Zirenthung Yanthan: One of my relatives is “mistiri” and has local “jukalis” under him. He has become an expert now for constructing buildings. Once a man from our community decided to construct a building, knowing this my “mistiri” relative approached him to let him construct his house, to give him the 'Thika' (contract). The owner told him that he will think about it. One month just passed by and no news of confirmation from the owner. After some weeks, trucks came day after day carrying bricks, sand, cements, etc etc. My relative overwhelmed seeing those went again to approach him for the second time. What an unlucky day for him , the owner had already given contract to a non-local labour (Thikadar), so speechless with his face turned red and a broken heart he just went back home. So he came at our home after two or three days and started sharing us this story to us. I was touched when he said "had he given me the opportunity I would have worked with my local labours and the money will be given to our local people instead of giving it to outsiders, this is one of the reasons why our economy is very poor." Why not you and me, why others, we also can do like anyone does, let's give each other an opportunity to grow, learn and stand so that we all have a bright future.
Rozelle Mero: I feel for your relative. Here is a suggestion for future works. Get permission from owners whose house he has built to be used as reference so a potential candidate can check their work as at the end of the day no one would like to have their house used for experiment if the people are not as experienced. Secondly, when they know their work is good they don't have to under quote but at the same time not over price. And just like any laborer around the world our local people need to carry their own lunch and snacks. I have used local people in Pfutsero, some with great workmanship far better than even non locals, but would hesitate using some of them again as it is not worth the expenses they demand. On the other hand as slow as they maybe some are real craftsman and even with their quirky habits just like any artist, their work is outstanding. Have used locals in Dimapur house building with hits and misses.
Kaulakbe Zeme: It might be easier for salary paid people to completely boycott the non locals, when you don't mind paying higher prices for the same product or services. It's not the same for everyone. Some people have to save every penny they can. It's no secret that our people think their time or work or products are worth more than the non-local counterparts. I once met a local auto driver who was trying to change the stereotype of Naga autos always overcharging. It was a long ride and he told me how he never overcharged because every time he did he was just confirming the stereotype. He said this type of thinking was affecting the business of locals. I'm glad I met him. When there are more people like him, obviously every Naga would buy from their own brothers, till then there'll be some who do and who don't. I don't judge. After all it’s their own (hopefully hard-earned) money. They can do whatever they want.
Nokchem Angth: This practice isn't new to our society. Not only in a particular place but it is prevailing in almost all of our state. We talk about unemployment now and then everywhere and its eradication but we never try practically as we are too conservative for oneself. Had the Naga elite people used local youth in all their work instead of “plain manu”, we could have seen some changes but this isn't happening and it will take another decade to change our mindset. For one and all, we should try using our local youth in every work that we are doing as we find, now, the local are more sincere and dedicated than those non local. Our selfishness to save few hundred now will make us slaves in future. We all should be warned ourselves for its impact.
Visato Sale: One rejection shouldn't let anybody down. Nor a few of them. Be patient. Maybe that non local had more experience. We must compete with our skills with everybody else. Tomorrow another work will come your way. All non locals also face joblessness at some point since there are many masons out there in the market. Have other options to earn when work is less. In any profession, only the true ones will shine through amidst all obstacles. No one should be forced to do a particular job. Mostly, it will take about 5 to 10 years for a person to discover his interest, strengths and skills. We must have additional source of income if we want to live a well rounded life. But not through unfair means :-) Do farming and retail business besides your regular job. Never waste time. You will have enough time when you are well off
Rugo Iralu: If I may pitch in here, I don't think the To-be Owner is entirely to be blamed here. Mind you, it's easier said than done. While we must acknowledge the existence of highly skilled workers among the "local" populace, we are yet to see reliable and long-term workmanship which will, for once prove our efficacy and put some aging stereotypes to rest. I believe in people like the PM mentioned to keep going and gather many more young people into their fold. On our part, we too have a few strings to tighten. In my view, mastery in one particular job is much more productive than being a "jack of all trades". Also, most of us avoid "local" people in many situations as pointed out in this thread simply because we lack basic courtesy expected of a service provider. Toning down our egos just a little might do wonders here I believe. Yes, we all are for our own people but that shouldn't necessarily mean we hire/pay a service that isn't satisfactory. Our workforce should be right up there in terms of skills and customer satisfaction. Only then can we, without flexing a muscle, send those Biharis and "Bengalis'' back to their villages! If so many non-locals with no formal training can build our homes, fix our pipes, lay our tiles and connect wires in our homes, why can't we? :) We need just a dedicated few to start the fire. And as customers, I believe it is every Naga's obligation to promote another Naga's tried-tested-&-satisfactory services- even in virtual platforms like these.
