International Labour Day: Real Estate Supports Its Workers

May Day also known as International Labour Day is celebrated on May 01 worldwide. The current pandemic and the impact it has had especially on the working class and their means of earning a living has made this Labour Day all the more significant. Indian real estate, the second largest employer of labour in the country has taken effective steps in protecting their own and ensuring they are taken care of during this trying times. Pradeep Aggarwala, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global and Chairman, National Council on Affordable Housing, ASSOCHAM shared, “Our Workers are one of the most vital elements in the construction industry and thus, we need to extend a helping hand to them. The effective use of the Building & other construction welfare fund will ensure they and their families are not left helpless. In the current tense situation, the measure taken by the government are also a welcome relief.” Ashok Gupta, CMD, Ajnara India Ltd. added, “There are about 3.5 crore registered construction workers. Their life has been severely impacted due to lock down. It is important that we as a community along with the government help them at this crucial juncture. After all, real estate is nothing without its work force.” The industry as a whole has taken various initiatives to provide support and safety to the workers during these tense times. Kalpataru Group is caring for the needs of 37,000 individuals across businesses including daily wage workers. Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL), is caring for daily essential needs of 11,000 workers, of which 10,000 workers are from across India and about 1000 workers are at overseas sites. JMC Projects Ltd, a constructions and infrastructure company from the Kalpataru Group, is supporting 25,000 site labourers across the country with daily essentials. Mike Holland, CEO, Embassy REIT said, “The coronavirus outbreak is first and foremost a human tragedy, affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. Hence, it is the duty of every corporation to help in providing support and relief where possible. At Embassy Office Parks, we have focused our efforts to support community workers and have invested over INR 1 crore to combat the COVID -19 crisis, with significant interventions.” Other companies like Larsen &Toubro and multiple other developers have set aside funds to assist contract workers during this lockdown. KEC too has about 20,000 workers at projects across the country; wages are being paid and their basic necessities are being cared for.