Monday, September 3, 2012

Balangir man rescued after 22 years in AP brick kilns Sunday, 02 September 2012 22:59 SUDHIR MISHRA.|.BALANGIR Hits: 44


Sunday, 02 September 2012 22:59
SUDHIR MISHRA.|.BALANGIR
Hits: 44
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It is almost a common incident in migrant prone areas of Balangir district and other parts of western Odisha to find a large number of poor and distressed people, migrating to brick kilns of Andhra Pradesh for six to eight months in a year in search of livelihood and facing untold torture and exploitation. At times, they are denied of their wages too.
Working in the brick kilns of Andhra Pradesh for 22 years is really shocking, given the prevailing harsh working conditions, deplorable living conditions, poor wage and denial of basic amenities. But this has happened in case of a man from Balangir.
“I had migrated to the brick kilns of Andhra
Pradesh, along with my wife 22 years ago in search of livelihood. We worked in the brick kilns near Vishaka steel in Pathanjore area of Andhra Pradesh,” said Chandra Dharuua of Bad Dukula village in Tureikela block.
The brick kiln owner never allowed us to come to our village. When my father and mother died, the owner did not allow us to come to our village. When we migrated 22 years ago, my family consisted of two members. Now, there are seven members. The boys are not reading but the daughters are reading in class V in Telgu medium, Dharuua.
During the 22 years, I faced torture, exploitation and denial of wages. I had never imagined that I could return to Balangir, my home district. My brothers are living in the village, he said.
“I have nothing. Let the Government take necessary steps to rehabilitate us and ensure our livelihood. I would never go to the brick kiln again,” appealed Chandra.
After reaching the village, we would take up the case of Dharuaa with the local PRI members and block officials to ensure his rehabilitation and livelihood, said Dayasagar Pradhan of NGO Aide et Action, who rescued these labourers with Saroj Barik and accompanied them to Balangir from Andhra Pradesh.

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