KCR, please stop injustice in the temple of law

Hyderabad: Moves are afoot to increase the salaries and allowances of legislators to Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh from present level of nearly Rs 1 lakh. The wages and allowances of ministers were substantially hiked in the united Andhra Pradesh itself. Thanks, the law-makers can make laws governing them. But, the exploitation of the vulnerable in the temple of law is a matter of great concern.

About 31 workers – sweepers, lift operators, electricians, plumbers and carpenters – working in MLA quarters on outsourcing basis were thrown out of their jobs since November 1. The ostensible reason for removing them from duties is the tender for manpower in legislators’ quarters is pending. In fact, sources told The Hans India that these helpless workers were working for the last eleven months without any tender.

The reason for such an inordinate delay in finalising tenders for manpower to serve legislators is unknown. But, owing to an audit objection on employing workers without an outsourcing tender is the trigger for withdrawing the services of these workers, explained sources.

“We offered to work without wages till the tender is finalized,” said a worker scared of identifying himself fearing action. The workers’ apprehension is that the new manpower contractor who will be picked up in tender may not solicit their services and appoint new people. This is the experience in many government departments. Thus the officials’ assurance that they will be retained fails to convince the workers. Now that they are retrenched further strengthens their apprehensions.

These workers get salaries in the range of Rs 5,800 to Rs 6,500 per month despite working for years. These wages are a clear violation of minimum wages act legislated in the same Assembly. As per the act, the unskilled worker should also get Rs 14,170 per month while the skilled workers like electricians and carpenters get more. With no bank balance to rely upon, the displaced workers are facing sub-human conditions.

A few family members of legislators have come forward to feed them during lunch as they report to the quarter daily with a hope of retention. Even the sanitation work in the MLA quarters is adversely hit as the workers services are withdrawn and a few workers from Assembly are deputed to do their work.

All of them live in rented accommodation where a substantial part of their wages goes for rent itself. As they fail to pay the rent, the owners are forcing them to vacate. “Unable to face the pressure from owner, I have taken a hand loan from a money lender at an exorbitant interest of 5 percent per month,” said a worker on condition of anonymity.

Most of these workers’ families are facing conditions of semi-starvation as they lack means to support their families. Even the children’s education is affected. “My son is studying in a college. He has to pay the fees dues. Hall ticket is not issued,” wept a woman worker with folded hands.

“I lost my husband many years ago. I have two children. I am the only bread winner. I have been working in the MLA quarters for nearly one-and-a-half decades,” a woman worker narrated her woes to The Hans India. Displacement from work has even causing unrest in the families too.

“We were part of Sakala Janula Samme responding to the call given by KCR. But, our lives remain the same in the new state of Telangana. We have no access to KCR. Please bring this to the notice of CM. He will definitely act,” said a young worker with a hope in his eyes.

Mobilisation advances are given to contractors. Tenders worth billions are finalised overnight. But, the authorities concerned have no time to finalise such a small tender thus subjecting the deprived men and women to further impoverishment.