Bangalore Sweatbox

India's outsourcing industry faces growing health problems

Associated Press, 26 Dec 2007

NEW DELHI - The job came with a good salary, and good perks.

But, 26-year-old Vaibhav Vats will tell you, it was doing him no good. His weight had grown to 265 pounds and he was missing out on social life as he worked long overnight hours at a call center. Eventually, he quit.

"You are making nice money. But the tradeoff is also big," said Vats, who spent nearly two years at IBM Corp.'s call center arm in India, answering customer calls from the United States.

Call centers and other outsourced businesses such as software writing, medical transcription and back-office work employ more than 1.6 million young men and women in India, mostly in their 20s and 30s, who make much more than their contemporaries in most other professions.

They are, however, facing sleep disorders, heart disease, depression and family discord, according to doctors and several industry surveys.

Experts warn the brewing crisis could undermine the success of India's hugely profitable outsourcing industry that earns billions in dollars annually and has shaped much of the country's transformation into an emerging economic power.

Heart disease, strokes and diabetes cost India an estimated $9 billion in lost productivity in 2005. But the losses could grow to a staggering $200 billion over the next 10 years if corrective action is not taken quickly, said a study by New Delhi-based Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations.

The outsourcing
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industry would be hardest hit, it warned.

Reliable estimates on the number of people affected are hard to come by, but government officials and experts agree that it is a growing problem. Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss wants to enforce a special health policy for employees in the information technology industry.

"After working, they party for the rest of the time ... (They) have bad diet, excessive smoking and drinking," he said at a public meeting last month. "We don't want these young people to burn out."

The minister's comments have since infuriated the technology sector, which says it has been unfairly singled out for problems that also exist in other professions.

The outsourcing industry has come under fire because the sedentary lifestyle of its employees combined with often stressful working conditions makes them more vulnerable to heart disease, digestive problems and weight gain than others. Some complain of psychological distress.

Most call center jobs involve responding to phone calls through the night from customers in the United States and Europe - some of whom can be angry and rude. It is monotonous and there is little meaningful personal interaction among co-workers. That can also be true of other jobs such as software writing and back-office work.

"There are times when the stress is so overwhelming that they fail to cope with it. Then they come to us," said Archana Bisht who set up a counseling company, 1to1help.net, in Bangalore six years ago.

Her clientele has since grown to 25 companies - seven of them were added in the past two months - including such names as Intel Corp., IBM Corp., Hewlett Packard Co. and Mindtree Consulting Ltd.

Each day, about 60 to 70 employees at these companies seek counseling from 1to1help.net. The complaints are many, but marital incompatibility and relationship issues top the list, Bisht said, often because the long, odd working hours means couples don't have much time together.

More women than men ask for help, she said. The outsourcing boom has created new employment opportunities for Indian women, but there has been little change in social expectations. Adding workplace demands to responsibilities at home, which often includes taking care of in-laws, leaves women workers with multiple stresses, Bisht said.

Loneliness can also take a toll.

"There is no social life," said Vats, who worked at night and either slept or watched television during the day. "You are not meeting new people."

The industry is getting sensitive to these problems.

The National Association of Software Services Companies, the main trade body of the outsourcing industry, said many of its member firms are already providing facilities like advice on health, gyms and money for regular checkups.

Companies like Infosys Technologies Ltd. have set up 24-hour helplines for counseling by psychologists, while others have tied up with companies like 1to1help.net. Some like HCL Technologies Ltd. have built daycare centers for children and routinely sponsor group outings by their employees.

But the industry insists it would do nothing to impose any lifestyle on its employees.

"We do not think it is for companies or for the government to interfere in the personal life of adult Indians," NASSCOM said in a statement.

Also, there is little it can do to change the nighttime work hours of many outsourcing jobs.

"The odd hours can play havoc with your health," said Vats. "I never got good sleep because everyone was up and getting ready to go to work when I got home ... Your diet goes for a toss. You get acidity, develop gastric problems."

Vats' weight has dropped to 214 pounds since leaving IBM Daksh two years ago. He's still overweight for his 5 feet 9 inch frame, but is much happier now working with a law firm for a much lower salary.

A recent survey by Dataquest magazine and technology consulting company IDC showed sleep disorders topped health complaints among outsourcing industry workers.

