Debadutta Club celebrates International Labour Day

Radhika M. Chakraborty on May 5th, 2015

The Sramika Sahayata and Suchana Kendra of Gaisilat celebrated International Labor Day in collaboration with Debadatta Club (DDC), Grindolmal, with the support of the Tata Trusts, Mumbai. More then 500 migrant workers participated in the celebrations.

Mr Kanhu Charan Majhi, Secretary of DDC, welcomed participants and presided over the meeting. Mr. Abhaya Chandra Tripathy made a presentation about International Labours Day, and Mr. Kahgeswar Patra, BDO of Gaisilet block, attended the celebration as the chief guest. Mr. Shashi Kanta Panda, eminent educationist. was the chief speaker at the event, and Mr. Durgaprasad Tribedi, Mr. Hemanta Kumar Barik (President of DDC), Jogendra Sahu (President of Western Odisha Nirman Sharamik Sangha) attended as special guests and shared their valuable insights and opinions.

Mr Shashi Kanta Panda inaugurated the event, and Meena Suna performed a song related to migrant labourers. Mr. Seshadeba Sahu, field coordinator at SSSK, shared his thoughts on Labor Day and the work that SSSK has been doing for the migrant community. He also highlighted some of the major issues experienced by migrant labourers, and emphasised that the aim of SSSK was to organise and mobilise migrant labourers, and brainstorm for viable solutions.

Labour mobilisation is of vital importance in Gaisilat block. Once an individual migrates for work, they often do not have access to crucial information about their new place of work, wage schemes, and mediators. Many migrants labourers (Parakhita Sahu, Basanta Mahananda, Barakhei Duduka, Parbati Putel, Chhinu Tandi, Benudhar Karnal, Lalita Chhatar, Gerulal Bhaina, Alekha Chhatar, and others) shared their experiences of migration, and some of the problems they faced at destination. They also shared their experience of government schemes like MGNREGS.

Very little focus on small districts like Gaisilat is evident in the media, and the state administration does not face external pressure for reforms and solutions. Mobilisation thus becomes a pressing need for areas such as these, and is relevant to the entire household’s well-being; and to all those who come under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act especially.

On the occasion of Labour Day, 230 BOCW registration cards were distributed by special guests Mr. Biswamitra Seth, Tapanatha Sahu and Pankaja Majhi. Mrs. Sunita Panda delivered the vote of thanks.

Debadatta Club (DDC) envisions a society based on equitable participation, contribution and ownership, and believes that each individual has the right to a life of dignity. DDC engages with marginalized groups of society, and focuses on community-driven leadership and action.

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Radhika M. Chakraborty

Radhika M Chakraborty has completed a degree in English Literature from Delhi University and a Master's degree in Women's Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Her research interests include gender and migration, diasporas, Partition, internal displacement and Sindhi culture.