The representatives of Kakkodi grama panchayat and health workers have conducted inspections at places where migrant workers are staying and found that they were living in subhuman conditions.
The panchayat team was led by president M. Rajendran and secretary C. Muraleedharan.
“It’s a human rights issue. Most of the dwellings did not even have proper toilets,” said Mr. Rajendran, adding that they even demolished two sheds that were made of palm leaves and tarpaulin sheets.
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The team found that the dwellings had stinking surroundings and there were heaps of garbage near them. Stray dogs were found in plenty in the vicinity.
The number of workers accommodated exceeded the capacity of the buildings. The roofs were made of metal sheets and the walls with cement bricks. Due to the heat, life in the buildings during summer is unbearable. Each worker has to pay around Rs.800 per month for the accommodation.
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Mr. Rajendran said the panchayat had already sent notices to all the building owners to make the necessary arrangements as per norms at the buildings where migrant labourers are accommodated. He said that most of these buildings were constructed for commercial purposes and the owners had been asked to shift the workers to other buildings. He said the response from the building owners had been positive so far and that they had agreed to follow the rules.
The squad has been conducting inspections for almost a week.