Migrant Workers Need Jobs, Not Bonuses : Kashinath Nakhate
Drought-hit Labourers Struggling to Find Work in Pimpri-Chinchwad; Government Must Take Responsibility, Says Labour Leader
Pimpri-Chinchwad : Drought conditions caused by deficient rainfall in Maharashtra have severely affected agricultural labourers and daily-wage workers, forcing many to migrate to cities in search of employment. However, thousands of workers arriving in Pimpri-Chinchwad from Marathwada, Vidarbha and western Maharashtra are struggling to find work, raising serious concerns about their families’ livelihoods.
Kashinath Nakhate, president of the Kashtakari Sangharsh Mahasangh and a labour leader, has urged the government to provide actual employment opportunities to migrant workers instead of merely organising employment fairs. He said the government must take responsibility for supporting workers who have been forced to leave their villages due to the drought.
With agricultural incomes declining, many farm labourers and young workers are moving to urban areas in search of jobs. However, the lack of employment opportunities even after reaching cities has pushed them into financial distress.
“Promises were made to create two crore jobs, but who will provide employment to workers facing a crisis today? The authorities and elected representatives must take seriously the plight of labourers who are desperately asking, ‘Will someone give us work?’” Nakhate said.
To understand their difficulties, Nakhate interacted with workers at several labour points and informal hiring centres across Pimpri-Chinchwad, including Chikhali, Chinchwad, Kalewadi and Dange Chowk. Workers gather at these locations every day hoping to secure daily-wage work, but many return without employment.
Nakhate stressed the need for a special employment drive for migrant workers, better communication of available job opportunities and immediate assistance for those affected by the drought. He said the government must introduce concrete measures to ensure that workers can support their families and meet essential expenses.
“Workers who have left their villages because of the drought need regular employment, not bonuses or temporary announcements. The government must consider their families’ livelihoods, their children’s education and other basic needs while framing concrete measures. The Kashtakari Sangharsh Mahasangh will continue to raise their concerns before the government,” Nakhate said.
State organiser Bhaskar Rathod, vice-president Rajesh Mane, Samadhan Lokhande, Lala Rathod, Vinod Gawai, Anita Mane and Anjana Shinde were present during the interaction with workers.
Workers Share Their Struggles
Sadashiv Rathod, Yavatmal : “Our agricultural work has been completely affected, and there is no work available. That is why I came here in search of employment.”
Haribhau Ughade, Buldhana : “I came to Pune a week ago, but I could not find work there. I have now come to Pimpri-Chinchwad looking for employment. If I cannot find work here either, it will become very difficult to manage.”
