Staff Reporter
Guwahati: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has written to Labour Welfare Minister Rupesh Gowala seeking a comprehensive policy for systematic labour recruitment and protection across all districts, with special emphasis on Upper Assam.
In his letter, Saikia expressed concern over reports of harassment and discrimination against labourers—particularly those from Lower Assam—on the pretext of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. He alleged that workers have been targeted based on linguistic or religious identity, in violation of constitutional provisions ensuring equality, freedom of movement, and minority rights.
Referring to a statement by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma during the July 2024 Assembly session, in which the CM warned certain labourers from Lower Assam against working in Upper Assam, Saikia said the remark had emboldened some groups to force minority workers to leave, creating tense situations in several districts. The Congress leader criticized the administration and police for failing to take legal action despite the availability of law enforcement and foreigner detection mechanisms.
To address the issue, Saikia proposed an action plan that includes district-wise assessment of labour requirements, surveys to determine the number of ongoing public and private projects, evaluation of manpower needs based on skill categories, and priority recruitment for local workers. He suggested making it mandatory for contractors to hire from the district or nearby areas before bringing in outside workers, fixing a minimum percentage of local workers in all government projects, issuing labour identity cards with biometric details and verified addresses, and creating protocols for inter-district labour migration.
He further recommended multi-party agreements when local labour is insufficient, involving district officials, contractors, and local leaders. The plan also calls for the formation of district-level labour monitoring committees, setting up a helpline for grievance redressal, taking strict legal action against violators of labour rights, holding regular coordination meetings among labour officers, conducting public awareness campaigns on labour rights and dignity, providing police training on constitutional provisions related to labour and citizens’ rights, and preparing quarterly review reports on labour recruitment.
Saikia said these steps would protect legitimate workers from discrimination, ensure manpower for ongoing projects, and maintain social harmony in the state. He urged immediate government intervention and policy formulation.
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