[Watch] Migrant Labourers From Odisha’s Nuapada Denied Wages For 6 Months In Hyderabad

Nuapada: Exploitation of migrant labourers from Odisha by their employers outside the state continues unabated. In the latest case, a group of labourers from the district has accused the middlemen and their Hyderabad-based employer of not paying their wages for six months.

According to sources, 17 labourers from Bharuamunda panchayat and Nuapada panchayat under Sinapali block of the district had gone to Hyderabad and worked there for six months. One Ghenu Nag of the area had worked as middleman in arranging their jobs in a brick kiln. He had also assured them of lucrative wages and paid their travel fare.

Despite working at the brick kiln for six months, the labourers were not paid their wages. Whenever, they asked for the wages, they were told that they would be paid on their return to their villages.

“Nag took us to Hyderabad to give work. We worked for six months. He did not pay for our labour. We worked for two more weeks but were not paid. Even after returning home, we have not been paid a penny,” said Sudu Jaal, one of the migrant labourers.

They have registered a complaint at Sinapali police station alleging harassment by the middleman and their employer. They have also accused them of duping them lakhs of rupees, But, the police are yet to take any action.

When contacted, Additional Labour Officer of Nuapada Dibya Shankar Dharua said, “We came to know about the matter recently and are taking steps to ensure of payment of wages to the migrant labourers.”