Trend and Variation in the Supply of the Construction Workers in the Urban Housing Sector of Assam, India

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: The study aims at examining the supply trend and variation in the supply of the construction workers in the urban housing sector of Assam, and providing suggestions for policy measures in line of the findings of the study. Methodology: The present study has been conducted in 90 construction sites selected purposively in 10 sample towns of different categories in the Brahmaputra valley of the state. In total 450 workers have been randomly selected taking at least 5 workers from each sample site, and 30 contractors/ builders of first class category taking one from each 3 (three) construction sites. Main Findings: Supplies of building construction workers (BCWs) in sample areas as well as construction workers (CWs) in the state are growing faster than the total labor supply. However, employment opportunities for BCWs have not increased satisfactorily, with many BCWs remaining unemployed during the slack season. Applications of this Study/Social Implication: To tackle the problem of over-supply of BCWs in the state coupled with limited demand for them, the study calls for government action to implement appropriate policy measures to keep family size in check and to rationalize the use of machines in this sector. Originality/Novelty of the Study: The earlier studies have avoided the inquiry into the supply aspect of BCWs. Secondly; this aspect of the construction workers in housing sector has not so far been studied in the state.