Migrant workers: Uninsured and in the line of fire

The worker who has been injured or killed at a worksite should be compensated as per the Workman’s Compensation Act, according to a labour rights activist.
Although the workers at the metro rail sites, whom Express interviewed, are not insured, Additional secretary of Nirman Mazdoor Panchayat Sangh Geetha Ramakrishnan said that the Act has all the provisions to pay adequate compensation to the migrant labourer. “On the death of a worker, labour commissioner should suo moto ask the principal employer to deposit the amount.The quantum of what he is entitled to, has to be checked by the labour department,” she said.
A worker on condition of anonymity said that they are not insured by the firms, which are carrying out CMRL work. Sources did confirm it, but said it is difficult to pay insurance to these workers as they are engaged on a temporary basis.
But Geetha feels that the Act has better provisions and suits their needs better. As for insurance, she feels  the company can insure them for a much lesser amount and pay that as compensation, though it might be inadequate for their family.