Margao: The daily gathering of migrant workers in Cuncolim market has become a source of concern and anxiety among residents. The Cuncolim Traders Association has asked the authorities to regulate the workforce by issuing identity cards.In a representation to the administrator of Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC), the association said that hundreds of workers assemble every morning in front of the State Bank of India in search of work. This inconveniences the public, blocks movement in the area and creates an “unorganised and unsafe environment” for both workers and employers.The association, led by president Yatin Talaulikar, proposed that CMC set up a registration centre near SBI, managed by a dedicated staff member. It suggested a nominal monthly fee of around Rs 300 per worker to meet administrative and operational costs.The proposal envisages that the centre will maintain documentation of every registered worker, and CMC will issue an official ID card.The traders’ association said it would also allow employers to verify workers while hiring, reduce crowding near the bank and improve municipal monitoring.CMC convened a meeting of the Cuncolim police, labour inspector and the traders’ association to examine the proposal’s feasibility. However, the meeting remained inconclusive, with no decision taken on the way forward.
