Use buses to move guest workers: HC
Tells state to drop them at border checkposts; praises Shramik train evacuations
The Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to use TSRTC buses to transport guest workers who are stranded in Telangana to their respective states, especially neighbouring states. The buses can drop the guest workers at the nearest checkposts of the neighbouring states from where they can be picked up by that respective state transport buses.
The court observed that it would be the better to make arrangements for their transportation rather than shelling out money in providing food and accommodation to them, which is the obligation on part of the states, following Supreme Court orders.
The division bench, comprising chief justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy, was dealing with PILs regarding the plight of guest workers and brick kiln workers in the effort to reach their hometowns on foot, as transport was not available during the lockdown period.
Advocate General, B.S.
Prasad, on behalf of the Telangana state, submitted that the government had arranged special trains from Hyderabad to transport guest workers and said that talks were going on with railway officials to arrange more trains to transport them.
Vasudha Nagraj, advocate, who has been appointed as amicus curiae, to assist the court also hailed the timely endeavour of the Telangana government in shifting guest workers to their destinations.
The bench appreciated the efforts of the Telangana government in arranging five Shramik trains from Secunderabad and Hyderabad railway stations to transport brick kiln guest workers to Odisha.
The court asked the south central railways to demarcate two or three bogies out of the 24 bogies in the special trains for guest workers so that there will be less financial burden on the state exchequer. It also said that more Shramik trains have to be commissioned.
Giving suggestions to the Telangana government, chief justice Chauhan observed, “The longer guest workers stay in Telangana, the more the state has to shell out money to feed them, because it is the responsibility of the state, following Supreme Court orders.”
Heeding advocate Nagaraj’s submission that the shelter home at Regimental Bazar has only two toilets, whereas around 254 guest workers are housed there, the chief justice directed the authorities to shift the guest workers to the government school located opposite Uppal bus stand, till they are transported.
Further, the chief justice asked the advocate general to ensure that mobile toilets and e-toilets are provided at the shelter homes so that they will live in hygienic conditions.
The PILs were adjourned to June 19, by which time the government is asked to submit a report, after complying with the court orders given on Wednesday.
THE PILs were adjourned to June 19, by which time the government is asked to submit a report, after complying with the court orders given on Wednesday.