the goan I network
MARGAO
Ministry of Home Affairs’ latest guidelines permitting movement of migrant labour across the states may ring in good news for many engaged in the tourism trade, including shack and restaurants dotting the state coastline.
In fact, thousands working in the shack and restaurant business, were left stranded along the coast after the lockdown came into force last month, leaving them with no option but to take shelter in accommodation provided by the owners.
It may seem strange, but true that the staff and workers employed in the shacks and restaurants hail from different states, including Jharkhand, Bihar, with some of them also hailing from the neighbouring country of Nepal.
Most of the staff and workers were taken care of by their employers during the month-long problem when the shacks and restaurants had to shut down due to the lockdown and the migrant workers had nowhere to go.
Says President of the Shack Owners Society, Cruz Cardozo: “The migrant workers had nowhere to go and were taken by surprise. Most of the owners are providing them accommodation and food. Though most of the beach shacks are shut, the migrant workers use the kitchens for their food requirements.”
He pointed out that most of the workers are anxiously waiting to head to their native states and the government should arrange transport facilities for them to travel home.
Cruz along with a delegation called on the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with a plea to work out a system for the transportation of the migrant workers to their native states. “The Chief Minister has given us a patient hearing. We are hopeful that the government will put a mechanism in place to ensure that the migrants reach their native places at the earliest,” he added.
Cavelossim-based restaurant owner, Dixon Vaz, echoed similar sentiments. He said the workers are anxiously looking for their return home at the earliest. “We have accommodated our staff and are providing food. We had paid them their last month’s salary and will have to make arrangements to give them some financial benefits as they leave the tourist state for their homeland,” Dixon added.
