SOMASILA (MAHABUBNAGAR): It is no less than an assault on their dignity and the right to work as construction labourers of Krishna Pushkarams are discriminated based on their skill sets at the general and VIP ghats in Somasila in the district.
Though their work is the same, an unskilled labourer mixing sand, cement and pebbles and those carrying the load at the general ghat is paid Rs 200 while their counterparts in the VIP ghat are paid Rs 280 and Rs 380 for women and men respectively.
“We work so hard for this ‘galeez’ work and are paid only Rs 200 whereas they pay nearly double in VIP ghat,” rued Venkatesh, a localite. “Women can’t do hard work, so are paid less,” reasoned sub-contractor in VIP ghat, A Venkat. The situation of migrant skilled workers in terms of pay is better. Some six men from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh fix tiles in the VIP ghat and are paid Rs 1,000 every day. “We stay in makeshift huts next to the ghat. After completing this work, we will go to Hyderabad or Mumbai,” said Sandeep Singh.
While 20 labourers from Kollapur, engaged in fixing fences that divide the general and special ghats, are paid Rs 500 each, local fishermen fixing fences at the general ghat get Rs 300.
However, the situation of migrant labourers is harsh in Alampur. Many labourers from Bihar work as tent fixers and other are involved in unskilled work.
“We are paid Rs 7,000 for the entire month and have to work some 12-14 hours every day,” said a migrant worker from Bihar.
Minimal accomodation facilities for pilgrims
Meanwhile, commoners at Somasila are going to face a lot of trouble as there are only three lodges in Kollapur that can accommodate a maximum of 200 pilgrims.