Jharkhand News: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Ensures Wage Payment for 47 Workers Stranded in Cameroon

Ranchi, December 12, 2024: Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s decisive action has led to the resolution of a long-pending wage dispute for 47 migrant workers from Jharkhand stranded in Cameroon, Central Africa. Following his directives, payments have been initiated and First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against fraudulent employers and intermediaries.

Three-Month Wages Cleared After Prolonged Delay

The Chief Minister recently received reports that workers employed by M/s Transrail Lighting Limited in Cameroon had not been paid their wages for three months. These workers had also been sent to Cameroon without proper registration and licensing, which violated established labor norms.

Upon learning about their plight, the Chief Minister instructed the labor commissioner to ensure immediate action. Consequently, FIRs were registered against the accused in Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Giridih districts.

State Migrant Control Room Contacts Company

Acting promptly on the Chief Minister’s orders, the State Migrant Control Room established communication with both the stranded workers and the employing company. The company confirmed that partial payments of $100 per month had been made to the workers and assured that the remaining dues would be transferred directly to their Indian bank accounts. Workers have since confirmed receipt of these payments.

Ministry of External Affairs Expedites Repatriation Efforts

In collaboration with the Indian High Commission and the Ministry of External Affairs, efforts have been intensified to ensure the safe return of the workers to India. The control room has also assured the resolution of the matter, including the potential cancellation of agreements with contractors if they fail to meet their obligations.

Crackdown on Fraudulent Recruitment Practices

The incident has spotlighted the exploitation of migrant laborers by unscrupulous agents and companies operating without compliance with legal standards. FIRs lodged against the accused intermediaries aim to set a precedent, ensuring such violations are curtailed in the future.

The swift action underlines the Jharkhand government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its workers abroad and addressing their grievances effectively.

Key Developments in the Case

This incident has highlighted the importance of regulatory oversight in international labor placements and the necessity for robust mechanisms to protect migrant workers from exploitation.