Berhampur: At least three women migrant labourers from Ganjam district, stranded without salaries in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, appealed to the govt on Friday for urgent intervention to ensure their safe return.
The women hail from Bhramarpur village in Digapahandi block, and one of them is a widow. They had been working in a prawn processing unit in Andhra Pradesh since Oct 7, 2024. According to sources, the women were promised a monthly salary of Rs 12,000 and free accommodation. However, they were reportedly denied payment and not allowed to take leave despite illness. Additionally, they were restricted from leaving the premises of the women’s hostel where they had been residing, according to their family members.
Following an appeal from the workers’ families, Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy directed labour officials to take immediate action. Berhampur district labour officer (DLO) Somanath Patra confirmed that an inquiry was conducted by speaking with the families, the stranded women, and the supervisor responsible for their recruitment.
“I will submit the inquiry report to the govt through the district administration for further action,” said Patra.
Social activist Sudhir Sabat highlighted the growing issue of middlemen luring young people and women with false promises of decent salaries, only for them to endure hardship in unfamiliar locations without proper wages or food.