Thursday 28 Mar 2024

Exploitation of labour at track-doubling site, SDM rescues workers

THE GOAN NETWORK | AUGUST 05, 2021, 12:34 AM IST

SANGUEM
Quepem Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nilesh Daigodkar on Wednesday rescued 14 labourers and their families at Kamral-Curchorem after they were found to have been employed below the minimum wages for double-tracking of the railway line.

The rescue was conducted by Daigodkar in the presence of the labour officer and the NGO Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ) following a complaint by the National Adivasi Solidarity Council from Telangana.

The labourers were found to be staying near the railway track in unhygienic conditions, without proper shelter and toilet. Some labourers were found to be as old as 72 years.

The labourers had complained that they had not received the minimum wages and were not provided with ESI and other benefits, while there were restrictions on them regarding returning home.

When contacted, Daigodkar said the labourers were found to have been paid only Rs 250 per day, which was below the minimum wages of Rs 435 as stipulated under the Minimum Wages Act.

“The contractor was directed to pay the difference in wages from their employment till date, which amounted to Rs 2.35 lakh. This amount was later paid to the labourers.”

“Arrangements are also being made to send the labourers and their families to their native places on Thursday,” Daigodkar added.


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