Contract Labour in Construction Industry By S. N. Guha Thakurta

Contract Labour in Construction Industry: (An Empirical Study with Reference to Tripura) By S. N. Guha Thakurta

Book Description

This groundbreaking study examines the conditions of labor in India's construction industry, focusing on the often-overlooked realities faced by workers. Based on extensive field research conducted in Tripura, the author highlights the casual nature of employment within the sector, attributed to seasonal fluctuations in construction activity and the lack of multi-skilled laborers. These factors lead to instability in employment and contribute to the industry's fragmented operations.

The book argues that maintaining a consistent level of construction investment, coupled with strategic scheduling of activities, could significantly reduce intermittent unemployment among laborers. Additionally, the author challenges common perceptions regarding wage determination for low-paid construction workers, asserting that the prevailing cost of living does not accurately reflect their wages, which are inadequately captured by official minimum wage regulations. This regressive nature of minimum wages adversely impacts labor productivity and overall well-being.

This comprehensive study fills a critical gap in labor economics literature and serves as a vital resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in the intricacies of labor conditions in India.

About the Author

S. N. Guha Thakurta is a Reader in Economics at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Calcutta University in 1972 and has an extensive teaching background, having worked at various institutions including M.B.B. College and Calcutta University. His scholarly contributions span numerous publications in respected journals such as Economic and Political Weekly and Tripura Review, alongside authoring a book on Tripura under the National Book Trust, India.

Acknowledgment

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have supported this study. I am especially grateful to Professors Mani Bhushan Suryal and T. S. Papola for their insightful suggestions, and to Dr. S. N. Sen, Dr. Kartik Lahiri, and others for their encouragement and assistance. I appreciate the North-Eastern Hill University for its financial support in publishing this work, though the views expressed herein are solely my own. I also thank the construction firms, contractors, and laborers who participated in my field investigation for their invaluable insights.

Introduction

The transformation of landscapes—from wild rivers to serene lakes and from bramble-covered terrain to bustling townships—has been driven by the labor of countless individuals in the construction industry. This study seeks to shed light on the often-invisible workers behind these monumental achievements. While much of the literature on Indian labor has focused on organized labor, particularly in agriculture, there is a significant gap regarding contract labor in the construction sector.

Previous studies have touched on various aspects of labor conditions, yet comprehensive analysis remains lacking. The present work, an abridged and updated version of my Ph.D. thesis, aims to fill this void by addressing the unique challenges faced by contract laborers in the construction industry. With a focus on the intricacies of employment stability, wage determination, and the broader implications for labor policy, this research provides essential insights into the state of labor in India’s evolving construction landscape.