The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
Chinmay Swain, 29 years old, was once a construction worker in Pondicherry. Now, he supervises a team of 15 workers on a construction site. Balancing seasonal employment, physical risk, and family responsibilities, Chinmay reflects on the choices that shaped his path.
“I’ve been promoted to the role of construction supervisor, and with that, my salary has increased significantly. I’m also seen as a leader on-site, which brings a certain level of respect. I have been a worker myself in Pondicherry and I know the challenges that come with the job. The nature of this work is highly seasonal— once the project is done we have to search for other sites. It’s a bit easier now with job search apps, but even then, the wages don’t always match the amount of physical effort the work demands.”
Read his full story below. Profile by Vaishnavi Bhat.
Vaishnavi: Hello, can you please tell us something about yourself?
Chinmay: My name is Chinmay Swain, and I’m 29 years old. I was born and raised in Ganjam, Odisha, and lived there until I was 21. Currently, I work as a construction supervisor in Bangalore, where we’re working on a project to build the district police headquarters. I’m an only child—my parents were farmers until recently, and my wife and children now live with them.
I first got into construction work at a time when many people from our town were migrating south in search of better opportunities. A friend who had already been through that journey suggested that I look for work in Pondicherry. I was a construction worker there for about 5-6 years.
Vaishnavi: What does a typical day of work look like for you?
Chinmay: I’ve been in Bangalore for about two months now, where I’m currently working as a construction supervisor. Initially I had a lot to learn, but now I’ve settled into the role.
There are around 350 workers on-site, working in two shifts. I manage the day shift, which runs from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and I lead a team of 15 workers.
My job involves assigning roles, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and submitting regular progress reports to my civil head. The responsibilities keep changing based on the development of the project. I oversaw the delivery and efficient use of materials, managed expenses, and helped hire suitable labour. These days, my focus is more on communication, coordinating with the workers and reporting our progress to the higher management.
Vaishnavi: Do you feel satisfied with your current role and work conditions?
Chinmay: If you are asking me now, yes. I’ve been promoted to the role of construction supervisor, and with that, my salary has increased significantly. I’m also seen as a leader on-site, which brings a certain level of respect. I have been a worker myself in Pondicherry and I know the challenges that come with the job.
The nature of this work is highly seasonal— once the project is done we have to search for other sites. It’s a bit easier now with job search apps, but even then, the wages don’t always match the amount of physical effort the work demands.
That said, some things have improved. All workers, including myself, are provided quarters to stay in, about two kilometres from the site, and we’re given lunch every day. We also receive monthly health check-ups as we are subjected to all kinds of respiratory and sight related risks. So that's a plus point. It at least ensures the workers stay until construction is done.
Vaishnavi: What challenges do you face in this line of work?
Chinmay: As I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges is the seasonal nature of the job. Even though there are many construction sites, not all are open to hiring labourers midway through a project. Then there are a lot of physical hazards - safety is one big concern. Even with proper PPE—like gloves, boots, and hard hats—and safety training, the risk of injury is always present. We carry the heavy materials on hard terrain, falls and slips are quite normal.
The summer months make things even tougher. This particular project was supposed to be completed by last May, but there were a lot of delays and instances of labourers running away. I just hope we complete before the end of April.
Vaishnavi: Did you always plan to work in construction?
Chinmay: Not at all. I was pursuing a Bachelor's degree in History but had to leave it midway due to family pressure to work on the farm. I never imagined I’d end up in construction. And it was difficult - the journey from being unemployed for more than six months to construction supervisor. Fortunately, I had some contacts back in my village who were already in the field and helped me get started.
For now, I plan to continue in this job. I can’t afford to take the risk of switching, as it would put a financial strain on my family. Though my wife also works, I know that if I leave this I will cause a burden on my family. My wife also works, but we have two young children—aged four and one and a half—and we’re doing our best to give them the quality education that neither of us had growing up.
Vaishnavi: What advice would you like to give to people who want to join your field?
Chinmay: Always go for a job that gives you security, that's all I would say. If you study well, there are opportunities out there that not only pay better but also come with additional benefits. Construction work should be seen as a last resort or backup option—not your first choice.
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.
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