Ferozepur admn buys cycles of workers going home via trains

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, May 18

Providing much-needed help to 10 migrant labourers, the district administration bought their bicycles for Rs 37,000 as they were unable to carry them along while boarding the train back to their homes.

Sarwan Kumar, a migrant labourer, said they came from Kotkapura to board the Shramik Express at Ferozepur Cantt railway station. He said their employer, while settling their dues, sold them bicycles at Rs 3,700 each. Left with no choice, they had to buy them.

Another migrant Swarnjeet Kumar said after reaching the railway station, they were left shocked as the authorities did not allow them carry their bicycles in the train.

“I met Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Kulwant Singh and SDM Amit Gupta, who were present at the railway station, and apprised them about our plight,” said Swarnjeet. Within no time, the DC decided to buy all 10 bicycles at a price which was paid by the labourers i.e. Rs 3,700 for each cycle. He paid a sum of Rs 37,000 in cash to all of them.

Swarnjeet said because of the administration’s help, they were able to board the train. He said they never needed the cycles and were forced to buy them. However, the district administration resolved their problem. “Now, we are leaving for our homes happily and will never forget this timely help,” said another labourer.