It is despite commitment and care shown by Jharkhand government to ensure safe return of labourers to Jharkhand from other states; over 1000 labourers from Jharkhand are still stranded in Goa from the past couple of days.
All of them were dumped at Bambolim stadium by local district administration of Goa government on May 29, workers said. Desperate to meet their family back in Jharkhand they left for Karmali railway station on getting information that a special shramik special train is set to leave for Jharkhand on May 29.
“We were already in problem due to lockdown but it further turned worse,” said Horil Pandit.
Pandit who is a native of Ratanpur village under Tundi block of Dhanbad district works as a labourer in Goa from the past one year.
“Many people like me from Jharkhand had approached Jharkhand government through online for our return and our request was accepted and processed. Accordingly, we also received notice that special train for Jharkhand will depart from Karmali station. A large number of labourers even from other states turned at the railway station. But, not all were allowed to board the train. Later on remaining people were taken at this stadium,” said Pandit.
Polus Malto; a resident of Littipara block of Pakur district is among labourers who has been facing hardship. “We are not given enough food to eat. The worse thing is that we have been told to keep disposable cup and plates that have already been used else food will not be served to us. We are desperate to return our home. We request Jharkhand government to arrange a train for us,” he said.
Surendra, a native of Giridih district, works as a waiter at a hotel in Goa from the past 10 years.
“The number of crowd accommodated on the ground is not less than 2000. They are from other states also. There is no proper facility of food and lodging here. We sleep on the ground and we go outside to attend nature’s call. There is no social distancing,” he said.
Giridih based social worker Sikandar Ali who works for labourers expressed concern over the situation.
“Some of them are in regular touch with me. They have no means of communication and also they are not left with enough money to survive. As the state government has been bringing stranded labourers from other state the government should also take care of labourers stranded at this stadium,” said Ali.
On being contacted state transport secretary K. Ravi Kumar said: “Till last person reaches Jharkhand we will keep making arrangements.”