Since 2009, 38 labourers died doing Games work

Senior officials in the Delhi government today revealed that 38 labourers working at different Commonwealth Games related projects have died during the construction process, while two were seriously injured.

Officials were, however, quick to point out that of the 38 who died, only one labourer was working on a project undertaken by the Public Works Department which falls under the direct purview of the Delhi government.

“All other deaths have taken place at construction sites under the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation,” said a government official. The 38 deaths took place from January 2009 till the present date.

Officials further added since there is a due process in place, compensation for all the deaths as well as the injuries has already been paid and there are no “pending complaints or cases”.

“The contractors pay the compensation amount and this is overseen by the compensation commissioners posted in nine districts across the city. Since criminal negligence is involved in the matter, and an FIR is registered, the contractors have duly and quickly expedited the process so there is no pending complaint,” said Delhi Labour Commissioner R K Srivastava.

Labourers who die in such work-related accidents are paid anything between Rs 2-5 lakh, depending on their age — a younger workman receives more compensation than old labourers.