Tuesday, 31 March 2020

Who are Daily wagers?

Amid's the 21 day lockdown which is implemented in India, many people are raising concern about "Daily wagers" or the poorest section of Indian working class.

But who are these daily wagers and why is they a major concern to the Indian government?

Daily wagers are mostly the poorest section of migrant unskilled workers who live in small villages near major industrial cities of India. They mostly are hired on daily basis rather than a permanent employment or contract. They are found in common meeting places like chowks or nakas where contractors hire them for petty labour oriented work like  stone breakers or construction workers.

They are paid on per day basis up to Rs 200 ($1.50) per day and nearly entire family is hired to make one days meal for them. There is no guarantee of work for them and have to find work each day to earn their meal.

Where does these workers come from?

These workers are mostly young men with very poor background and nearly no educational background. The only skill they have is their youth and strength which can be used for high labour intensive work like construction. They mostly work alone or if they have family they also bring their wives with them for petty labour work like house maids or work maids.