Lakkundi Excavation Workers Demand Higher Wages, Cite Heavy Labor
Labourers working on excavation projects at historical sites in Lakkundi have raised their voices for better pay. They gathered on Monday to speak with reporters about their current wages and working conditions.
Workers Voice Their Concerns
The labourers explained they receive Rs 374 per day for their excavation duties. They work long hours from 8 am to 5 pm with brief breaks for breakfast and lunch. "We will get Rs 374 under MNREGA works too, but for just 4 hours of work," one worker stated. "Here, we work from 8am to 5pm, with a short break for breakfast and lunch. Compared to MNREGA works, the work is heavy here."
They described the excavation work as physically demanding. "Thinking that excavation work is god's work, we are digging the land here," another labourer said. "If we go for construction work, we will get Rs 500-600 a day. Hence, the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority should increase our wages to Rs 600 per day."
Authority Responds to Situation
Authority member Siddu Patil addressed the workers' demands. He confirmed there has been no strike by the labourers. Excavation activities continue without interruption according to his statement.
Archaeological Discoveries Made
Excavation work on Monday yielded interesting finds. Workers uncovered a stone weapon during their digging. The artefact featured an egg-shaped end on one side with a sharp point on the other. Excavation staff believe it might be a Stone Age weapon, though experts need to confirm this identification.
Authority commissioner Sharanu Gogeri provided additional details about Monday's excavation. "Excavation of 90cm took place on Monday," he reported. "As many as 34 labourers, including 10 women, were engaged in excavation. An axe-like stone and a pillar-like stone were discovered there."
Unusual Incident in Lakkundi
A strange event unfolded in Lakkundi involving a self-proclaimed swami. The man created quite a scene by claiming a 100kg Chamundeshwari statue lay buried 10 feet below where he stood. He warned that if anyone touched the statue, Lakkundi would suffer drought for 25 years.
Villagers grew annoyed with his dramatic statements. They confronted the swami about his claims. Following this confrontation, the man left the area without further incident.
The situation in Lakkundi remains active with ongoing excavation work and discussions about fair compensation for the labourers who uncover historical treasures.
