The general complaint is that the working and housing conditions are pathetic
Poor working conditions and extreme heat are compelling migrant workers at the construction site of the interim Secretariat in Amaravati, to explore escape routes. In a tone of despair, they say that they were facing hardships and living in squalid conditions only to clear the debts back home.
The State government has given administrative approval for implementation of works worth Rs. 530 crore for construction of the interim Secretariat building at Velagapudi.
‘No proper toilets’
However, working and housing conditions of the migrant workers are pathetic. There are not enough and proper toilets. No drinking water facility and just not sufficient living space. Construction labourers from Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and other States sleep in sheds with six men, maybe eight or even ten, packed into a single, small tin shed room - which is no better than an oven.
“Accommodation is pathetic. A few toilets that are there are not in usable condition. It is all very inadequate and uncomfortable. That apart, it is extremely hot and unbearable. Some of our colleagues left the place in less than a week. We are just exploring ways to get out of this place,” said a 25-year-old worker from Madhya Pradesh.
Many workers like him are reluctant to speak fearing ‘reprimand from the time office’. They are scared to report any problems. But, slowly they opened up and complained of working under ‘poor conditions’ that are ‘putting their lives to risk’. The company pays hospital bill only if a worker is injured, but not if he falls ill. Due to extreme hot conditions, the workers complain of giddiness.
“Honestly speaking, we are suffering badly, especially in the summer time, as it is now. The people say temperature touches 40 degrees during day here. And I can’t afford a hospital stay on my salary,” explains another worker from Jharkhand.
Savings
Notwithstanding, their priority is to earn a square meal a day and little savings for family. They send about half of what they earn home every month to support their family.
The labourers are paid Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 a day depending upon the nature of work. Of this, they would have to pay some portion to middlemen who brought them here. About 1,100 workers are working at the site.
The general complaint is that the working and conditions are pathetic
