Mumbai ka Manifesto: Demands of city dabbawalas drown in jangle of tiffin boxes

  • | Saturday | 24th August, 2019

For years, dabbawalas had been ensuring that no one stays hungry in the city. It will also help address dearth of parking space in the city," said Subhash Talakar, president of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association. They also demand other facilities that include housing, education and want authorities to introduce policies that help establish their businesses in city. "A few companies might provide free food in the canteen, but people still want their foods delivered in dabbas," said Talekar. Dabbawalas said that authorities should also consider giving some concession in luggage passes and provide reservation in schools for their children.

For years, dabbawalas had been ensuring that no one stays hungry in the city. However, the players of this 130-year-old business are reeling under several issues, while we remain oblivious about it. Of the several promises made to them to address their issues, none has been fulfilled, they bewail. The biggest issue they face is a parking stand for their cycles. "We require one outside every station. It will also help address dearth of parking space in the city," said Subhash Talakar, president of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association. Before the advent of app-based delivery service, dabbawalas have taken pride in making available home-cooked food in ways that are economical and environment-friendly. "With enough cycle stands, our commute to different places for delivery will be economical and easier," said Vitthal Sawant, another member of Dabbawala Association. They also rue the lack of facilities provided to them. "While Mathadi kamgars (labourers) have an Act looking after their rights and health needs, we have none. The BMC had promised a ward for us in hospitals, but we never got one," said Talekar. They also demand other facilities that include housing, education and want authorities to introduce policies that help establish their businesses in city. "While people can travel in metro and monorail, their dabbas cannot. We will request the chief minister to have such a provision in future rakes," said Talekar. Though they had been keeping the city well-fed for 130 years, they still cannot afford a home in the financial capital. "We still live in rented accommodations. After paying rent, we hardly have any money left. We aren't asking for free houses, but affordable ones in Mumbai or nearby areas," said Sawant. Talekar said that government needs to have policies to ensure that businesses thrive despite stiff competition. "A few companies might provide free food in the canteen, but people still want their foods delivered in dabbas," said Talekar. Dabbawalas said that authorities should also consider giving some concession in luggage passes and provide reservation in schools for their children.

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