New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) The government’s decision to allow workers who are in involved in electric maintainence work and carpentry has given relief to workers who have been associated with this type of work and are jobless since the lockdown as they are left in a lurch at the mercy of others.
Nawab who works as electrician said that this is a welcome step from the government but was apprehensive if the electric shops would open soon.
“How will I prove that I am electrician and will police provide the pass to us?” are some of the questions on the guidelines.
Mumtaz, a carpenter said “our work depends on the wedding season as there is complete lockdown I don’t think it will be help full to us as only minor reparing work will not to provide much to us. But at least we can earn something.”
While AC mechanics are wary if they come in the category or not while the guideline does not mention their profession so they are apprehensive but Hasan says that this is the season which starts in mid April “I am getting call daily but could not move out to go to attend customers.”
Brick kiln owners are also happy that they can start their business but are apprehensive that after harvest season the business starts but if the virus doesn’t get wiped out nobody will start construction work in rural sector while finding labourers is tough as they come mostly from Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Ram Ashray who runs a brick kiln in eastern UP said coal is essential part of the business so till everything is normal, starting work could be counter productive.
As per MHA guidelines while adhering to social distancing, certain sectors including motor mechanics, plumbers, electricans and goods and road transport have been exempted from the lockdown from April 20.
–IANS
miz/kr