The Kalahandi District Labour Department successfully rescued 24 migrant workers from Kesinga Railway Station.
These workers, originally from various blocks of Kalahandi, had been subjected to severe exploitation and abuse in Telangana’s Hyderabad, where they were forced into labour under harsh conditions.
Many migrant workers from Odisha travel to other states in search of employment, often falling prey to middlemen and contractors who promise lucrative wages but instead trap them in debt and forced labour. Reports indicate that these workers were denied proper food and wages and were subjected to physical abuse when they protested against their conditions.
Upon receiving complaints from the workers’ families, the District Labour Officer, Jitam Majhi, coordinated with local authorities and railway police to facilitate their safe return. The workers arrived at Kesinga Railway Station via the Ernakulam Express, where they were welcomed by officials and provided with food and assistance before being sent back to their respective villages.
The rescue operation was supported by Labour Welfare Committee Chairman Jhasaketan Bag, BSC SW Union’s Surya Narayan Pattnaik, and Railway Police, ensuring the workers’ safety and rehabilitation.
Despite government efforts, migrant labour exploitation remains a pressing issue in Odisha. Activists urge stronger policies and enforcement to protect vulnerable workers from such predatory practices.
