BANGALORE: On Sunday, the efforts of newspaper deliverers Abhilash V and Manjunath M were recognised by the outgoing MBA students of Gupta College of Management and Technology (Gc-MAT).The ‘supply chain management’ model of the paperwallas (newspaper delivery boys) was chosen as a topic for a project by the students. Their report found that the paperwallas are sophisticated in their delivery strategy, rivaling Mumbai’s dabbawallas.A normal day starts at 4 am for Abhilash V and M Manjunath, who deliver newspapers in the city to support their expenses. The twist in the tale is that, Abhilash holds a degree in Science and is currently employed with a major MNC in the city, while Manjunath is pursuing masters in Biochemistry.Starting in the wee hours of every morning, Abhilash and Manjunath manage to deliver close to 200 newspapers every day.“Hard work is the principle we follow. We earn close to Rs 2,000 a month, which really helps us meet some extra demands,” said Abhilash, who has been delivering papers every day since seven years."This job helped me in tough times. I am emotionally attached to the job and don’t want to let it go,” he added.Sorting of newspapers and pamphlets starts around 4 am.By 6.15 am, Abhilash and Manjunath set out on their bicycles in Basaveshwaranagar to deliver paper, and finish by 7 am. “It is stressful, especially during rains. But we are determined to do it. It takes determination to get up early every morning,” said Manjunath.“It is a unique study. Most management colleges take the case study of dabbawallas. We wanted to identify a similar model followed by someone else.That is when one of our students thought about paperwallas. The entire study took a month’s time, and was mostly conducted during the wee hours,” said B S Gupta, Director, GcMAT.The Research ReportThe research report titled ‘Paperwalla Makes or Mars Newspaper Growth’ was presented by the graduating MBA students of GcMAT. The report identifies the supple chain system, where paperwallas are the last link. The methodology of research followed, was collection of data through primary and secondary sources, including interface with newspaper agents and delivery boys themselves.With a sample size of 150, the research was conducted in Hosakerehalli Cross, Basavanadudi and BTM layout in city and Hindupur in AP.
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