As people hesitate to call outsiders to home, getting work is daily struggle for this plumber

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 6

“Though markets are opening and shop timings are being extended, it would take time for things to go back to normal. People are hesitating in calling outsiders to their homes and are delaying their works. Customers’ ability to spend has reduced. Moreover, the construction work has seen a dip. Now, everybody thinks twice before spending,” says Rakesh Kumar.

I don’t get work daily. It is my old customers who call me for some urgent work. The shopkeeper from whose shop I used to procure ration gave me essentials without asking for money. He even offered monetary help — Rakesh Kumar, PLUMBER

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Like other migrants, the 40-year-old plumber also wanted to go back to his native place in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, but with the support of his regular customers and friends he survived the hardships faced during the lockdown.

“I don’t get work daily. It is my old customers who call me for some urgent work. The shopkeeper from whose shop I used to procure ration gave me essentials without asking for money. He even offered monetary help,” he adds.

“I have never seen such difficult times in my life. It was unprecedented,” Rakesh says.

Earlier, I used to earn around Rs15,000 per month. Now, it has come down one fourth. Similar is the case with shops selling sanitary material. “I have to pay rent, electricity bills or other expenditures. Nothing is left with me in the name of saving,” adds Kumar.

Since, the easing of lockdown restrictions, we are taking every precaution. I cover my face with a protective mask whenever I go out of my house. Residents ask us to first wash hands before doing any work. We don’t even take tea in our customer’s house, says Kumar.

“I am using Aarogya Setu app regularly and check before going at any area,” he adds.