Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 12: The closure of border between Karnataka and Kerala has been casting serious repercussions on the job prospects of many from both the states. The employees who are employed in institutions and industries across the border are unable to cross the border like they did in the past, and hence they face the chance of losing their existing jobs.

Karnataka had closed its borders located on about ten roads connecting the two states because of the increasing coronavirus cases in Kerala. After COVID-19 cases in Kasargod came down steeply and Dakshina Kannada was plagued by increasing number of infected people, Kerala government also had sealed border on its side. As a result, many who work on the other side of the border are unable to attend to their duties and unless something is done immediately, may lose jobs for continued absence.

Several concerns which had stopped functioning because of lockdown rules, have now begun operations with minimum staff. The companies having employees from the neighbouring states have asked them to report for duties. People from Kerala working in Mangaluru have to report for work and likewise, people from Dakshina Kannada working in Kerala are under pressure to re-join work. When the borders will open is uncertain as yet.

Many have been drawing the attention of both the state governments towards this problem through the social media and pleading for permission to undertake two-way travel once every day by using own vehicles.

A large number of people from coastal Karnataka working in other states have now been asked to re-join work. They have no clear idea whether they have to undertake COVID test and take a certificate or whether they will be placed under quarantine once they reach their places of work. They cannot wait for the lockdown to end as the companies may choose to terminate their services for failing to attend work.