From Dhol Groups to Decorators, PMC Elections 2026 Generate Temporary Jobs for Thousands Across Pune
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 10th January 2026: As campaigning for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections intensifies across the city, the poll season has triggered a surge in temporary employment, offering short-term financial relief to thousands of residents. From domestic workers and decorators to dhol groups and youth volunteers, election-related activities have become an important source of income for people dependent on daily wages.
Across Pune, political campaigns require manpower for distributing pamphlets, setting up chairs and pandals, managing sound systems, coordinating rallies, and assisting candidates during public meetings. For many low-income families, this period provides an opportunity to earn more than their usual monthly income in a short span.
In Hadapsar, residents say the PMC elections have brought a noticeable rise in short-term job opportunities.
Sunita Shinde, a domestic worker from Hadapsar Gaon, said, “During elections, we get extra cleaning and serving work. One week’s earnings come in just three to four days. It really helps.”
Musicians, sound crews, and band groups are also witnessing peak demand. Traditional dhol-tasha groups, DJ operators, and sound technicians across Pune report fully booked schedules. For many performers who usually find work mainly during festival seasons, the election period acts as a financial stabiliser.
Rohit Kamble, a dhol player from Manjari Road, said, “Every rally needs high-energy music. We are getting continuous bookings. Whatever we earn now helps us manage expenses for the next two or three months.”
The election season has also opened up opportunities for college students and unemployed youth. Many are earning through pamphlet distribution, social media management, auto-announcement campaigns, booth-level assistance, and crowd and event logistics.
A 20-year-old volunteer from Sasane Nagar said, “I get ₹600 to ₹800 per day. It’s temporary work, but the money supports my studies.”
Catering services, tent houses, and decoration businesses are among the biggest beneficiaries. Meetings, rallies, and party offices require food arrangements, seating, lighting, banners, and water supply, leading to a spike in bookings across several areas.
A tent-house owner near Gadital in Hadapsar said, “One election month gives us income equal to almost two regular months. Every candidate wants their stage, chairs, and pandal ready on time.”
Despite the temporary economic boost, many workers remain concerned about sustainability once the election activity subsides.
A decoration helper from Handewadi Road said, “Work is available only during elections. After that, everything slows down again. If such jobs were regular, life would be more secure.”
Economists note that election-driven employment, though short-lived, temporarily strengthens local micro-economies in areas such as Hadapsar, Yerwada, Warje, Kothrud, and Shivajinagar.
For many across Pune, the PMC elections are not just a democratic process but also a critical economic opportunity. Domestic workers, musicians, daily wage earners, and youth find brief financial stability during this period. With the city’s cost of living continuing to rise, election-time employment offers a crucial cushion that helps families manage their immediate needs in the months ahead.
