MAPUSA
If all goes well, the Calangute panchayat will soon begin registering the migrant workforce living within its jurisdiction and even provide them with ID cards displaying their skill and wages.
The panchayat has also decided to form a committee of villagers to look into the issues of the migrant labourers and devise ways to regulate their work.
“We are ready to set up an office in the open space at Bodkovaddo where all the migrant labourers can come and register themselves. A committee of prominent villagers will guide us and frame rules to register the migrant workforce and in regularising their wages,” said Joseph Sequeira, Sarpanch of Calangute.
A large number of migrant labourers have made Calangute their home. Every morning, a large number of migrant labourers gather near the Bodkovaddo junction in the beach village.
The presence of a large migrant workforce in the village not only raises security concerns but increasing wages has also led to misunderstanding among the locals.
A concerned villager and Chairman of Calangute biodiversity management committee, Benedict Lobo recently said that the surge in daily wage rates for labourers has reached unprecedented levels, rendering their services financially inaccessible for many of the locals.
“While it is admirable that the hard work and dedication of the labourers are being recognised and rewarded, it is equally important to ensure that this increase is sustainable and does not inadvertently lead to economic disparities within our community,” Lobo said and suggested the panchayat to intervene and explore avenues for wage regularization that strikes a balance between fair compensation for labourers and affordability for the villagers.
He also suggested that all labourers be registered by the panchayat and issued an ID card displaying their rates and skills. He further said that the labourers should be asked to wear the ID card around their neck when standing in public places looking for work.
“This will not only benefit the labour force but also foster a harmonious and prosperous local economy also giving a sense of security to our villagers, knowing that the details of the person are with the panchayat and the police, in the event of an untoward incident,” Lobo said.
President of Calangute Citizens Forum (CCF) Premanand Diukar said if the panchayat was serious about the issue then he would back the move.
“We need people who will whole-heartedly support the initiative. Nothing is impossible. If Calangute gets this going then it will be an example for all other panchayats and civic bodies in the State,” Diukar said.
He, however, cautioned that anything to do with daily workers was an issue of the labour department and accordingly the department will have to be taken into confidence.
