The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Kochi, the new job destination

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Friday, Jun 27, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Kochi, the new job destination

G. Krishnakumar

Talent crunch is not confined to the real estate and information technology sectors.

KOCHI: Titu Joseph is never tired of working extended hours in an office dealing with supply of medical equipment in the city.

Even though his main role is that of an office boy, the young lad from Kumaranalloor in Kottayam never refuses to take up an extra assignment given by his boss.

Eleven months after he landed in this ‘city of future’, Titu is excited about the numerous opportunities opening up before him.

“I expect a salary hike next month. Now, I am getting Rs.2,500 a month and the management provides food and accommodation. I save at least Rs.1,500 for my parents back home.”

Like Titu Joseph, thousands from across the State have made Kochi their home away from home.

The city is fast becoming a hot destination for the migrants who leave their homes in search of work. Agrees Jithin Menon, a marketing professional: “I was in Chennai for two years. But later I decided to shift to Kochi as the climate in Chennai was unbearable. My native place is Kannur and I have no plans to go back there. I wish to settle here with my family. Kochi has plenty of opportunities,” he says.

The openings in the job market are not confined to IT and ITES sectors alone. Real estate boom coupled with the increase in demand for skilled workers in private companies have turned Kochi into a sought-after city.

Sebi Thomas, a builder in the city, elaborates: “I am short of employees for doing wood work.

The bigger players in the field offer attractive salary (up to Rs.25,000 a month) for masons and support staff. I often meet the gap by bringing in workers from my native town Pala.”

Talent crunch is not confined to the real estate and IT sectors.

The hotel industry players refer to the growing need for skilled staff for house keeping and food and beverages service. Nandu Menon, a consultant in the hotel industry, said that the salary levels had gone up even in the entry level thanks to the city becoming a hot destination for big conventions and conferences. “The industry is lapping up every available talent,” he said.

But the going is not smooth, as the migrants have to toil hard to make a living. Daily expenses have shot up causing dents in the monthly budget. Explains Premkumar, an accountant with a business establishment in Panampilly Nagar:

“Hotel bills are going up. The house owner wants to hike the rent every year. A decent accommodation for a bachelor might cost you at least Rs.2,000. With a family, the figure goes up,” he said.

Brokers attribute the increase in house rent to the hefty pay packages of professionals.

“For instance, a three-bedroom house in Edappally was given for Rs.4,500 till November. The owner gave it for Rs.6, 000 this February saying that his neighbours have also increased the rent,” said Unni, a broker in the city.

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