits that one can get by venturing into this sector, that is usually dominated by the non-locals at present. The hard data revealed through the  recent survey by National Skill Development Corporation and Deloitte that by the year 2022 the demand of workers would rise to 146300 should actually be the conviction factor for these programmes to be successful.

In Nagaland with the predominantly tribal population, the concept of dignity of labour was quite common and the concept is still relevant. However, Nagaland is also the land of the ‘Feasts of merit’ and the contact with the outside world has opened the horizon for all. Every Naga these days have their own versions of the feasts of merit and everyone aspires to hold at least one in their lifetime. The predominantly tribal population of cultivators are now replaced by a hosts of supposed wealthy people and their feasts of merit. So the Naga dignity of labour somehow took a beating and it is yet to recover. The final nail in the coffin was the freely available government jobs for the people with the right connections and associations. So even for the unschooled, a job as a sweeper, a gardener, a cleaner and a host of other Grade IV employment in the government sector is always more secure and prestigious than a construction worker. It also ensured that the new found status the locals enjoy especially in their social and religious gatherings is not disturbed by taking up any non-conventional jobs.

The construction sector is one of the most lucrative forms of profession at every level with quick returns to the services put in. Not only masonry and electrification, the simple job of painting newly constructed buildings and also plumbing are highly in demand with rise in urbanisation. The country as a whole is also seeing a continued rise in real estate with the housing sector contributing  5-6 percent of the GDP. Unlike the many programmes that the state government have initiated over the years with many not achieving its objectives, this current programme is already tested and it is expected to be a success as long as it is handled by professionals like Zynorique and Youth Net. However, along with the skill, Nagas also need to be taught how to survive in the profession. Moreover, after the festivities, the photo ops and the singing of songs are over what will really matter is the number of Nagas who considers that even as a construction worker  there is a Mithun to be found in that profession for his feast of merit.