Political parties provide golden opportunity for scores of Mumbaikars to earn a quick buck through campaign work
Bandra resident Mohan More has been super busy for the past 10 days. More, a delivery boy with a prominent courier company, has taken leave for two weeks to help a party with electioneering for the October 15 polls. Two meals apart, the part-time job is yielding him Rs800 a day. More couldn't be happier. The 'poll income' will be no less than a fat Diwali bonus, which, otherwise, is a dream for him.
"Our company gives us a Diwali bonus, but that barely suffices for all that we would want to do in Diwali. For the past three years, I couldn't buy new clothes for my family, but this year, I hope to buy them something," said the 25-year-old.
Like More, many others are thronging daily party offices for a quick buck. They are mostly employed for four to five hours and there are usually two shifts in a day. The jobs includes participating in rallies, distributing pamphlets, and other clerical jobs such as preparing voter slips and distributing them among residents. As poll date nears, the rate goes up. It could go up to around Rs2,000 a day.
Mohan Kelkar, 30, another delivery boy, is working back-to-back for both shifts. The Tardeo resident makes Rs8,000 a month. Kelkar's wife, who works as a domestic help, too has grabbed the opportunity. The couple has two children.
"Our total salaries do not cross Rs12,000 a month. This extra money means a lot to us. Not only, will it take care of our Diwali expenses, but also help us save some. While I do a double shift, my wife works for a single shift," said Kelkar, who has taken leave for a fortnight from his regular job.
Kelkar's wife, Janki said, "Crackers are so expensive. I have never been able to buy them for my children. This year, hopefully we can, and our children can participate in the neighbourhood celebrations. I will also use a portion of the money to make Diwali sweets."
Janki, like many other domestic helps and others from unorganised sectors, is expecting some goodies as well. "Some of my friends and relatives had got sarees and crockery sets during the April polls. I too hope to get some gifts for the hours I am putting in."
On their choice party that should form the next government, Kelkar grinned, "I am not bothered. They are all the same. I am only concerned about my Diwali bonus."
For many unemployed youth, the poll season gives them some sense of satisfaction as they can earn some money. "Who won't mind making an extra buck during festivals, especially when you have all the time?" asked Ketan Parab, a 23-year-old from a Goregaon chawl. Parab graduated last year.
Homemakers, too, don't mind joining the bandwagon. Sharda Parmar from Kandivli, said, "I don't usually step out of my home for work, but I'm doing it only for Diwali. I have to take out only three hours a day, for which I am getting Rs600. I don't mind making some quick buck."
In any case, who would?
(Names have been changed to protect identities)
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