With migrant workers’ exit, construction sector struggles to take off

Mysuru: With thousands of migrant workers returning to their home states, construction sector in the district has been severely hit due to shortage of skilled labour.
Most of these migrant workers from Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh were not only dedicated workers but also experts in various fields including interiors. With their absence, various organizations including the Builders Association of India have been compelled to train local workers in new skills.
In Mysuru alone 12,000 migrant workers have enrolled their names to go back to their states. This could have a huge impact on construction, hotel and other industries which are looking to resume operations. Migrant workers constituted more than 60% of the workforce. Now with most of them going back to their respective states, it is going have adverse effect and many construction activities are expected to be delayed.
S Basavegowda, managing director of a construction company said, “Migrant workers were especially experts in interiors and granite related work. Their contribution was immense. In the absence of migrant workers, we are facing problems. Hope the government come out with some measures to get these workers back. They are dedicated, hard working and always ready to extend their timings.”
M Rathnaraj, president, BAI, Mysuru chapter, said, “Many projects, especially apartment works have been stopped. These workers were into all fields including centring, carpentry, bar bending, granite and interiors. They were very dedicated and hardly they used to take leave. Now with their absence work is going on in a slow pace. The government should take some initiative in getting these workers back. In the meanwhile, we have decided to train local workers in these skills. We will approach the government seeking permission for the same.”