Berhampur: Three migrant women labourers from Ganjam’s Bhramarpur, who were allegedly confined in a prawn processing unit in Andhra Pradesh, returned to their village on Sunday, following the intervention of the district administration.
Sources said the women had gone to Andhra Pradesh through an ‘agent’ on Oct 7 last year to work in the prawn processing unit in West Godavari district. They were allegedly stuck in a women’s hostel of the company without getting their monthly salaries. The company authorities also did not allow them to leave the factory. The workers had reportedly been assured they would get a monthly salary of Rs 12,000 and free accommodation in Andhra Pradesh.
They had appealed to the district administration for their safe return on Friday.
“After getting information, I inquired about their details and also talked to the woman who had taken them to Andhra Pradesh. Following our intervention, they have been allowed to return,” said Somanath Patra, district labour officer (DLO).
After they reached Berhampur by train, they were taken to their village in a special vehicle arranged by the block development officer (BDO) of Digapahandi.
Patra said they would enquire about the non-payment of salaries. “After recording their statements, we will take up the matter with the company,” he said.