building on dreams...

When we declare ourselves the number one university in the country and be proud about our achievements, it is depressing that there is a small section which is not even considered a part of us and yet very much a part of us.

Universities like ours create a base to build the future of the nation. Ironically, it is the very same educational hub, where childhood gets lost in the debacles of daily livelihood.

We are talking about the 400 odd labourers who are part of the construction activities on our campus. The contracted workers are denied basic requirements of a decent living, and are forced to live in conditions which are not better than slums. Their settlements in deserted regions of our campus, and lives in asbestos and tarpaulin sheds with no proper water and sanitation is a major concern.

A student of social sciences shares his views and expresses that gross violation of child rights is one example which is visible through our naked eyes. Child labour is only a by-product of a larger domain of problems faced by these people back home and here on campus. Other issues such as wage differentials, working condition, social security, malnutrition, health and education etc need to found out.

These migratory workers, who have left their homes behind and have been a part of the campus over the past few years, engaging themselves in various developmental activities, have been highly neglected. Since they are migratory and obviously not well educated, they are unaware of the benefits they could claim through governmental policies and schemes. It should be understood that they are also human beings. They deserve a better living. Their children are also the future of our nation, just like we consider ourselves to be are.

Any normal human being can understand by looking at their living that they are not being provided with basic health, nutrition, and sanitation or living conditions. Their children need education and not engage in the work their parents do. There could be serious questions about human rights raised in this matter.

It is not a rare sight to see small children loitering around at popular places of our campus pleading for food and money. Some of them used to go to school and most of them don’t. It has been noticed that most of these workers come from states like Orissa, AP, Bihar, Karnataka and West Bengal.

It is still unclear about the actual situation of these workers, and hence a strong student movement is mandatory for the education of these kids. Problems unnoticed shall never come into discussion and it is the responsibility of the university students as messengers, well wishers and socially responsible citizens to create vibrant waves demanding Change, at least in our own backyard. The times have passed when slaves could be made use of by masters for their own profits’ sake. The intention must be to do an in-depth study to create a platform which is vocal about the existing situation and it should be brought to the attention of the authorities so that their conditions could be bettered.