As a major economic hub, Delhi routinely has lots of people migrating domestically to seek work in the informal sector. Roughly 70% come from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, neighboring states which are widely considered to have far less economic opportunities. As a result, services like hiring a cook, a cleaner or hailing an autorickshaw are significantly cheaper. The high numbers of individuals seeking opportunities leads to the ultimate devaluing of labor. Particularly as a foreigner earning American dollars, such services are readily available and can often be utilized without me having to think twice.
During my time in Delhi, I lived with five other people, and we all chipped in to hire a cook and a cleaner. This immediate convenience to my day to day life provided less incentive to cook myself as I was always having home-prepared meals. In Goa, such services are both more expensive and less commonly utilized. Domestic migrants do come to Goa, but they are primarily here during tourist season (November - February) and occupy roles in the field of hospitality.
While the cook who came to our apartment in Delhi was paid commensurate with standard rates, it always felt odd to me. I was participating in this system where I was paying someone a fraction of my own salary, yet it was considered completely normal. This is one of the challenges that you are forced to grapple with when the conditions of the country you live in are so different than those of your own. In many ways, I am grateful that I have no choice but to cook myself here. I've found myself happy to be doing it. After weeks of only being able to eat out, having a working kitchen feels refreshing.
