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In a setback to the Kochi Metro project, the construction work at many sites have come to a halt, because of financial crunch and suspension of work due to shortage of raw materials. This was confirmed by Kochi Metro authorities on Saturday. Labour unions said local workers are being kept away and they were forced to partially suspend the work at the Udyogamandal yard of the contractor Soma Enterprise. The decision of the unions to stop work at the yard will affect construction of concrete girders to be placed atop pier caps. "We were told by Soma that there was no sufficient steel and other raw material to carry out work. We have decided to completely stop the work at the yard from Monday. We also cannot let the contractor proceed their activities without engaging local work force," said Construction and Contract Workers Union (CITU) general secretary PG Shankarankutty. Udyogamandal Contract Workers Union (BMS) general secretary T A Venugopal said the contractor Soma Enterprise told the union that they did not have sufficient funds to procure steel. "Even while they speak about shortage of funds they have engaged migrant labourers. It is unfair on part of the contractor to keep away local workers. As it is the festival season they need jobs. So, we will not let the company work with migrant workers," he said. Officials said migrant labourers, mostly unorganised, engaged by the contractor have not been paid since the last three or four months. They work on 12 hour shifts, from 8 am to 8 pm or 8 pm to 8 am. While the juniors labourers are paid about Rs 8,000-8,500 per month, seniors get Rs 9,000-9,500. In contrast, a Keralite labourer engaged in the metro work gets Rs 700 to Rs 870 per day. This comes to Rs 21,000-26,100 per month. "Though the union knew about dues to migrant labourers, we didn't check the details as it does not fall in our preview," said Venugopal. Officials with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the contractor gets mobilisation advance to procure raw materials and start work. They are bound to complete the work and submit bills. "Unless they complete the process they will not be paid," said an official. A Kochi Metro official said that they suspected diversion of money by the contractor. This could have resulted in severe fund crunch. "It is clear that very few workers are being dispersed to the sites. And, the work is moving at a snail's pace," he added. Pay in contrast: Migrant labourers who toil day and night at the sites have not been paid for the last three or four months. They work on 12 hour shifts, from 8 am to 8 pm or 8 pm to 8 am. While the juniors labourers are paid about Rs 8,000 -8,500 per month, seniors get Rs 9,000-9,500. In contrast, a Keralite labourer engaged in the metro works gets Rs 700 to Rs 870 per day. This comes to Rs 21,000-26,100 per month.
Keywords
Kochi metro project, construction workers, Kochi Metro authority, workforce, raw material, labourers, Keralite labourer
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