For an objective citizen’s standpoint there is justifiable anger and angst everywhere reflected in the protests, resentment and outrage at the social, civic and economic woes.
This ‘angry’ effect has spilled over not only to our restless, impetuous youth unhappy with the system but also to all types of working class and specially ‘handymen’, who’ve to use an economic term, become extremely ‘price-sensitive’ in terms of their charges. There are also agencies which provide trained handyman, but few can afford their cost.
In the good old days they’d be few good handymen called ‘Mistris’, versatile with ‘all round’ skills in repairs & maintenance issues related to home gadgets and available nearby. They would gladly come when called and solve all the problems without much ado. It’s also important to recall that local made appliances that were then in vogue, were much fewer & technologically simpler and user friendly, the parts locally available & operations familiar to the friendly neighborhood Mistris !
With technology have come sophisticated gadgets and home appliances which help us in practically all the daily chores from kitchen to living rooms to the toilets, we have the full range and we aren’t talking of furniture, curtains and home décor yet. The branded items are pricey and high-maintenance with usual 1/2 year warranty and no guarantees that it’ll last a decade (as it used to earlier). In the very recent past we’ve replaced water pumps, ceiling fans, toilet flush, doors (apart from minor electric & mechanical repairs). At any given time we’ve found some or other appliance drops dead or fails to function.
Its then time for the experts to take over and diagnose the problems- for the electricians, carpenters, plumbers, gardeners are now specialists in their field. Akin to professionals (doctors, accountants, lawyers etc), we have free lancers and those attached to shops & business establishments with calling cards, visit after taking appointments and in some cases consultation fees too, when they involve bigger appliances. Even for minor repairs they will demand visit fees of Rs.250 upwards plus cost of parts replaced but for major jobs – ‘sky can be the limit’ ! Notwithstanding all this it’s difficult to find the right guys !
Despite nationwide unemployment, the pool of experienced, qualified professionals is relatively small. Unlike trades like plumbing or electrical work, there are no standard educational or certification requirements to become a handyman. This means quality and skill levels can vary greatly between different handymen, making it harder for us consumers to assess and compare their capabilities. Being in demand, handymen are often juggling multiple jobs and customers, making it challenging for them to commit to firm appointment times or be available on short notice. Many are migrants to Mumbai from UP, Bihar, new to the area leaving them relatively unknown in their local markets.
Maybe, we could train to do some of this work ourselves, not depend on experts. Let’s learn from those friends & relatives abroad, who can’t afford having handymen over !
Working on Living 