Keralamonitor.com February 21, 2002.

Needed: Socially concerned Social Clubs

Indian workers given food, water by Philanthropists

Fifty eight Indian workers of Project and Supplies Company in Ghala, Oman who were living without food and water for the last two days were provided with food, water and other temporary relief by Malayali philanthropists. Since the Indian social associations are normally keeping away from labour related cases, individual Malayali philanthropists have offered possible support to the workers by arranging food and temporary financial assistance.

Thanks to the initiatives taken by journalists and other concerned Indians, notable contribution was made by the Malayali senior executive and friends .A senior Malayali executive of a company offered whatever is possible within his capacity to the workers. As the Indian social associations are restrained by their constitution and superiors from interfering in such problems, it is individual initiatives like this that provide at least temporary relief to their fellow countrymen in distress. The individual philanthropists visited the labour camp, pacified the workers and made arrangements for their food and water. The Indian Embassy officials are also persuaded to interfere in the matter after the Eid holidays. "It is a great relief for us. Last two days, there is no food and even water supply was cut by the contractor. Now we will prepare the food and survive," said one of the workers.

The company workers, including six Malayalis, have been denied salary for 10 to 6 month. They have been living in poverty after the canteen contractor suddenly stopped food and water supplies two days back because the company did not pay his dues. Workers alleged that the Indian company manager Santhanam, has misappropriated funds and there is doubt about how bills worth RO 50,000 is cleared. Santhanam, who is not attending office for the last ten days, was not available for comments. His mobile phone is also not accessible. One of his relatives who is working in the company is getting food drinks and everything, workers alleged.

The workers went to the Indian Embassy, who directed them to the labour court. They also approached the local police station, but the Arab sponsor did not turn up. They are not allowed to work outside for survival, denied letters send by relatives for the last five months. "The Company manager Santhamam has disappeared from the office and workers are helpless. We have no money to survive as our salary is pending for ten months,' said one of the workers.

The fate of more than 100 workers of Oman Ceramics Company, Sohar is equally pathetic. They were not given salary for six to eight months. The case is pending in the labour court and the workers, including 20 Malayalis are finding it difficult to survive. These workers are agitated over non payment of salary for several months, lack of food, water and other basic facilities. Affected workers are from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and other Indian states.

As a number of such issues keep emerging, there is an urgent need to organise a mechanism to address the problems. Since the existing socio-political organisations have proved their difficulties in addressing such problems, the Indian Embassy officials should think of the next best alternative to form a concerned citizens forum. In a recent meeting the Indian Ambassador has highlighted the need for a socially concerned social organisation.

While social organisations are preparing their Eid feast in which they will serve chicken, biryanai and other delicious food to its members and special invitees, there are starving people like this batch of company workers. "Instead of feeding the well fed Indians, the social club leaders should have some concern about the problems facing average Indians. Even if we are not able to serve them chicken or biryani, we ordinary citizens could offer them tapioca, fish curry and drinking water,' said a member of the social organisation who supported the workers in his individual capacity. While one association is working out the ways and means to out compete the rival organisation by organising mega cultural shows, the man on the street remains out of their "social" activities. Even if they are willing to support such causes, outdated rules and regulations imposed by vested interests prevent them from doing so.

At least a portion of the money raised from such campaigns should be devoted for humanitarian problems. The Indian Embassy should also spend a portion of Labour welfare Fund for supporting such workers in distress.