Plights of Migrant Construction Workers

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the conditions of construction workers and problems faced by them in Gandhinagar city. From the analysis, it is clear that economic condition of the workers has slightly improved, but demographic–social and working–living situations of the workers are extremely pathetic and vulnerable till now. The demand and supply of migrant workers is managed through the contract system. Contractors and sub-contractors play a crucial role in providing facilities and obtaining desired employment within a short time span. From the employment point of view, the industry is totally male dominant and preponderant and female workers are unskilled and remain unskilled during their entire life. Of the many theories of migration, the Harris–Todaro model of migration is partially applicable in the rural-to-urban migration process. Unlike government employees, a construction worker has no social security, no earned leave, no sick leave and no pension or gratuity. Finally, it is clear that the objective of decent work for migrant workers will remain a major challenge for years to come.