The bustling construction sites of Hyderabad are a testament to the city’s rapid growth, but beneath the surface lies a workforce largely invisible and vulnerable: migrant laborers. Thousands of men and women, drawn from across India, toil tirelessly, building the city’s future, yet often lack access to the basic rights and protections they deserve.
Each morning, Hyderabad’s labor addas, informal job markets, come alive with the hopes of men like Babul Shaik. A mason from West Bengal, Babul left his village seeking a better life, finding work at construction sites where he earns ₹1,000-1,200 a day. His story is echoed by Laxmi, a 30-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh, who works as a helper, carrying heavy materials and facing grueling hours for a daily wage of ₹500-600.
These workers, often unaware of their rights and the welfare schemes available, face a precarious existence. Though estimates suggest a staggering 8-10 lakh migrant workers resided in Telangana before the pandemic, official data remains incomplete. While the eShram portal and the Telangana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (TBOCWB) exist to provide support, reaching these vulnerable workers is a significant challenge.
The TBOCWB has paid compensation for accidental deaths, disability, and natural deaths to registered workers, but the majority of migrant laborers remain unregistered. This lack of registration means they are excluded from crucial welfare benefits, leaving them exposed to risks, including exploitation and neglect.
The challenges faced by migrant workers extend beyond a lack of awareness. The registration process itself can be daunting, requiring a day off from work, a luxury many cannot afford. Furthermore, the 2022 announcement reserving 95% government jobs for locals further exacerbates their struggle, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and with limited avenues for recourse.
The plight of Babul, Laxmi, and countless others underscores the pressing need for a more inclusive approach to safeguarding migrant workers’ rights. Greater awareness about welfare schemes, simplified registration processes, and a commitment to addressing the systemic barriers they face are crucial steps towards ensuring their well-being and protecting their dignity.
