Introduction
A dual objective of improved livelihoods of building artisans and efficient delivery of ‘green habitat services’ in Bundelkhand has been the driver for the formation of the TARA Karigar Mandal. The Mandal was formally launched at the International Habitat day on October 2, 2007. This association of trained and trainee artisans from 50 villages around the operations of TARAgrams in Orchha, Datia and Pahuj has begun in a modest way to address the concerns of skill and workmanship improvement, introduction of green building skills and linking trained artisans with emerging job opportunities. Its list of activities in one year alone indicates a potential of organised services delivery for eco-building services in the Bundelkhand region.

It is expected that the Mandal will help to institutionalise the skill and technology in the area. It will facilitate regular livelihood and better income opportunities for its members. In addition to skill and livelihood concerns, the Mandal has resolved to address welfare issues of the associated artisans, such as insurance cover, savings, literacy, etc. Work ethics and quality control in construction works, training and certification, collective negotiating power for better and sustained livelihoods and accrued social benefits for the member masons are some important areas where the association aspires to work in. In its one year of in operation, the Mandal has achieved several milestones.

How Far Have We Reached?
Till date, almost 120 masons from villages of Bundelkhand have been trained directly under masons’ training programmes and have further received practical learning on a variety of sustainable cost-effective building practices promoted by Development Alternatives (DA) and TARA Nirman Kendra through their rural habitat and infrastructure work in Bundelkhand. The training is through special programmes organised as well as on-the-job in the projects of TARA Nirman Kendra. Pre-fabricated flat roofing options, twin pit latrine construction and the construction of Dinbandhu pattern household biogas plants have been introduced.

Recently, 25 masons were trained on 5 types of roofing options. Trained masons are linked to house owners in the region for the construction of new homes or extensions to existing ones. In the past one year alone, 12 pairs of artisans have serviced the housing needs of over 50 families through the associated rural housing initiatives of DA.
Trained masons also provide trainer services to distant projects. Three trained masons have been linked for a period of approximately nine months to a rehabilitation project at Karaikal, Puducherri, providing on-the-job training to masons of local petty contractors. In addition, 67 artisans were linked to the Puducherri project and have both provided services and gained experience on disaster-resistant construction, concreting and carpentry works. Trainer services are also being provided to a CSR initiative of the Ambuja Cements in Bhatinda.

The Way Forward
The Office of DA at TARAgram Orchha provides secretariat support to the Mandal. It maintains a growing database of trained artisans and also facilitates training programmes and livelihood linkages.

The Mandal is all set to test out a mason’s design tool to facilitate their interactions with their client base. The tool is an interactive catalogue of house designs and technology options with linked cost estimates. It is hoped that this tool will help the delivery of habitat services in a more efficient manner in Bundelkhand.
 
Challenges before the Mandal are recognition of their skill up gradation through certification by a credible agency. The TARA Nirman Kendra provides certificates to trained masons and DA is exploring ways to link the artisans to standard assessment systems and also connect them with government projects and private construction companies on the rise in the region.

The TARA Karigar Mandal has resolved to provide its efficient services and act as a promoter of eco-friendly construction material and green building technology in both rural and urban areas. TARA Karigar Mandal has defined its direction and is gaining momentum to achieve new heights.

In order to accomplish efficient delivery systems for habitat services, to ensure the regular livelihood of masons and to protect their rights, the concept of Artisans Guild was developed on a primary basis. Masons are the potential ‘agents of change’ for improved rural habitat conditions if their basic capacities are built to meet the needs and expectations of the clients. DA’s endeavours for masons’ capacity building have marched towards the formation of a masons’ association.

The Mandal has various advantages. It will work for the welfare of artisans and their family. It ensures that the artisans of the area as a group become sensitive to the needs and condition of the rural people in housing. Marketable skills will be established, as will be a labour market intelligence system. Considering the present scenario, there is an increasing demand of skilled labour on account of globalisation and changes in technology as well as work processes. Production has been getting globalised and financial markets the world over are becoming integrated. As per the classification of the ‘Report of the working group on Skill Development and Training, there are 8% skilled, 13% semi skilled and 79% unskilled workers available in the construction sector. This reflects the growing demand of trained artisans as agents of change in current times. q

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