Rising Workplace Hazards: Migrant Workers Face Danger in Rourkela's Factories

Increasing Risks for Migrant Workers in Rourkela

Rourkela: The frequency of workplace accidents, particularly involving migrant laborers, is on the rise in privately-owned factories located in and around Rourkela, within the Sundargarh district. Reports indicate that many of these migrant workers, who often lack adequate skills or training, are assigned to dangerous tasks without proper safety measures in place. Over the years, the number of private factories in Rourkela and its surrounding areas has increased, creating more job opportunities, especially for migrant workers.

While some local laborers are employed, a significant portion of the workforce is sourced from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand. Recently, the fatalities and injuries among these migrant workers have raised serious concerns. Despite generating substantial profits, factory owners reportedly provide minimal compensation to the families of deceased or injured workers, often attempting to settle cases discreetly. Unlike government-run companies, which keep detailed records of their employees, private factories frequently violate regulations, particularly in sectors like induction, sponge iron, and boiler manufacturing. The highest instances of such violations have been noted in regions such as the Rourkela Industrial Zone, IDC Kalunga, Kuanrmunda, Rajgangpur, and Biramitrapur, where migrant labor is prevalent. Alarmingly, many of these workers lack official documentation with the district administration or the Labour department. Even in cases of accidents or fatalities, factories often neglect to follow mandatory reporting procedures. Sources reveal that injured workers are typically taken to private hospitals, with efforts made to keep these incidents out of the public eye. By the time authorities, including the Labour Department, police, or factory inspectors are notified, it is often too late for effective intervention. Last year, several migrant workers tragically lost their lives after being crushed by a ladder at a factory in Rajgangpur.

In another incident, a young migrant worker from Bihar died after becoming trapped in a channel at a prominent factory in the Kalunga Industrial Estate on July 1. Numerous similar incidents have surfaced, showcasing clear violations of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act. Labour leader Digambar Mohanty stated, "Employment of out-of-state workers must be officially registered with local authorities and the Labour department. The law is being blatantly disregarded here. These workers, particularly the younger and less experienced ones, are often unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation by factory owners." He further noted that even departmental officials frequently refrain from intervening in such matters. Most migrant workers do not receive benefits such as ESI (Employees' State Insurance) or PF (Provident Fund), leaving their families without support in the event of injury or death. There is a significant lack of coordination between local labor unions and the migrant workforce, a gap that ultimately benefits employers.

When approached for comments, District Labour Officer Gopal Chandra Mangaraj remarked, "The law applies equally to all workers, whether local or migrant. They are entitled to compensation in the event of death, especially if covered under ESI." Mangaraj emphasized that it is mandatory for companies to report accidents to the Labour Department, stating, "Any complaints of non-compliance will be addressed." Similarly, Deputy Director of Factories and Boilers, Bibhu Prasad, mentioned, "Routine inspections are carried out across factories. Compensation is provided to families in cases of accidental deaths, and we take strict action if any violations are reported." However, despite these assurances, the reality on the ground indicates a systemic failure to ensure worker safety and enforce labor laws in the expanding industrial sector of Sundargarh.