New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) A recently set up special cell takes up parliament members' complaints regarding problems faced by Indian workers aboard, the government said Thursday.

"A cell has been set up in the recent past. Any complaints by the MPs are addressed by the secretary," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha regarding 17 Indian labourers stranded in Malaysia.

He was replying to a suggestion for setting up a special cell to address situations where Indian workers face difficulties abroad.

"Usually the workers face difficulties, but they are not able to get in touch with the ambassador there. They then approach their families, which approach MPs or MLAs (legislators) and then we come to the minister," Congress member P.J. Kurien said.

Some other members also suggested a mechanism to be developed in India, wherein the families of the workers can approach authorities.

The minister first said he will consider the suggestion but later said the overseas Indian affairs ministry was already there to take care of the issue.

Replying to the question on 17 Indian workers from Jharkhand being stranded in Malaysia after being denied the promised wages, the minister said the workers were with the Indian high commission in Kuala Lumpur and the issue was being taken up by the authorities.