About 32 percent of respondents complained of sleep disorders; 25 percent had digestive troubles; and 20 percent reported eyesight problems, said the survey, which covered 1,749 employees at 19 outsourcing companies.

Yet, they would not talk about it openly. Several call center employees contacted by the Associated Press admitted to having many of these ailments, but they refused to be named or identify their employer.

Sleep and digestive disorders, doctors say, can grow into bigger problems: hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases.

Doctors say the rise in these diseases, alongside growing urbanization and fast-paced economic growth, is not surprising.

But India's case is alarming because of the sheer number of people affected and the factors that make them vulnerable to these diseases, said Ravi Kasliwal, a cardiologist at New Delhi's Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. These include India's fat-rich diet, genetic factors make them highly vulnerable to diabetes, and abdominal obesity that gives rise to insulin resistance and heart disease.

"To top it all, there is lack of awareness," Kasliwal said. "One out of 10 persons aged 35 years or more in this country is prone to heart attack."

Heart disease is projected to account for 35 percent of deaths among India's working age population between 2000 and 2030, Kasliwal said, citing a World Health Organization study. That number is about 12 percent for the United States, 22 percent for China and 25 percent for Russia.

"This is a very serious issue for this country," Kasliwal said. "But nobody wants to talk about it."

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 10:32 AM     3 comments 
 

The Hindu, 24 Dec 2007

No flooding in Bangalore anymore: official

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: It is likely that the city will not face any major instances of flooding during the next spell of rains, said S. Subramanya, Commissioner, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), here on Saturday.

Work was on at the 11 vulnerable spots in the city to prevent flooding in the event of rain, he said at an interaction programme organised by the Bangalore Reporters' Guild. The Central Silk Board area, Puttenahalli, Arakere, Nayandanahalli, Katriguppe, Illyas Nagar, Bhadrappa Layout, S.T. Bed Layout, Kamakhya Layout, Hennur, Ejipura and Bandappa Colony were the vulnerable spots, he said.

On providing infrastructure to new areas under the BBMP, Dr. Subramanya said that all main roads in these areas would be asphalted.

The complete black-top asphalting work would cost the BBMP about Rs. 1,800 crore.

On BBMP's finances, he said the "basket of funds" with it had not dried up and loans would be taken only if it was necessary. "We have a line of credit of up to Rs. 200 crore ready," Dr. Subramanya said.

Stating that road-widening was necessary for better traffic management, he said that Bellary Road, Race Course Road, Hosur-Lashkar Road and Jayamahal Road would be widened this year.

Partial work on Palace Road, Seshadri Road and Kasturba Road would be taken up, he added.

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 9:27 AM     0 comments 
 

Bangalore: Stay away from Outskirts this Christmas, Alert Cops

Soumya Menon/Newindpress

Bangalore, Dec 20: Stay away from hotels or resorts in the outskirts of the city, especially during Christmas and New Year's eve, warn the police, keeping in mind the rise in number of accidents during nights.

Police officials claim that at least 70 per cent of accidents at night involve teenagers, who head to the outskirts after a party at break-neck speeds.

"College students, IT professionals, BPO and call centre employees, who usually go for long drives in the night towards outskirts, should avoid doing so," said a senior police official from Bangalore Rural.

During the Christmas season, youth will be on a party spree and have a tendency to head out, though in groups. "We have seen children meeting with accidents," the officer said.

Apart from accidents, they can be mugged, and even attacked by miscreants. Take for instance, the National Law School (NLS) student who was stabbed to death in Gnanabharati after he got into a brawl with a gang of six unknown men.

"Most of the students are from reputed engineering and medical colleges. About 50 cars are seen at coffee shops in Ramanagaram and Channapatna on weekends," said a police official from Ramanagaram.

He also said that 2007 witnessed the maximum number of accidents involving youth, with over five accidents being reported every two months. Most of them drive to the outskirts after midnight and maximum accidents take place between 1 am and 4 am, said the officer.

"The usual speed limit on those highways is about 75 km/hr, but youngsters drive at 120 km/hr. Most of them ram into electric poles and road medians," said he added.

The latest accident occurred on December 4 this year, when a Srilankan national Gayana died on the spot after the Maruti Swift she and her friends were travelling in rammed into a road median at 1 am in Channapatna.

