As Demand Grows, So Does the Need for Skilled Workers
Almost as big as Califor-nias population, Indias construction work force is vast but largely untrained. The questionable quality of much work testifies to the fact that only some 15% of Indias estimated 30 million construction workers has been through structured training, according to the Mumbai-based Construction Industry Development Council.
The problem is exacerbated by Indian contractors reliance on simply mobilizing large numbers of workers. Paying them about $5 a day, contractors compensate for low productivity and limited equipment with big crews. But as construction demand grows with increasing investment, "theres a limit," says K.V. Rangaswami, senior vice president of the engineering construction and contracts division of Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Mumbai.