Berhampur: Around 40 Odia workers, including 11 from Ganjam district’s Khallikote block, are reportedly stranded in Maldives and are facing severe hardships at a construction company. They have released a video message appealing to the Indian govt for their immediate rescue.
The affected workers, who migrated to Maldives in June-July through an agent promising lucrative employment opportunities, claim they haven’t received wages for several months. They are allegedly being confined and intimidated by the company when they protest against non-payment of dues. The workers also reported that electricity to their accommodation has been cut off.
“My son and eight others from our village went to Maldives six months ago hoping for better opportunities,” said Ahalya Pradhan, mother of Manoj Pradhan from Itipur village. “He received his first month’s salary, but nothing after that. They’re now stranded without money to return home,” he added.
On Monday, relatives of the stranded workers met the district labour officer (DLO) Barsha Jena at Chatrapur. “We will write to the govt through the district administration to take appropriate action after investigation,” Jena said.
The affected workers are primarily from Khallikote block’s Itipur, Laxmanpur, and Bakutagaon villages in Ganjam district, and Banapur area in Khurda district. They were employed as masons and labourers in the private construction company.
Saraswati Sahu, whose husband Bangali Sahu is among the stranded workers, said they learned about the workers’ plight over phone calls. “They are in a miserable condition, and we urge the govt to ensure their safe return,” she added.