 
Dos & don'ts

Avoid eating at dhabas and restaurants on the outskirts, especially Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Ramanagaram and Channapatna at late night

Avoid going for long drives and halting at coffee shops on the outskirts

Move in groups and carry self defence items

Inform elders when venturing outskirts and do not resort to drunken driving.

 
Major accidents in 2007

In March 2007, two teenagers were killed, when their car rammed into an electric pole in Ramanagaram.

In April 2007, a Skoda car rams into electric pole at 3.15 am, two killed, three injured near Channapatna.

In May 2007, two teenagers were killed, while three others injured, after their car rammed into a stationary lorry in Chikkajala.

In June 2007, a software engineer died on the spot after his Getz car rammed into a police barricade in Channapatna at 2.30 am.

In July, 2007, four youths, including two call girls were killed on the spot after their Verna car rammed into an electric pole in Ramanagaram

In November 2007, a NLS student was stabbed to death in Gnanabharati by unknown people.

Accident cases reported

500 in 2004, 452 in 2005 1,324 in 2006.

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 12:02 PM     0 comments 
 

Friends,

I did averted a major tragedy today at Bangalore, at 1300 hrs on 15 Dec 2007. This saved 5 lives from the probable hands of some gang to rob in motive of finally being killed at unknown destination.

At 1230 hrs today, I was driving my scooter at Old Madras Road,Bangalore. I noticed few passengers having argument with a Toyota Qualis driver and the driver is talking over his mobile phone. While I did approached the passengers supposed to be well to do with big bags,one young man came and asked me the distance from that place to the Bangalore Airport. There was 2 ladies, two young man and an old man. Later 2 were doctors- as told. On his question I had doubt. I could hear the driver saying "pay for 40 km. ". (The actual distance is 5 km) Then I did asked the passengers who were looking like coming from some other place by air and being Hindi speaking people. I did introduced about me and then they told me as doctors from Delhi and just hired this Toyota Qualis bearing Regn No. KA05-C 5924.

They came to Bangalore for sight seeing and hired this vehicle for 3 days. One of their friend did arranged this. So they boarded in this from airport at 1030 hrs and till 1230 hrs they were driving around airport and Indiranagar area through narrow lanes. They was to go to Majestic area to a Jain Temple for lunch and prayer. All was hungry. Airport to Majestic area is 14 km. Already the driver drove them 40 km. With doubt not reaching destination for 2 hours, they was arguing with the driver. At the God's grace, same time I was there and got the details. Since all the people are Hindi speaking, being from the north India, the driver had diferent motive. He was reluctant to listen me and was demanding more advance money. His bad luck struck. he never knew a real Comando standing in front of him and I am well versed with police!

Meanwhile few days ago, a lone women from Delhi landed at Bangalore airport and subsequently drove to diferent places and was being raped by lot many for 3-4 days.
My alert mind, being an Citizen and former military Commando, I smell some foul. These family wanted to go in and around famous Shravanabelgola, which is 145 km from Bangalore. And insted of driving via main Airport Rd,driving via Old Madras road made me to be more conscious. I immediately felt that these people might be taken for ransom and finally be killed away from city. Since the driver was also too busy to mobile talks with someone. he was least bothered to answer me in local language. Immediately I rushed up to the very close Indiranagar Police station and met the duty Sub Inspector. He is a dynamic young officer and responded me immediately. He too did agreed at my narrations and questioned the driver. The driver failed to reply lot. He told that his driving licence is in the vehicle (Wanted to run away), then the police SI nabbed his mobile and sent one constable to the vehicle. The document were not there and no DL that the driver had to show his identity or authority to drive. Immediately he was charged by the officer and we was asked to leave by arrranging some auto to them for resting and lunch at Kamath Yatrinivas, near Majestic.

The cab driver menace is alarming and growing day by day. They generally now a days target airport passengers who are outsiders. They take for a god ride in the name of avoiding bad traffic and convince the passengers and drive elsewhere while the passenger fatigued with hunger and strain. then they will mix up tranquilizers with fod or drinks and either rob or kill. Simple motive.

It was lucky that I had an appointment with a person at the same place. I did missed the apppointment as time was over with the incident. But I am happy being a Bangalorean and former Air force commando to utilize my third mind to save the life of 5 innocent civilians who had come all the way from Delhi to visit lovely Bangalore. They , otherwise would have lost all in someones land including lives!!

I feel little alet mind by all will help to prevent such happenings.
I would love to make such example public through your media, so that people wil come up and help Police.

Dr. Bikash Kumar Das
Bangalore

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 10:12 AM     0 comments 
 

The Hindu, 12 December 2007

Five killed, 18 injured as building collapses

Bangalore, (PTI): Five persons were killed and 18 injured when an old building at Nehrupura in Bharathi Nagar area in the city collapsed Tuesday night, police said.

The collapse was triggered after a large number of people gathered at a flat in the second floor of the building for a function, DCP (East), B K Singh, told PTI.

The building belonged to the city corporation, he said.

The injured have been hospitalised.

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 9:41 AM     0 comments 
 

NNTV, Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Bangalore buildings crying for attention

by Pavitra Jayaraman

A happy occasion turned into a tragedy in Bangalore. A balcony overcrowded with people collapsed and left seven people dead.

The Bangalore city corporation says the contractor had illegally let the building out on rent without clearance from the corporation.

Thirteen-year old Ayesha is in shock and is bruised all over, she shudders as she thinks of Tuesday evening when she was leaning over the balcony watching a neighbour's "haldi ceremony" when the balcony on which she was standing suddenly gave way.

It took just a few minutes for the mood to change from happy wedding celebrations to utter chaos when a balcony in the building crashed and killed seven people.

Residents of the building are still in panic about the state of the building and blame the BBMP for not taking any responsibility. Meanwhile at least 20 people still lay injured in various hospitals.

The state governor visited and announced a compensation for the injured and the family of the dead.

"I am told that the building has not been cleared for occupation. We have to see whether they were authorised occupants or not. When you have a function with 40 persons leaning on the balcony, it cannot hold," said BBMP Commissioner.

While the contractor of the building in question will be interrogated, other BBMP will come under immediate scrutiny.

Jaquelin stands nervously outside her house to try and retrieve some money from inside, so she can pay the hospital bills of her injured sister. But the building is still screaming danger and no authority is willing to show her a safe way out.

"They are asking me to go upstairs and get the money myself, how is it possible? Ask them to do it, I will tell them where it is," said Jaquelin.

This is the fourth building that has collapsed in the city this year. The first one occurred when a portion of a two storied building collapsed and took the life of a two-year-old.

The second claimed two lives while the most recent one in November took two lives as well. Events that are a clear indication that while concrete Bangalore grows the existing buildings are crying for attention.

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 9:39 AM     0 comments 
 

Bangalore techies get paid to stay at home

Deepa Balakrishnan / CNN-IBN

Published on Sat, Dec 01, 2007 at 00:56 in Nation section

BANGALORE: Wedged between the wardrobe and the family photos, is Satish Sundar's workstation. This 40-year-old became a medical language specialist at one of the country's oldest BPOs two years ago.

But Sundar soon realised that he was fatigued every day -- not by the work, but by the traveling. So last year, he joined 398 other people in his company to become a smart techie, and work from the comfort of his home.

"The traffic going down to office used to be too congested, especially during the monsoon. Then it takes some time for you to unwind also. You start getting tense and so it may, somewhere down the line affect your work," says Sundar.

The four hours Sundar spent on Bangalore's roads are now spent in watching his daughters learn to dance.

Many techies like him are now treating work as a takeaway, realising that outsourced work can be outsourced to home too, sometimes even in remote towns.

Vice-President Human Resources, Spheris, Surya V Ciryam says, "There's an increasing trend among men. It used to be around one to two per cent and has now gone up to around 30 per cent in the last year and we are seeing more requests from men today, than women."

Talent Engagement Vice-President, Wipro, Joseph John says, "It's a pain for employees who are traveling more than one hour to work and two hours to reach home. It's definitely an issue."

Employers save costs too, by reusing the same seats. Companies like Infosys have also opened a city branch to reduce time spent commuting, to ensure that employees don't quit because of traffic trauma.

Bangalore's made the world flat and now it's redefined distance. Thanks to traffic, distance is now measured not in terms of kilometres but the time taken, so it's better to just get off that office cab and stay at home.

#    posted by Mark Pritchard @ 11:21 AM     0 comments