Engage local labourers for new projects: AITUC
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 07 2023:
All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur State Committee (MSC/AITUC) has urged for engaging local labourers for new infrastructure projects in the state instead of using labourers from outside the state.
In a release, MSC/AITUC secretary Th Suresh informed that since the coming of BJP government in Manipur, all the new projects taken up in the state have been given to firms based in other states, which in turn has increased unemployment amongst skilled local labourers as these firms employ people from other states.
On the other hand, there is also rise in employment of non-native workers by local sub-contractors under major companies to earn more profits by paying them low wages.
This will only abet migration of non-locals into the state, it added.
The Union also emphasised that engaging of non-local labourers who are paid minuscule wages in contrast to the minimum wages fixed by the central and state governments is the reason why many of the infrastructure projects implemented by outside firms are facing delays.
The condition of Imphal -Jiribam road and Imphal-Dimapur road are prime example of this.
These companies are just giving excuses that the delays are due to extortions by UG groups.
Due to frequent revised estimates of projects, large amount of funds allocated to the state government are being wasted, it claimed.
MSC/AITUC reiterated that considering this, the state government must provide special opportunities to local special contractors and firms for upcoming projects as it will not only lead to increase in employment of local labourers and improvement of the state's economy, but also completion of projects on time.