Manik Sharma
While external warfare may not be the prevailing struggle of our times, there exists an internal battle for survival among a substantial segment of unskilled labourers, teetering on the edge of poverty, striving to secure their basic sustenance. The plight of unskilled and semi-skilled labourers in India is not hidden from anyone. It becomes important to shed light on their exploitation and substandard working conditions. Surprisingly, even skilled workers in the IT sector are dissatisfied with their jobs, longing for the stability and security offered by government employment.
Take the case of 19-year-old Daman who works alongside an electrician specialising in installing false ceilings. This young worker, battling an ongoing battle with jaundice, remains alarmingly thin due to his medical condition. But he has to work regardless as he is the sole breadwinner for his family. Despite putting in gruelling hours from 10 in the morning until late at night, he receives a meagre sum of rupees 500 for his laborious efforts. On days when the workload is reduced, he may only receive a paltry amount of 200-300, and on days when there is no work, he earns nothing at all.
This situation not only highlights the hardships faced by the unskilled labour class but also emphasises their reliance on our indulgence and spending on luxurious lifestyles. It perpetuates a cycle of exploitation, where they must continuously engage in menial jobs simply to survive. Sadly, most of these workers lack education or job security, leaving them unable to apply for higher-level exams or receive any guarantee of stable employment.
However, even skilled workers in the corporate sector are not immune to job dissatisfaction. A friend working in the IT industry, earning a decent income, is actively seeking a government job in a public sector undertaking (PSU) or through graduate-level entry. Despite facing a risk of a potential salary cut of up to 60%, he is willing to make this sacrifice due to the changing nature of the private job. With the advent of automation in the IT sector, the corporate industry is demanding that workers handle multiple projects simultaneously. Those who are resisting this change risk becoming victims of layoffs, further exacerbating job instability.
These narratives shed light on the pressing issues faced by workers in India. The struggle for survival among unskilled and semi-skilled labourers and the yearning for government jobs even among skilled workers in the IT sector highlight the urgent need for improved working culture, job security, and modest compensation. Without addressing these concerns, the cycle of exploitation and job dissatisfaction will continue to plague the region’s labour force, hindering their progress and overall well-being.
Despite the existence of labour laws in India aimed at protecting workers’ rights, many skilled and unskilled labourers in the country face unfavourable conditions and low wages. Labour laws such as the Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, and Employees’ State Insurance Act provide legal protections and social security benefits, but implementation and awareness among workers remain challenges.
As the echoes of the Prime Minister’s profound words fade, it becomes imperative to address the disconnect between rhetoric and reality. To bridge this gap, a concerted effort is required to enhance the implementation of labour laws and raise awareness among workers. It is incumbent upon government bodies, industries, and society at large to acknowledge and rectify the systemic issues plaguing the labour class, ensuring that they receive just wages, dignified working conditions, and avenues for growth. By doing so, we can forge a path towards a future where equity and prosperity prevail for every diligent worker in our nation.
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