On a Sunday morning, if you visit the Gandhi park in front of East Fort, you will wonder if you have walked into a high school examination centre. The park is full of young boys in the 15-25 age group and talking in language alien to this state. These are the migrant construction labourers from Bengal and Orissa, who are having their weekend respite. This is also occasion to meet friends, exchange news about home, and about new job opportunities.
Some had come with their frugal belongings; perhaps new arrivals trying for a place to shack up. Some were in the ice cream parlour while others were busy filling up Money order forms . The reluctance of the local workers to take up jobs at competitive rates and terms has thrown up an opportunity for the migrant labourers from other states. One is not, however, sure about the living and working conditions of these workers.
