Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Frame A Policy For Welfare Of Contract Labourers In The Country. on 26 November, 2014
an> Title: Need to frame a policy for welfare of contract labourers in the country.
SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO (BOLANGIR): Poor condition of migrant labourers and obstacles in their access to shelter, education, healthcare and food are basic problems relating to them.
Labour contractors give large advances to labourers, thereafter exploit them by forcing them to work in brick kilns in appalling conditions and causing physical harm to them.
In a recent event in Kalahandi district, two migrant labourers’ - namely Jialu Nial and Nilambar Dhangdamajhi - hands were chopped off. An advance of Rs. 14,000 was given by the contractor to 12 labourers to work in a brick kiln in Andhra Pradesh. When forcibly being taken to work in a brick kiln in Chhattisgarh instead, ten migrant labourers resisted and escaped. Two, who failed to escape were taken captive, tortured, and their right hands were chopped off.
In the light of such events, a sound, comprehensive legal framework on labour migration with stringent execution to keep check on corrupt, exploitative practices of labour contractors and persons colluding with them is essential. Child labour in brick kilns should be prohibited, educational facilities to children of migrant workers should be provided. Provisions for humane work conditions of labourers in brick kilns should be ensured. Migrant labour cells should be set up in each State.
I urge the Government to consider the above conditions and make provisions for immediate reforms in this regard.