THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 29: Following the directives of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, 11 out of 47 migrant workers from Jharkhand who were stranded in Cameroon have returned safely. The Labour Department ensured their transportation to their respective destinations. Efforts are ongoing to secure the return of the remaining 36 workers.
Background of the Incident
The Chief Minister had received reports regarding the non-payment of wages and mistreatment of 47 workers from the Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Giridih districts of Jharkhand. These workers were employed by M/s Transrail Lighting Limited, a company based in Cameroon, Central Africa. Acting swiftly, the Chief Minister directed the State Migrant Control Room to address the issue immediately.
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The State Migrant Control Room verified the situation by contacting the workers and the company involved. Upon confirming the complaints, Labour Secretary Mukesh Kumar and Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Besra instructed the Labour Superintendents of the affected districts to take necessary action. FIRs were filed against the employers and middlemen, and the process to ensure the workers’ safe return was initiated.
Recovery of Workers’ Wages
The control room team maintained continuous communication with the officials, the company, and the workers via email and phone. As a result, the workers’ outstanding wages, amounting to ₹39,77,743, were recovered.
On December 27, 2024, the first group of 11 workers departed from Cameroon for India. By December 29, 2024, all 11 workers had safely reached Jharkhand. Labour Department officials warmly welcomed them upon their arrival at Birsa Munda Airport.
Efforts are ongoing to bring back the remaining 36 stranded workers.