Pista House engages 30,000 jobless for Ramzan season

Shalibanda: Leave alone the 'pakodanomics,' the top haleem brand, Pista House, which has calculated the number of youngsters it has engaged this year for Ramzan, has claimed to have provided 'earning opportunity' to at least 30,000 youth, across all its branches spread throughout the globe, including North America, Europe and Gulf countries.

During the 30-days of the holy month of Ramzan, when most businesses from small hawkers to brand showrooms double their revenue, the Pista House is known for expanding its business across continents each year and is now providing an opportunity to some 30,000 youth to earn during the month.

From college students doing part-time work to courier boys, chefs, butchers, call centre executives are selling the dishes. Amongst them are about 500 college students working as a part-time job and selling haleem at outlets.

Speaking to The Hans India, MA Majeed, managing director at Pista House, said that across the countries some 30,000 men are contributing in making and distributing haleem during 30 days of Ramzan. In Hyderabad alone, there are over 3,500 workers working directly for Pista House for 30 days, he added.

He also said that, the hotel management students who wish to experience the trend also work at outlets on the commission basis. These students wish to learn about the management and business, while making some pocket money.

"At Pista House there are thousands of workers from different communities who work for making and selling haleem during the holy month. There are 200 outlets (including kiosks) all over the city, and most of them are run by students and youth with the intent of making some money," he noted.

According to the chief cook, AF Syed Ahmed (famously known as Pasha Ustad), the cooking staff dedicated for Haleem at Pista House is about 150.

Zaker Hussain, a senior worker, said that during the 30 days of Ramzan the workers like him get an opportunity for working and earning. He described the proprietor of the Pista House as maseeha (savior) for providing employment at least during the season.

Mohammed Omer Ali, another worker, said that to survive in Ramzan is tough for the poor families. Pista House means haleem for those who can afford, but for jobless it is a source of survival. "Majeed sab provides food, monthly ration and clothes for the workers, including their families," he said.

"All the Muslim workers at Pista House fast while working during Ramzan. During iftar we get a chance to have adequate supply of fruit, besides provision of dinner. There are many non-Muslim workers also working here in preparing Haleem during Ramzan, and are taken good care by the management," he added.

By MM Farooqui