Exploitation of workers at Commonwealth Games sites

A Delhi High Court appointed four-member committee has reported that workers at Commonwealth Game related construction sites were not being paid minimum wages and were being made to work overtime for no extra money. The committee has recommended "exemplary fine" to be levied on errant authorities. It also said that steps should be taken to start timebound registration of workers and extending to them benefits like weekly offs and hygienic living conditions.

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To add salt to the injury, President of Commonwealth Federation has made a statement sometime back - "Venues of course, some are under construction and some of them have been completed and we are very pleased with the outcome of the hockey venue because when we were here in December last it was still very far from completion and to witness such a fact that they are able to play the World Cup. … Certainly excellent facilities. I think it is a testimony to what can be achieved by India when they have to achieve a certain objective and I must congratulate the builders, organizers and all the people responsible for presenting such a fine hockey venue.”

These CGF officials visit INdia and shower praises on the organizers and builders, who give them seven star welcome. No body is bothered about the workers who will make these games a reality. The organizers, builders and CGF officials should hang their heads in shame.

The workers and the people of India need an apology from all of them. Workers should also be compensated for the inhuman treatment given to them, along with all the payments and facilities which they are entitled to, and which have been denied to them.