The steady departure of migrant workers to their respective states due to ongoing COVID-19 crisis has created a void in the construction sector. (Morung File Photo)
.jpeg)
Governor RN Ravi shares concern; advises NHIDCL to explore alternative within the state
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 6
The progress of ongoing road construction in Nagaland, particularly the four-laning of National Highway 29 from Dimapur to Kohima, has hit a 'roadblock' due to lack of workforce in the state.
The departure of migrant workers to their respective states as a result of the challenges associated with COVID-19 pandemic seem to be the contributing factor for the labour shortage.
Consequently, Governor of Nagaland, RN Ravi has also expressed concern over the 'near halt' of during a review of work progress of projects undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) in the state on June 5.
“Governor R. N. Ravi on June 5, 2020 reviewed the work progress of projects undertaken by NHIDCL. Unfortunately progress has come to a near halt due to flight of labor force both skilled and unskilled,” informed a tweet by Raj Bhavan, Kohima on June 6.
Accordingly, he advised the NHIDCL to explore labour force availability within the state, it added.
The steady departure of migrant workers to their respective states due to ongoing COVID-19 crisis has created a void in the construction sector, The Morung Express reported last week. (Read Here)
In certain cases, the departure has almost halted construction works in the state, it added.
For instance, an unusual advertisement adorned the local daily newspapers last week inviting ‘skilled and unskilled labourers’ for construction (bridge) works at Sanourü Bridge at Secretariat road, Kohima.
Workforce for such construction activities are usually routed through other mechanism in the state, not through an open advertisement in the newspaper.
A person in-charge of the works informed that out of approximately 50 calls, 45 were from youths within the state who have expressed their desire to work.
While flight of migrants give an opportunity for those within the state to fill the gap, it remains to be seen whether it can be achieved as willingness as well as knowhow of required skills could be big deciding factors.
