What this blog is all about



Construction is a labor-intensive activity. Builders outsource labor supply to contractors. These middlemen reach out to the hinterland - underdeveloped states such as Chattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh - to identify villages that can supply cheap labor in large numbers.

Agriculture is most villagers' main source of income, but it is seasonal. Their physical presence is needed for specific periods: sowing and a few months later for harvesting. What to do once their help is not needed? 

These villagers are corraled by labor suppliers and brought to construction sites - mostly to big cities and towns which are far away from their homes. Many move as a family: husband, wife, and kids. 

These farmer-turned-construction laborers live near the construction site or within to carry out the task. Building residential blocks may take two years at least. While they are busy with work, their children bereft of any schooling facility, loiter around the site. 

I live in Greater Noida (previously known as Noida Extension) for over four years and all around me are massive residential blocks coming up. Of course, Covid halted but now construction is in full swing. 

I have identified one such residential complex coming up nearby and interaction with the labor revealed parents' anxiety to get some kind of education for their kids.

I am no trained teacher. But trying to see what can be attempted on "educating" them. Actually, educating is a strong word. 

First, I need to understand their age profile, their attention span, their interest to learn.

Luckily, instead of wasting time ruminating over how to move forward, I jumped into the fray.

In this blog, I try to capture the unfolding scenario as honestly as possible. 


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