600 Indians living in Qatar stranded with no pay
The embassy again wrote to the company on May 5 reminding it of the non-payment of salaries. Kerala’s principal secretary took up the matter in a letter to the embassy on May 29. HT has seen both the letters.
Jarnail Singh, a worker, said writing letters was not alone going to help. “What we want are our dues. Governments – state or Centre – say they are working on the issue. For us, its struggle of last six months and uncertainty about our future.”
HKH General Contracting Company did not respond to HT’S queries. There was no response from the Qatari embassy in New Delhi until Sunday evening.
The external affairs ministry did send a response but a a government official familiar with the issue said the mission and the Indian community in Qatar were arranging essential supplies for the workers. “We continue to work to resolve the status of others,” he said.
Rema George, a social activist who takes up such cases, said they have been pursuing the case. “The government should take immediate steps to address the issue immediately. These are poor people who have no other means to survive. I have visited these camps where they stay and it is a sad sight.”
In a July 12 letter to George -seen by HT -- the Indian embassy said over 200 workers “have had their visa transferred to other companies and nearly 45 half left for India (out of which 14 airfares were given by the mission).”
The Indian mission is working with Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines to press for relief for the workers. An official said Qatar recently announced Support Fund to clear dues of workers of distressed companies, but added that it was yet to become operational.
THE INDIAN MISSION IS WORKING WITH BANGLADESH, NEPAL AND THE PHILIPPINES TO PRESS FOR RELIEF FOR THE WORKERS.
innovative ideas into concrete shapes.
The theme of the event was North Eastern states. The social science department highlighted the rich culture and heritage of seven sister states in an aesthetic manner.
The language models from Hindi, English and Sanskrit were knowledgeable. The Robotics section made every one curious and amazed, where students displayed the models of ‘Intelligent car, Robo hurdle’ and ‘Fire alarm’. The section of “Art and Craft” was total scene of “creativity unlimited”.
The exhibition gave a very enriching platform to both teachers and students.