Bhubaneswar: In a significant development in Balasore, the district collector has been directed to take action and ensure justice for Bimal Kumar Dalei, a disabled stone artisan. Bimal Kumar has been fighting for his rights after facing serious exploitation and unfair treatment from a contractor.
.webp "District Collector Steps In to Ensure Justice for Disabled Stone Artisan Bimal Kumar")
The issue came to light when Bimal Kumar, who worked on the Purnit Dharma Jain temple in Gujarat, suffered a major accident. The scaffolding he was working on collapsed, causing him to fall. To make matters worse, the contractor, Babu Dhaudia, fled after obtaining signatures from Bimal’s father on some documents, leaving Bimal without his due payment.
For six long months, Bimal Kumar did not receive any wages for his hard work. Despite seeking help and filing a case in the Nilgiri labor court, the contractor continued to deny any wrongdoing. Bimal Kumar even faced derogatory language from the contractor when he tried to resolve the issue with district labor officers.
Determined to get justice, Bimal Kumar filed a formal complaint with the Chief Minister’s grievance cell on July 17, 2024. The complaint highlighted the unfair treatment and the financial exploitation he faced.
Responding swiftly to the complaint, Chief Minister Odisha has instructed the district collector to take immediate action. The collector has been ordered to conduct a thorough audit of the contractor’s financial assets and ensure that Bimal Kumar receives the compensation he is rightfully owed.
This move comes as a relief to Bimal Kumar, who has been struggling for eight years to get his due justice. It also signals a strong message against exploitation and unfair practices towards workers. The district labor officer, the SP of Balasore, and the Nilgiri sub-collector are now expected to ensure that the contractor faces appropriate consequences for his actions.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring fair treatment and support for all workers, especially those facing disabilities and exploitation.