‘Govt should arrange transport for labourers who want to return’

Harshraj Singh

Ludhiana, June 17

Upkar Singh Sahni is the president of the Giaspura Industrial Welfare Association and owner of Rijak Auto International. He says the lockdown owing to the Covid-19 has badly hit the industry. Even after lifting of the lockdown and reopening of the industry, the work is moving at a very slow pace as there is a huge shortage of workers due to exodus of migrant labourers from Ludhiana. He sought from the government to take necessary steps for the revival of the industry and to call back labourers from their home states.

How has the lockdown impacted industry?

We deal in manufacturing of auto parts. Our industrial unit remained closed during the curfew/lockdown period in the country due to which we faced heavy financial losses. In May, when the unit was reopened, we were hopeful that the operations will be normal soon. However, the government started trains to send migrants to their home states. A large number of migrant labourers have moved to their home states. Now, the industrial sector is facing a huge shortage of workers. In absence of required number of workers, it is difficult to make the factory operations normal amid the Covid-19 crisis.

How are you tackling issues related to factory workers?

When the lockdown was imposed, we provided wages and ensured ration to our factory workers so that they don't face any problem. But when the trains for migrants were started, many of our workers left for their home states. At present, we are working with only 30-35 per cent workers and giving them their salaries.

How are you ensuring safety of workers at your factory?

We are following the government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Social distancing is ensured and workers also sanitise their hands on the factory premises regularly. We are also spraying sodium hypochlorite to sanitise the machines and factory premises on daily basis.

What are your expectations from the government?

As many migrant workers have left for their home states, there is a huge shortage of workers here. We have come to know that a number of migrants are ready to come back to Ludhiana, but they cannot bear the cost of transportation to reach here. We appeal to the government to take necessary steps to run trains for those migrant workers who want to return to Ludhiana. Besides, the government should relax the labour laws.

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