The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
Kanchan Meghwal, 19-years old, hails from Sujangarh, Rajasthan. She has navigated a life shaped by financial struggles and caste-based discrimination. After losing her father at the age of 10, she watched her family struggle to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Kanchan has continued her education and is now in the final year of her Bachelor of Arts degree, working as an MGNREGA mate and a domestic help to fund her studies.
“I pay my college fees by working as an MGNREGA mate, where I supervise laborers at various sites, such as parks, and record their attendance. Instead of engaging in manual labor, I applied for the mate position because people told me I was qualified for the role. It also allows me to continue my studies. Right now, I am preparing for an examination to become a jailor, which would provide me with a stable and permanent job.”
Read her full story below. Profile by Jaisica Tanwar.
Jaisica: Can you tell me about yourself? Where are you from?
Kanchan: I am from Sujangarh, a small town in Churu District, Rajasthan. I belong to a Scheduled Caste family. Currently, I am in the final year of my Bachelor of Arts degree.
My father passed away when I was 10 years old. Since then, my family has struggled financially. I live with my blind grandfather, mother, and younger sister. My elder brother had to drop out of school to support us financially and now works as a laborer in a granite mine in Andhra Pradesh. My elder sister is married.
My mother works as a domestic worker. She is the backbone of our family and our biggest source of support.
Jaisica: What were your ambitions as a child?
Kanchan: As a child, I dreamed of becoming a constable. However, life took a different turn after my father passed away and our financial situation worsened. The burden of financial struggles forced me to set my ambitions aside. My mother’s frequent health issues have made things even more difficult, and over time, I had to adapt to a life of challenges and compromises.
Jaisica: As you mentioned, you are pursuing your graduation. How do you manage to pay your college fees given your financial situation?
Kanchan: I pay my college fees by working as an MGNREGA mate, where I supervise laborers at various sites, such as parks, and record their attendance. Instead of engaging in manual labor, I applied for the mate position because people told me I was qualified for the role. It also allows me to continue my studies.
I earn ₹6,000 per month, but the job is temporary, lasting only 125 days a year. Once the term ends, I have to find other sources of income. To make ends meet, I also work as a domestic help, doing sweeping and mopping in households. When additional funds are needed, my mother takes out loans to cover our expenses.
Right now, I am preparing for an examination to become a jailor, which would provide me with a stable and permanent job.
Jaisica: What skills have you acquired at your workplace?
Kanchan: I have learned the importance of cooperation, supporting others, and prioritising community welfare. My work has taught me to contribute to society in meaningful ways rather than focusing solely on myself. I actively participate in community initiatives like planting trees and repairing pipelines. At times, I even spend my own earnings on these welfare efforts to make a difference.
Jaisica: Why do you spend your money on such activities despite facing financial challenges?
Kanchan: I believe that animals, like humans, deserve food and care to survive. For me, caring for nature and contributing to its preservation isn’t a choice—it’s a responsibility.
Jaisica: What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Kanchan: My day as a mate starts at 10 AM and continues until 4 PM. After finishing work, I return home and help my mother with household chores.
Jaisica: What is your workplace like? Are you treated fairly and with respect?
Kanchan: Yes, I am treated with respect at my workplace, regardless of my age or family background. I really like my work as a MGNREGA mate.
However, in school, my classmates would refuse to share their food with me and mock me for being a Meghwal’s daughter. When working as a maid, I have often face discrimination from upper-caste families—many Jats and Brahmins don’t allow me to touch their water pots or utensils because of my caste.
Jaisica: What are your thoughts about youth employment?
Kanchan: I believe there are plenty of job opportunities available for the youth, but many people are unaware of them. For instance, I learned about the MNREGA mate post through e-Mitra. Now, I use an app to stay updated on new job vacancies.
I would like the government to focus on creating more employment opportunities for young people. I also think that the government should make the position of a mate permanent to provide better job security.
Jaisica: Do you have any message for the government regarding the betterment of your community?
Kanchan: I want to share something very close to my heart. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar dreamed of a society free from caste-based discrimination, and while we’ve come a long way, there’s still so much to do.
Basic necessities- like access to water- should never be denied to anyone based on caste. Caste-based discrimination violates fundamental human rights. Every individual deserves dignity and equal respect, regradless of their caste or background. I just hope the government takes stronger steps to make Ambedkar’s dream a reality.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from young workers across India. Follow us on social media for more updates.
Share this post