Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 21: Because of the effects of the coronavirus second wave, workers are finding it difficult to get some work. Many migrant workers find it hard to get work for even two days a week. They face hardships to pay house rent and maintain their families. Many workers say that unlike in the past, no one comes requesting them to do work. A number of such workers can be seen roaming around with a bag in hand, seeking some work to feed their families.

Urwa Store, Kavoor, Kulur Baikampady, Kulai, Thokkottu are the places where the demand for migrant workers is high and where the workers come together. The workers normally arrive at the specified spots and wait till 9 am to be picked for some work. If someone offers them work, they accompany them. Otherwise, they return to their huts. On the next day they go and wait again. People who need workers reach these places seeking workers and take away workers as per their requirement.

As per labour rules, workers coming from other districts or states have to register themselves in the department. But migrant workers in the district never work for the same company. As their names are not registered, they are deprived of government facilities.

Most of these workers are unskilled but they are ready to do any work offered to them. They are ready to do things like cleaning, weeding, assistance in masonry, digging of earth etc. They work for Rs 400 to 450 a day unlike other coolies who demand Rs 500 to 600. Women workers who have come from north Karnataka, are even prepared to work for Rs 250 to 300 a day.

Many workers say that they have not been getting work for the last two month, and they cannot return as there are no buses. They rue the fact that they have not got any facility from the government. Most of them blame coronavirus which they say has robbed them of their livelihood and taking care of the families has become a big burden for them.