The “Not So Digital” Nomads
By Praketa Kumar Behera
Migrant Workers in Puducherry
In the area of Dubrayapet, near the New Light House in Puducherry, a group of 25 migrant workers has set up a makeshift home in tin and asbestos boxes. These workers are pivotal to the ongoing Smart City project, reflecting the broader narrative of urban development and the human cost associated with it.
Building the Future, while living in the shadows
A Temporary Home
For the past two years, these construction workers have faced harsh living conditions. Their shelters are basic and often inadequate for protection against the elements. When it rains, they are forced to seek refuge in the building where they work. Despite these challenges, the workers have no alternative housing options.
Resilience of Workers Behind the City’s Transformation Amid Harsh Realities
Daily Life and Work Schedule
The workers’ daily routine is gruelling. They begin work at nine in the morning and return at six in the evening, contributing to the Smart City project by SMP Pvt Ltd. Their pay ranges from ₹600 to ₹700 per day, a sum that underscores the economic struggles faced by many in the construction industry.
Day by day, brick by brick
Walking to Work
Transportation is minimal, as the construction site is conveniently located across the street. The workers predominantly walk to work, with a single company-provided bike available for any necessary errands. This lack of means to commute contributes to their isolated lifestyle. Nutrition for these workers consists of two meals a day, primarily roti at night and lentils with rice in the morning. This limited diet reflects their financial constraints and the need to stretch their earnings as far as possible.
Across the Street, Miles from Home
A Longing for Home
Most of the workers have left their families in Bihar, making their homes in Puducherry feel temporary. They rotate visits home every four to five months, striving to support their families with the little they earn. Unfortunately, they do not receive any governmental assistance or support for their living conditions.
The Invisible Cost of Urban Development
Resilience Amidst Challenges
The workers operate without formal contracts, relying on verbal agreements with their employer for future projects. This lack of job security adds to their vulnerability in an already precarious situation, as they navigate the challenges of a transient lifestyle. The lives of these migrant workers in Puducherry exemplify resilience in the face of adversity. As they contribute to the city’s development, their stories remind us of the human sacrifices behind urban progress. While they strive for a better future for their families, the conditions they endure highlight the urgent need for support and recognition of their contributions.
The untold struggle of migrant workers
Curated by: Sayni Khatun & Ankit Raj
