The Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board recently cancelled 13,607 labour cards in Dharwad, citing them as fraudulent. However, hundreds of genuine workers are now struggling to regain their benefits after their cards were mistakenly revoked. While the government aims to tackle fake cards, it has been unable to effectively distinguish between authentic and fraudulent workers, leaving many legitimate workers without support.
Reports indicate that over 400 genuine workers have had their cards cancelled, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. These workers, who rely on their cards for essential benefits, are now wandering in search of solutions. Shivanand Asuti, district president of the Karnataka Rajya Kattada-Asanghatita Karmikara Okkuta, welcomed the action against fake cards but expressed concern over the harm done to real workers. Asuti pointed out that to obtain a labour card, workers must submit various documents, such as salary slips, attendance records, building permits, and proof of residence. Many migrant workers from the unorganised sector find it difficult to provide all these necessary documents, leading to complications in acquiring or renewing their cards.
Praveen Kambar, a labourer from Hubballi, shared his frustration, explaining that his card was unexpectedly cancelled, making him ineligible for crucial benefits. He noted that a new application for a card cannot be made for three months, during which time workers lose out on necessary facilities. Workers are calling for strict action against those responsible for issuing fake cards and for an immediate fix to the department’s registration system.
Hubballi’s labour officer, Marikamba Hulikoti, confirmed that card verifications are ongoing. She mentioned that approximately 40% of the cancelled cards are indeed fake, and efforts are underway to identify genuine workers among the revocations.
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