Despite an increase in minimum wages announced by the Punjab Government, daily wage labourers in Phagwara continue to grapple with harsh realities marked by inadequate infrastructure, job insecurity and economic uncertainty.
At key hiring points such as Gandhi Chowk—once known for its bustling labour activity and now marked by the prominent “I Love Phagwara” installation—scores of labourers gather daily in the hope of securing work. However, the absence of basic amenities such as shelter, seating and drinking water has turned these informal “labour chowks” into zones of hardship rather than opportunity.
A visit to the site revealed the plight of workers who spend hours standing under the open sky, exposed to extreme weather conditions. Labourers including Bobby, Chhinda, Balbir and Zinder shared that their struggle is not new. “Even our parents worked as labourers here and faced the same conditions. Nothing has changed for us,” they said, highlighting the persistent neglect of this vulnerable workforce.
Although the state government has raised the minimum daily wage for unskilled labourers to around Rs 600, many workers alleged that they are often paid less than the stipulated amount. The irregular availability of work further compounds their financial instability, forcing them to accept lower wages to sustain their livelihoods.
The lack of a formalised system for hiring has also exposed workers to multiple risks. Without designated waiting areas or organised labour sheds, they remain vulnerable to accidents, health hazards and exploitation. The absence of any registration or monitoring mechanism allows contractors to bypass wage norms with little accountability. Adding to the growing discontent, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is expected to make a brief halt at Gandhi Chowk during his ongoing Shukrana Yatra on Wednesday. While the visit has brought temporary attention to the site, labourers expressed resentment, stating that symbolic gestures must translate into concrete action.
The workers have collectively demanded the establishment of a proper waiting space equipped with essential facilities. They stress that such a measure would not only ensure their safety and comfort but also lend dignity to their daily struggle for employment.
The situation in Phagwara underscores a broader issue prevalent across many urban centres, where informal labour markets continue to operate without basic infrastructure or institutional support. As the state moves towards economic development, addressing the needs of daily wage earners remains a critical challenge that demands immediate and sustained intervention.
