Chennai, 23 February (H.S.): Local labourers in Tiruchy are protesting against the hiring of migrant workers at Direct Paddy Purchase Centres (DPCs) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC). Despite an increase in paddy procurement this season, local workers claim they are being overlooked for jobs in favour of migrant workers from other states.

Currently, around 30% of the workforce at DPCs in the district comprises migrant workers, who are employed as load men. Local workers allege that they are being paid Rs 10 per paddy bag handled, but migrant workers are accepting lower wages.

The issue has sparked a debate, with some farmers arguing that migrant workers are more productive and efficient. However, labour unions and local workers claim that local politicians are recruiting migrant workers for lower wages, denying employment opportunities to local labourers.

The TNCSC has denied any objections from local load men, stating that migrant workers are being engaged due to their availability. According to G Chitrarasu, Senior Regional Manager of TNCSC (Tiruchy), around 30,000 metric tonnes of paddy have been procured so far by the 99 DPCs in the district.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary