Self employment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 13 2015 :
In a State like Manipur, where a number of unemployed youth is increasing at an alarming rate, self employment is the only answer to the unemployment problem.
And among various other options, running a car washing centre has emerged as a lucrative venture.
While one can see mushrooming of many car washing centres at different localities in the recent past, Khuman Lampak stadium road alone has over 30 car washing centres.
Amu Kamei, who runs a car washing centre on this road said that one can live a comfortable life through this occupation as 25 to 30 four-wheelers and 20 to 30 two wheelers are usually washed in a centre everyday.
Saying that every centre has atleast five washermen, Amu said that they charge Rs 100 from a two-wheeler and Rs 200 from a four-wheeler.
He said that 45 percent of this amount is given to the washermen and the remaining amount is kept for the owner of the centre.
He further said that extra amount of Rs 50 for two-wheelers and Rs 150 for four-wheelers are charged in case the vehicle owners ask for polishing.
Amu further said they charge Rs 400 if the vehicle needs whole body wash including the interior.
Stating that these centres need regular power supply to pump water, Amu said that extra money is usually charged from vehicle owners in case generators are used.
Saying that dry season is the pick earning period of these centres, Amu said that they sometimes do not have time for lunch.
Car washing centres are really thriving these days due to scarcity of water, scanty rainfall and absence of water source, Amu said and added that even many educated youths have now opened their centres on Khuman Lampak stadium road.