Angul: Introduction of various welfare measures for construction and other manual labourers by the BJD government in the state has made district labour offices a den of corruption. Middlemen and agents have opened up virtual shops in district labour offices to sell labour identity cards, a key document to access every government sop, and rake in mullah. If sources are to be believed the going rate in Angul is as high as Rs 1,000 for a labour card.
Construction workers are found making a beeline to receive these cards as it entitles them to a host of benefits launched by the popular BJD government. It was alleged that these cards are even snapped up by people who have never soiled their hands in their lives.
While the district labour office is entrusted with the task of distribution of these all-important cards, agents of various labour outfits are seen running shops on the office premises of the district labour office and distribute cards, all at a price.
The fact that the district labour officer (DLO) remains mum despite being aware of the scam has triggered suspicion among people.
This correspondent visited the district labour office Saturday and met Babuli Nayak from Banarpal block. When contacted, Nayak said he has never worked as a construction worker but has managed to get a card by paying Rs 500 to an agent.
He said the agent told him, if inquired he should identify himself as a labourer with work experience stretching over years. Baishnab Parida of Karimula village has a similar tale to tell.
Even women who have never worked for a day as construction workers were found in proud possession of labour cards. Gurubari Pradhan of Sankarabandh village, Manima Swain of Bamarisinga and Baijayanti Sahu of Kukurpeta villages bought these cards by paying Rs 600 each to their agents.
Sources said the card entitles a beneficiary to receive Rs 4,000 from the state government towards purchase of tools, Rs 4,000 for buying a bicycle and Rs 1,000 for purchase of a safety kit.
The government criteria have it that one must have a minimum of 90 days of work experience and one’s name has to be recommended by a labour organization to qualify for a labour card .
Once selected, they have to deposit a nominal Rs 20 and take the card from the district labour office. Observers claimed that various labour outfits operating in the region have made a business out of it by taking advantage of the loopholes in the rules.
When contacted, DLO Sumitra Majhi assured to take action against labour outfits involved in the scam in card distribution programme. PNN
