Methodology: Photographs, Case Studies, Observations
Language: Marathi
Catalysts: Ajit Abhang
Youth Fellows:
Kavita Khare
Sachin Lungase
Pratiksha Khare
Pravin Khare
Amit Gadage
Coordinator:
Anita Patil-Deshmukh
About the Subject:
This group of researchers was a mixture of college students and friends, with one common bond besides friendship. A few of them were children of “Naka Kamgar” that special group of workers who are drawn to Mumbai from the hinterlands and try to get a gainful employment in the city. Their search for work proceeds in a unique manner. Each day morning they gather in small groups around specific cross sections of the roads (Naka) in particular localities. The employers, mostly from the construction industry, pick up workers from here on daily wage basis. The group of researchers wanted to study the working conditions of such workers, their safety issues, exploitative practices which are common among such situations and their aspirations for their children.
Challenges & Learnings:
The group struggled with the time commitment required for the project since they all were learners and earners at the same time. There was some tension between them in narrowing down the geographical area of research since they all lived and worked in different communities. Once they started the interview process, they also realized the depth with which they needed to expand the interview process to cull out the real information since it involved issue of personal dignity, job security and loss of time on the part on the interviewee. The research process not only imparted the skills of various kinds in the researchers but biggest gain for them was the realization of the abysmal conditions of these workers. This experience changed their sensitivities about issues related to labor, markets and human rights.
Conclusion:
The working conditions of the Naka Kamgar were abysmal in many ways including practices of exploitation, lack of security, both work and physical and poor wages.
End Product:
They successfully created a well designed and well written book comprising of the case studies and photographs.
