A daily wage labourer working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) died due to extreme heat in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, on Monday. The incident has sparked allegations of negligence against authorities, as the deceased's family claimed that adequate precautions were not taken to protect workers from the scorching temperatures.
Incident Details
The labourer, identified as 45-year-old Basavaraj, was working at a construction site under MGNREGA when he collapsed due to heatstroke. He was rushed to a nearby primary health centre, where doctors declared him brought dead. The temperature in Kalaburagi had soared to 42 degrees Celsius on the day of the incident.
Family's Allegations
The deceased's family members alleged that the authorities did not provide sufficient water, shade, or breaks during work hours. They demanded compensation from the government for his untimely death. However, they cremated Basavaraj's body on Tuesday without allowing a post-mortem examination, citing religious beliefs and a desire to perform last rites promptly.
Government Response
Local officials have expressed condolences and assured an inquiry into the matter. The district administration stated that compensation under the MGNREGA scheme would be considered as per norms. They also urged workers to take precautions during extreme heat, including staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks.
Heatwave Conditions in Karnataka
Karnataka has been experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with several districts recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The state government has issued advisories for outdoor workers, but implementation remains a challenge. Labour rights activists have called for stricter enforcement of safety guidelines under MGNREGA to prevent such tragedies.
The incident has reignited debates about worker safety in India's rural employment programmes, especially during extreme weather events linked to climate change. The family's decision to forgo a post-mortem has also raised questions about accountability and the need for mandatory autopsies in workplace fatalities.
