PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Even as Labour Day was marked with events featuring speeches and messages on Friday, daily wage workers in Dehradun said that their everyday reality remains dominated by uncertainty of work, rising costs and little support from the authorities.
At construction sites and sites where labourers gather to seek work, the day often begins with hope but no guarantee. “Some days you get work, some days you just go back empty-handed. Even if I earn Rs 500–600 a day, it’s not regular. You can’t run a family like this,” mason Karun Kumar said.
For many, the struggle has intensified over the past year as living costs have gone up. Rent, food and school fees have all increased, but wages have largely stayed the same. On top of that, access to cooking gas has become a serious concern.
Migrant worker Ram Singh said that he had no choice but to send his family back to Bihar. “Cooking gas cylinders were either not available or being sold at very high prices. I was spending close to Rs 3,000 at one point. It became impossible to manage expenses for everyone here,” he said. Now, he lives alone in Dehradun, taking up whatever work he can find.
Those working in small shops say that the situation is no better. Gopal Singh, who earns around Rs 8,000 a month, said that most of his income goes into basic expenses. “They talk about minimum wage, but we don’t see that in reality. If the shop shuts for a day, we lose money. There’s no security,” he said.
Health is another worry. With physically demanding work, injuries are common, but treatment often comes out of their own pocket. “If we fall sick, we don’t earn. And if we go to a hospital, the expenses only increase,” said Jatin Chauhan, who works near Prince Chowk.
Workers say that the bigger issue is the lack of stability. “We don’t have savings because we barely earn enough to get through the month. If there’s no work for a week, everything gets disturbed, rent, ration, everything,” said Sudhir Kumar.
Many said that while Labour Day brings attention to their role, it rarely translates into change. What they are asking for is basic- regular work, fair wages, affordable cooking gas, access to healthcare and better ration support.
Karun Kumar said, “Recognition is fine but what we really need is some certainty. Right now, every day feels like a struggle”.
