Agartala: In a recent turn of events at the North Sonaichari SSB brick kiln in the Bilonia subdivision under the South District of Tripura, a group of migrant workers from Bihar faced a harrowing ordeal as the owner refused to pay their hard-earned wages after a full season of labour.
Sources said that the workers, already facing threats, were left in a dire situation until local journalists and administrative officials intervened.
“For years, labourers from Bihar have travelled to the SSB brick kiln in North Sonaichari to work through the season, only to face the injustice of unpaid wages upon completing their duties. This year was no exception, as workers found themselves in a desperate situation when the owner reneged on their promised compensation and even threatened them”, said a source from the brick kiln industry.
The workers, determined to seek justice, made their way to the South District Labor Office, only to find the District Labor Officer unavailable. Undeterred, they persisted, spending a sleepless night at the office, devoid of sustenance.
Their plight caught the attention of local journalists, who swiftly escalated the matter to the sub-divisional administration. DCM Arijit Pal promptly intervened, convening a meeting attended by the District Labor Officer, brick kiln owners, and himself.
Following intense negotiations, the owner relented under pressure and agreed to settle the outstanding wages of the workers. Moreover, recognizing the urgency of the situation, arrangements were made for the workers to reach the railway station safely.