Malkangiri: Resentment is brewing among labourers in Malkangiri district after the local administration allegedly distributed poor quality items among them. The labourers have alleged that the administration has provided them kit bags containing either low grade or less number of items.
The labourers have also accused the District Labour Office staff of misappropriating lakhs of rupees by providing low grade items. It is pertinent to mention that the Malkangiri District Labour Office had invited tender to procure the items and distributed kits worth Rs 5,000 per unit among 10,000 labourers in the first phase.
“We cannot work with the items provided in the kit as they are of poor quality. Similar items are being provided to all types of labourers including construction workers and carpenters,” said Madhu Hantala, a labourer
Expressing similar views, another labourer Gangadhara Buti said, “We are facing difficulty in using these low quality items. For instance, the helmet is of poor quality and is of no use. Also, all the workers have not got all the items in the kit bag.”
Refuting the allegations, District Labour Officer Madan Mohan Paika said the items have been procured after inviting a tender and are of good quality.
“Charges levelled by the construction workers are baseless. The kit provided to them under different schemes is of good quality. Till date, 30,000 labourers have been registered with the District Labour Office,” added the District Labour Officer.