Families of Odia labourers urge Govt to rescue kin from Oman

Khurdha: Alleging torture and exploitation, families of five Odia migrant labourers from Balugaon Mathapatna village under Banpur police limits of Khurdha district working in Oman have urged the government to take steps for their rescue and safe return to Odisha.

The families, after getting information, have approached the district administration seeking the government’s intervention in the matter. They met the Additional Collector today and urged him to rescue the labourers who are facing problems in coming back from Oman.

As per the complaint filed by the family members, the labourers are being tortured both physically and mentally in the company.

“The company is not even providing food and accommodation to the workers, let alone wage and other allowances. The company is forcing them for over-time work apart from 8-hour work in poor environment and it has taken away their passports,” said a family member of one of the victims.

Also Read: Odia labourer alleges torture in Oman; family seeks govt intervention

Earlier, they had written to Prime Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, District Collector, Labour Commissioner, Chief Secretary and Banpur police station thrice on March 25, April 1 and 12. However, the administration did not take any initiative on their report.

The Additional Collector assured them to take necessary steps in this regard soon.

According to sources, Kerala based Planet HRD Consultancy Private Ltd Company had taken them to Oman on March 15 last year on the pretext of providing jobs.