Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 14: Cases of labour fraud continue to rise in Karnataka, with 7,160 complaints registered over four years under the free helpline ‘India Labour Line’.
This helpline has been set up specifically for workers. It was launched in July 2021 by the Working People’s Charter (WPC) and Aajeevika Bureau to provide solutions to labour-related issues. The helpline offers support for various problems, including wage discrimination, fraud, and workplace harassment.
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The India Labour Line team consists of legal experts and field specialists, resolving 47% of registered cases. Legal action is being pursued in 5% of cases.
In addition to providing legal aid, the India Labour Line assists migrant and unorganised sector workers facing issues with employers, contractors, and engineers. It operates from centres in Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru, addressing complaints from surrounding districts.
Workers frequently approach the helpline regarding provident fund (PF) and gratuity disputes, excessive working hours, denial of accident compensation, and salary delays. Of the registered complaints, 3,371 cases have been resolved by the India Labour Line team, securing Rs 6.43 crore in dues for 7,399 affected worker families. Bengaluru has recorded the highest number of complaints, with over 4,000 cases in four years. More than 2,000 of these have been resolved, benefiting over 5,000 families.
“Workers who contact the helpline receive legal guidance and all possible support. In some cases, fear of employers and contractors forces workers to withdraw their complaints, while others settle disputes through mutual agreements. Over 3,000 cases have been legally resolved. All services are free, and we strive to ensure justice for workers,” said Gayathri Raghu Kumar, assistant state coordinator of the helpline.
“Workers in unorganised sectors such as construction, domestic work, sanitation, garments, small industries, factories, security services, nursing homes, and other informal sectors can contact free helpline number 18008339020. It operates Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm. Calls made outside these hours will be responded to during working hours,” said Muniraju T, state coordinator of the helpline.
