Construction at Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer project comes to a halt

Work on Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer gas cracker project came to a standstill after an indefinite ceasework by workers engaged under various construction companies at the project site at Lepetkata. The workers, represented by the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited Nirman Sramik Union, have alleged that the construction companies, Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymers Limited (BCPL) authorities, Engineers India Limited (EIL), the government of India-appointed project consultants, the central assistant labour commissioner's office and the Dibrugarh district administration have pathetically failed to address some of the crucial issues raised by the union, the major one among them being the alleged disparity in labour wages. Uncertainty has once again gripped the Rs 5,640 crore project, one of the very few in the nation being directly monitored by the Prime Minister's Office, after a tripartite meeting convened by central assistant labour commissioner S.C. Saikia at the project site today failed to break the ice. The meeting was held between BCPL authorities and contractors, workers' representatives and the labour commissioner's office. The workers' union had alleged that the construction companies had failed to implement an order (No. G/R93 (1)/96-Cor.LS.II) issued by the Guwahati-based regional labour commissioner office dated October 29, 2010. The office, which functions under the Union labour and employment ministry, had stated in its order that the minimum daily wage for unskilled workers is Rs 156, for semi-skilled workers Rs 182 and Rs 220 for skilled workers with effect from October 1, 2010. These wages were meant for workers engaged in road construction and repair, buildings and other work. The union leader also said that at present some of the construction companies have engaged in a divide and rule policy by paying workers from outside the state as per the notification issued by the central government, whereas local workers are being paid much less than the suggested wages. Apart from the disparity in wages, the union has also alleged that the companies had failed to provide accommodation facilities as promised by them. Moreover, the workers' union has also demanded safety equipment for workers, paid holidays on all Sundays and national holidays, 12 per cent bonus, 20 percent house rent allowance and disbursement of wages within 7th of every month.