Migrant workers yet to return, industrial output in Punjab drops to 50-60%

The festivals of Diwali and Chhath Puja are long gone, and even the sowing season for the wheat crop has ended, but the wait for skilled and unskilled labour in the industry here continues. A large number of migrant workers, who had left for their villages in Bihar and UP before Diwali for about a month, are yet to return.

Owing to the severe shortage of industrial labour, production in several factories had dropped to 50-60 per cent, claim industrialists. Talking to The Tribune, Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum, said the labour crisis continued to haunt the industry in Punjab. The forum represents sectors such as bicycles and parts, hosiery, auto components, steel and others.

“Because of the attacks on migrants in recent times, they have started feeling unsafe in Punjab. Even if some migrants are involved in crime, it does not mean all should be targeted. In September, we had written to the Chief Minister, highlighting labourers’ concerns and urging safety measures. Mere assurances serve no purpose, as labour is the backbone of the industry. Due to unrest, fear and panic, workers are refusing to return, and the production has fallen to nearly 60 per cent,” Jindal said.

Pankaj Sharma, president of the Association of Trade & Industrial Undertakings, said industry was currently facing an acute and unprecedented shortage of labour. He said traditionally a temporary shortfall was seen around Diwali and Chhath Puja, but in the past few years this shortage had become permanent.

“One major reason is the availability of increased employment opportunities in the native states of migrant workers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. But recent incidents — where migrant labourers were attacked and forced to vacate rented accommodations in villages — have further shaken their confidence. Labour-intensive sectors such as spinning, garments, steel production and light engineering are facing the brunt of the crisis,” Sharma added, stressing that the government must strengthen law and order to restore confidence among migrant workers.

Recent snatching incidents, in which miscreants not only looted but also assaulted migrant labourers, have raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in industrial areas, feel industrialists.

TR Mishra, president of Atal Purvanchal and Industrial Vikas Parishad, said in view of growing safety concerns, the rights of migrants must be safeguarded. He suggested providing them with confidence-building measures and establishing a dedicated ‘industrial police station’ to exclusively cater to the security needs of industrial zones, functioning round the clock. Mishra recalled that in 2009-10, violence against migrants had forced many of them to rush back to their native villages, many of whom never returned. “If this situation repeats itself, the industry in Punjab will not be able to operate,” he warned.