Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Construction workers demand compensation

Hyderabad: The Buildings and other Construction Workers Association on Monday demanded the government for compensation to labourers who meet with accidents and suffer injuries during construction of government buildings.

Despite a G.O. No. 1996 issued 11 years ago by the Central government, it was not completely implemented by the State government.

The State government should enforce the order at the earliest for the welfare of workers, said Association General Secretary, K. Kanakaiah, while addressing a press conference here on Monday.

Last year, over 50 labourers died in various accidents while constructing flyovers, culverts, school buildings to name a few.

But not even a single labourer was given compensation by the government.

The kin of the deceased had to depend on contributions made by fellow workers, he alleged.

Every year, the government collects one per cent cess from the contractors towards funds for the welfare of labourers and workers.

For the last two years over Rs. 800 crore was accumulated by the State government towards the fund, but not even a single penny was distributed to labourers, Mr. Kanakaiah maintained.

Later in the day, the Association members met Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in his chambers and urged him to implement the G.O. 1996.

Moreover, members of the Association threatened to lay siege to District Collectors’ Offices across the State on January 26 if the government failed to meet their demands.

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