HYDERABAD: The government may have provided ex-gratia to families, but there is nothing for the welfare of these workers, pointed out A Ravi Shanker, general secretary, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Telangana.
"Of what use is the money when a family member is dead?” he questioned. The Building and Other Construction Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 has provisions for workers in the sector, but only on paper.
The state workers employed by small time contractors is far worse than those working for construction companies like L&T, GMR etc. This is because the Telangana Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, has no representation for these workers.
“While the labour minister is the chairman of the board, two positions representing the building workers are filled by political leaders and two representing the employers, by members of rich construction companies. This doesn't help because there isn't anyone who understands the practical issues of these workers at the ground level,” informed Shanker.
The above mentioned Act also mandates that every worker needs to be registered with the Welfare Board to have access to the schemes provided.
“Workers hired by contractors are their responsibility. But they do not have the resources and most of them are corrupt. Majority of them are migrants and there is no help coming from the state governments either,” he added.
Raj Kumar Singh, chairman of Human Rights Consumer Protection Cell, stressed, “ESI scheme was extended to construction site workers in August, 2015 where they are entitled to all medical care. However, those engaged in work in such unauthorised buildings are not even aware of this that extends to family members too."
Additionally, in August 2015, the Provident Fund Organisation decided to include construction workers under The Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 (EPF).
“However, unregistered workers, like the ones who died on Thursday, are not eligible. We have been demanding that the welfare board can take up their responsibility. Implementation is, however, yet to begin in Telangana State,” said Shanker.