Are Construction Workers in India Being Left Behind Without Basic Benefits?

Dear All,

It's a pity to know that in domestic construction companies, employees don't get benefits such as PF, gratuity, pension, no medical allowance, etc. The condition of employees who work in construction/manufacturing companies is bad. It's the profit for employers only. They are registered as limited companies but no benefits. On one hand, they ask for a high attrition rate and retention policy, and on the other hand, no benefits to employees. Since this industry is booming in India because of the Commonwealth Games and the growing Indian economy, people are coming from other industries as well, but the real picture is pretty sad.

Gauri

Is there any information you are conveying or complaining about? Posts like these can be substantiated with valid proof.

Mr. Peer,

The point raised by Ms. Gaur is a reality.

I, too, work as an HR & Admin Head in one of the construction companies and take care of 3 sites.

If you go through the company policy, it all seems fine. However, in reality, when you observe the site execution and operation procedures, the facilities being provided to construction workers are really pathetic.

Since almost all the contract laborers are floating (meaning they will not keep coming regularly like company employees do), the construction companies try to avoid making ESI and PF contributions to contract laborers. It is the responsibility of the principal employer (the contractor) to make these payments towards ESI and PF as compulsory.

The situation is quite dire; even when we insist on basic coverage and benefits for contract employees, it does not get the attention of the company.

I believe that the compliance of ESI and PF needs to be stricter for the construction industry, and a new scheme should be introduced to address this issue.

In general, construction workers do not receive any benefits from the employer, contractor, or statutory benefits. All they receive is a salary, which is usually lower than the government-specified rate.

Regards,

R. Sudhakar
9962006113

Dear Mr. Peer, you are undoubtedly one of the top participants on Cite HR, and I always admire your writing on different subjects. But this time, I had to echo the sentiments of Sudhakaran ji and Gauri ji. Believe me, things have worsened even further. My last five assignments have been with contracting companies, and the situation remains more or less the same.

Currently, I am the Sr. VP of HR & Administration in another construction company and am fully aware of the suffering of the laborers. These concerns are regularly shared with management, but the outcomes remain unchanged. The owners employ every trick in the trade just to deny the laborers their legitimate dues. This is the unfortunate reality of this industry.

Kind Regards,
Naresh Dabas
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]