The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is planning to establish permanent shelters for daily wagers at various roundabouts across the city. These shelters, to be known as ‘labour chowks’ or ‘Shramik Samman Kendras’, will provide a resting place for workers while they wait for employment opportunities.
Background and Need
Labourers from surrounding areas travel to Ranchi each morning in search of work. They gather at prominent intersections, hoping to be hired by private construction companies, small and medium business owners, or private individuals. Unfortunately, many workers fail to secure employment on certain days and are forced to spend the entire day outdoors, exposed to harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat, rain, or cold.
Shelter Locations and Features
According to the RMC’s plan, the shelters will be constructed at several key locations, including Doranda, Morabadi Maidan, Kadru, Lalpur Chowk, Birsa Chowk, and Singh More, among others. Each shelter is expected to cost approximately Rs 12 lakh and will include basic amenities. Nikesh Kumar, assistant municipal commissioner, stated that the shelters will be provided free of charge. He further explained that each shelter will have the capacity to accommodate at least 40 workers at any given time.
Implementation Timeline
Construction is already underway for one such shelter in Doranda. The entire project is anticipated to be completed within three months. Once finished, these shelters will serve as a dedicated space for daily wagers to rest or wait for work, offering them much-needed respite from the elements.
