Navigating Challenges and Bias in Nagaland’s Construction Industry
In Mokokchung town, 28-year-old Chengyeih Konyak has been immersed in the building trade since 2017, after aligning with a contractor from Uttar Pradesh. Starting from foundational work to finishing, Konyak mastered all facets of construction. Despite the equal skill levels among local and non-local workers, clients often opt for non-locals due to lower rates. Konyak and others like him step in to finish projects abandoned by non-local contractors facing losses, a practice that underscores the need for a local construction workers’ union to ensure fair opportunities and standardized wages.
Kiho, an experienced builder from Dimapur, echoes Konyak’s experiences, pointing out the inconsistency in work due to the transient nature of the local workforce. Despite high skill levels, the frequent aversion to outdoor labor among young Nagas and a preference for only seasonal work make maintaining a full local team challenging. However, Kiho believes that proper training and long-term commitment could bolster the Naga construction workforce within a decade.
He notes the potential of construction work over government jobs given the exposure to varied technical aspects such as masonry, plumbing, and electrical work. Even as seasonal students join him for holiday work, maintaining a steady team is a struggle, with non-local jugali from Assam filling gaps.
Another anonymous Naga mistri recounts how disbelief in their capabilities by non-locals and clients affects opportunities. A local entrepreneur admits a bias toward non-locals due to perceived superiority in technical skill and reliability, yet trusts Naga artisans for traditional crafts. He contends that lack of exposure and change-resistant mindsets hinder Naga laborers.
This report forms part of a four-part series exploring the hurdles faced by Nagaland’s construction sector, under the Kohima Press Club and Nagaland Building Workers Welfare fellowship.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/bias-barriers-challenge-naga-labourers
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2024-11-10 03:52:00
