As Nagaland’s urban landscape transforms with modern infrastructure, the efforts of construction workers-both local and migrant-are shaping cities like Kohima.
These workers, from skilled bricklayers to those building retaining walls, blend traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. However, their contributions come at a cost, as they face financial instability, harsh working conditions, and limited awareness of available support, highlighting the challenges behind the region’s architectural progress.
A significant portion of Nagaland’s construction workforce in urban centers like Kohima and Dimapur hails from Eastern Nagaland, especially from the Konyak community, according to T. Chubayanger, CEO of the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB). These workers endure gruelling conditions, balancing back-breaking labor with financial hardships as they strive to provide for their families.
Awang Konyak, a 22-year-old from Pukha village in Mon district, typifies the struggles faced by these workers. After moving to Kohima in search of employment, Awang found work in construction, taking on tasks such as building retaining walls and shuttering for RCC projects.
Earning a daily wage of Rs 600, Awang supports his family and contributes to his siblings’ education, but the irregular work and unpredictable wages leave him struggling to make ends meet. In the rainy season, when construction halts, Awang returns home to assist his parents with paddy cultivation.
Another young worker, Banjam Wangsu, 19, also from Pukha village, relocated to Kohima 10 months ago. Having left school after class VIII to support his family, Banjam faces challenges finding consistent work.
Despite his willingness to take on various labor jobs, he often experiences long stretches without employment, especially during the monsoon. He shares a rented house with fellow workers, pooling resources and supporting each other in their job searches.
On better months, Banjam earns up to Rs 13,000, but rainy seasons reduce his opportunities. Despite his efforts, he remains unaware of government welfare schemes designed for construction workers.
Among the more experienced workers is 27-year-old Alon Konyak from Shanghahmokok village, who mentors younger laborers. However, he laments the irregular payments from employers, sometimes forcing workers to borrow money to survive. Alon takes on the dual responsibility of supporting his family while guiding his peers through the difficulties of urban labor.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Jeilei Wangsha, who left school after class IX, reflects on the difficult trade-offs between education and earning money. Despite the physical toll and inconsistent work, he earns Rs 500 a day when employed and sends money home when possible. Jeilei acknowledges the struggle but remains determined, saying, “Sometimes I feel like giving up, but there’s no other option.”
These stories reveal a growing shift in perceptions. Despite stereotypes that local workers lack discipline, these young labourers are proving otherwise, contributing tirelessly to Nagaland’s urban transformation, brick by brick, while facing financial insecurity and limited support.
In Kohima’s expanding infrastructure scene, Dinesh Raj, 35, from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, has stood out for his 20-year presence in the city. Drawn by the cooler climate and work opportunities, Dinesh built a life far from home. Despite sending money to support his family, he faces challenges in finding consistent work. “On a good day, I earn Rs 800, but work depends on the weather and material availability,” he shared.
Similarly, Saidul Sheikh, 23, from Dhubri, Assam, finds construction work in Nagaland attractive due to its higher wages. Supporting his mother and siblings, Saidul juggles his time between Dhubri’s farms and Kohima’s construction sites. Despite earning up to Rs 15,000 in a good month, rainy seasons leave him without work for weeks.
These workers, along with many locals, share a common story—forced into labor at a young age due to financial hardships. They navigate between rural life’s demands and the need to survive in the city, while battling irregular payments and unpredictable employment.
Despite their essential role in Nagaland’s urban development, many remain unaware of welfare benefits under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996.
The Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) offers programs like Ayushman Bharat health insurance, education allowances, and maternity benefits, yet workers like Awang, Banjam, Alon, Jeilei, Dinesh, and Saidul remain disconnected from these vital schemes. Their stories highlight the need for greater awareness and support to uplift the backbone of Nagaland’s construction sector.