Dumka Admin tightens grip on labour exploitation

Kumar Prabhat

Dumka

The Dumka district administration has launched a major crackdown on errant labour contractors and middlemen following complaints from migrant workers regarding exploitation and financial irregularities.

At a high-level review meeting held on Friday, Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha directed officials to conduct immediate and stringent investigations into grievances lodged by workers. He warned that any compromise with labour security or welfare would invite strict legal action, including criminal prosecution against those found guilty.

As part of its efforts to safeguard migrant workers, the administration is expanding its flagship rural outreach programme, “Aapnar Aato Kami” (Our Village, Our Work). Under the initiative, special registration camps are being organised in villages and peripheral areas to document workers migrating outside the district and connect them with government welfare schemes before they leave for employment.

The Deputy Commissioner also stressed the need for closer coordination between the Labour Department and law enforcement agencies. Officials were instructed to establish a real-time communication mechanism to ensure quick resolution of labour-related disputes and effective monitoring of worker welfare.

The administration plans to intensify awareness campaigns to educate labourers about their legal rights, social security benefits and available government support systems.

The review meeting was attended by senior district officials, including the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Labour Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, who discussed measures to strengthen labour regulation and plug gaps in enforcement at the grassroots level.