The Hindu : Condition of KGF workers shocks panel

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 26, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Condition of KGF workers shocks panel

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, FEB. 25. The South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM) has said there has been large-scale violation of human rights of workers and their dependants in Kolar Gold Fields following its closure.

A jury panel of SICHREM headed by Justice H. Suresh, retired judge of the Bombay High Court, which made an on-the-spot inquiry, concluded that the workers of the century-old mines had not only lost their jobs but also lost their "right to live with human dignity".

In a preliminary report, it said: "What we witnessed and heard clearly spells out large-scale violations of human rights of all workers and persons within the KGF area. Broadly, all workers who lived in KGF for generations together have not only lost their livelihood but also everything that goes along with life."

Mr. Justice Suresh said SICHREM would send its preliminary findings and recommendations to the State and Union governments for taking suitable action to restore human rights of workers in Kolar Gold Fields.

Mr. Suresh, accompanied by three members of the cell, visited KGF recently and held a public hearing.

They interacted with the affected persons, citizens, trade union members, and NGOs.

The panel found that besides loss of jobs there was disconnection in water supply and accumulation of garbage, the hospitals were closed, and toilets were overflowing heightening the risk of the spread of epidemics.

Members of the panel were also shocked to know that there were deaths due to stress following the closure of mines.

The panel urged the State Government to withdraw the October 29, 2002 order directing the city municipal corporation not to spend funds on water supply and sanitation in the workers' colonies.

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