Migrant labourers from Srikakulam and Vizianagarm districts are eagerly looking forward to the mega projects in the new capital city of Amaravati, hoping that the brisk construction activities in the region would open up huge employment opportunities for them in their home State.
As many as 4.3 lakh people out of the total 25-lakh population of Srikakulam district are working as migrant labourers in various parts of the country. An estimated 1.4 lakh people from Vizianagaram district too have taken to the same route.
Currently, the migrant labourers, majority of them skilled in construction works, are being forced to go to places in neighbouring States as Chennai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad in search of livelihood. Though they make Rs. 400 to Rs. 500 per day, being away from home they are unable to take care of their families.
Further, their number is on the rise as farmers from these North Coastal districts are increasingly choose to become migrant workers owing to recurrent crop failures and mounting debt burden. Now, the construction of new capital city is a big hope for them.
10-year constructionThe construction of Amaravati will continue for at least 10 years, though administrative buildings will be ready in a few years. Skilled labours such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics and others here are hoping for big opportunities ahead.
“Being away from home, we often give festivals and family functions a miss. Now, we can attend them as Vijayawada is just a few hours’ journey from Srikakulam. We can go home immediately in case of emergency too,” says J. Rambabu from Omaravilli village in Gara mandal, adding that “we can save on our travel expenses too.”
TDP general secretary Boina Govinda Rajulu has said the district unit will urge Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to give priority to workers from backward areas.
