The accident in Bhoiguda that claimed the lives of 11 laborers, all from Bihar, has brought forth the issue of the safety of migrant laborers in the state. A majority of laborers working in the Telangana state are deprived of rights covered under labor laws. The latest incident only highlights the sad situation of laborers in the state. Incidentally, there are around 45 lakh migrant laborers in Telangana, and the number also includes domestic helpers.

Of course, there is a hue and cry about the incident from various social organizations that work closely with the labor community. The organizations rue that the government business takes precedence over the rights and security of the people.

The wages are usually very minimal, conditions are pathetic, and safety measures go for a toss when it comes to the business’ priorities. The social activists complain that many industries within GHMC limits are functioning without licenses and official registrations.

As for authorities who are meant to look into such issues, they often turn Nelson’s Eye to all violations and only jump into the scene when some disaster happens like the one in Bhoiguda. However, once such incidents happen, compensation is paid for eyewash, and the officials disappear within no time. The activists demand that government authorities need to take stringent action against employers who bend the rules to suit their interests.

They are further demanding that the state government should provide low-rental houses or rooms to laborers who come to the city as is done in Kerala. Meanwhile, the labor department brushes aside these allegations and says that they conduct regular inspections of all industries. They further assure that all industrial laborers are encouraged to enroll in the E-shram portal.

Unfortunately, before the labor courts came up, it was mandatory for the labor commission to look into such matters, but there are no such norms now. But the labor department maintains that they were able to enroll 32 lakh laborers in E-shram within a span of 4-5 months.