Orissa and Andhra Pradesh to take care of migrant labour

Ajay Sharma on June 15th, 2013

Orissa and Andhra Pradesh area all set to sign an inter-state agreement to take care of migrant labour working in unorganized sectors such as in brick kilns and construction sites. The two State governments, Union government and International Labour Organisation will be part of the institutional mechanism as envisaged under the draft agreement.

The agreement first of its kind in the country, was mooted when reports of Oriya migrant labour being subjected to torture in hand of labour contractors and brick kiln manufacturers in Andhrapradesh came pouring in.

Despite of several interventions by State Labour Commision and non government organization, no real improvement in condition of migrant labour in work sites could be achieved.

Main objective behind entering into an agreement is to ensure payment of legimate wage and provide good working condition to migrant labour. A.C Padhiary, Orissa Labour Commissioner, told the Hindu, here on Monday.

“under the draft agreement, responsibilities of both the State government have been clearly defined. Andhra Pradesh government will ensure payment of minimum wage, supervision of working condition, extension of health service, provision of health service, provision of ration cards and facilitating education for children of migrant labour” Mr. Padhiary said.