Noida Airport Inauguration Highlights Job Insecurity for Local Youths
In Jewar, the atmosphere is celebratory with the formal inauguration of Noida International Airport, poised to open soon. However, this joy is tempered by deep-seated anxiety among many local youths who have been working as contractors on the airport project. As the first phase of construction begins to wrap up, they fear that their employment prospects are dwindling, leaving them in a precarious position.
Uncertain Futures Amid Promised Opportunities
The question on everyone's mind is: What next? For these workers, aligning their futures with the airport's development is a source of worry. While they are certain the project will bring numerous job opportunities to Jewar, the specifics of how and when this will happen remain unclear. Should they wait patiently or seek employment elsewhere? This dilemma affects roughly 1,000 workers employed in various roles, from housekeeping and plumbing to welding and machine operation.
These individuals report that no permanent positions have been offered, no medical coverage has been extended, and there is no clarity on whether their contracts will continue as the site transitions from construction to an operational airport. The lack of job security is a significant concern, with contracts typically running from one month to a year, depending on project needs.
Personal Stories of Struggle and Sacrifice
Mahendra Ambedkar, a BSc graduate with diplomas in computer science, IT, and civil engineering, exemplifies this struggle. Previously earning Rs 25,000 per month as a lab assistant at a Delhi hospital, he now makes Rs 14,000 monthly as a contractual worker at the airport site, taking on any odd jobs assigned. He lost his hospital job during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been working at the airport for the past 10 months. His family sacrificed 10 bigha of land for the airport project, receiving Rs 46 lakh in compensation. "After I lost my job, I started working here because it is near my home in Jewar Banger. The income is lower than before, but at least there was employment in the area," he said.
For many like Ambedkar, the gap between promised opportunities and reality is stark, measured not just in reduced pay but also in the absence of stability. Yash Kumar, a 20-year-old from Taharpur village, earns around Rs 14,000 monthly working eight to nine hours a day. His family, traditionally farmers, now has little land left, forcing them to seek work. "At the airport, there are many types of jobs, and I never refuse any work," he said. However, after expenses like petrol, food, electricity, and contributions to his siblings' education, little remains. "And now even that income is uncertain. Since the last few weeks, the new contractor has not given me any job," he added.
Skill Development Amidst Insecurity
Abhishek Kumar, 21, also from Taharpur, has used the airport site to build skills in areas like installing window panes, assisting with electrical work, painting, and general maintenance. Yet, he laments the uncertainty. "Contracts are usually short-term. There is no medical insurance or any other aid. We do high-risk jobs. There should be some safety for us," he emphasized.
Suraj, 24, from Jewar, joined the site in 2019 with no prior skills and has learned construction work by shadowing others. "Now I assist in construction and related work. I want a permanent job in future," he expressed, highlighting the desire for long-term employment.
Diverse Workforce and Regional Impact
Job roles at the site are varied, including:
- Housekeeping
- Loading and unloading
- Plumbing
- Welding assistance
- Carpentry
- Electrical work
- Machine operation
- Driving
- General labour
Workers often take whatever tasks are available daily, with no guarantee of continuity. According to a site supervisor, approximately 200 to 300 workers are from Jewar itself, while the rest come from districts across Uttar Pradesh, such as Gorakhpur, Aligarh, and Bulandshahr, as well as from Bihar. This regional draw underscores the project's broader economic impact, yet the lack of secure employment threatens to undermine these benefits for the local community.
As Noida International Airport moves towards operation, the celebratory mood in Jewar is shadowed by the pressing concerns of contract workers facing an uncertain future. Their stories reveal a critical need for clearer job pathways and better security measures to ensure that the airport's promises translate into tangible opportunities for those who helped build it.
