Masonry contest in Greater Noida seeks to find world champion

The Confederation of real estate developers association (Credai) on Friday conducted a competition among masons to choose the ones to send for the World Skills Competition scheduled for October 2017 in Abu Dhabi. The National skills development corporation (NSDC) will be sending the regional winners in brick laying for further training in Pune from where two of the best brick layers will be selected to represent India in the competition.

“They (masons) are the ones who construct buildings. It is our responsibility to train them to the highest level so that they can bring honour to our country. During the last tournament, two Indian masons won the best skills title and were also honoured by the Prime Minister of India,” said Getamber Anand, president, Credai, and MD of ATS Infrastructure.

A total of 21 masons selected from construction sites across north and central India participated in the competition on Friday.

“The masons who qualify to the national level will be rewarded Rs 1 lakh each from Credai. This will generate a sense of healthy competition among them and improve the work culture and quality of construction,” said Anand.

According to Credai, the real estate sector is working with the NSDC towards skill development.

“Two years ago, a survey of skilled employees among the work force of different countries was assessed. It was found that there are 46% skilled workers in China. In other countries, the percentage was even higher. The total skilled employees in India were found to be 2%. In the last two years, it has grown to 4%,” said Jitendra Thakkar, chairman of skills development committee, Credai.

Ravi Kharbanda, technical consultant, NSDC, said that the government’s initiative of skill development will be fulfilled with such initiatives. He said the NSDC and Credai are jointly working for skill development among basic-level construction workers.

Munna Prasad Sahu, a mason with ATS Infrastructure and one of the winners of the brick-laying competition, said, “I am working very hard to win the title. I have successfully completed the north and central zone tournament, but this is just a beginning. My aim is to participate in the World Skills Competition.”

A winner of the tile-laying competition, Beeru, who works with Gulshan Homes, said, “My employer suggested my name for the competition due to my-tile laying skills. It is a tough competition with the presence of so many good workers. It does not matter whether I win or lose, I will hope for the best and give my best performance.”