Allegations of Worker Abuse at New Jersey's Hindu Temple

The construction of the Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, has sparked serious allegations of worker abuse, including claims of forced labor, medical neglect, and unsafe working conditions. These issues have emerged from the experiences of Dalit workers who participated in the temple's construction from 2015 to 2023.

The Guardian

The temple, which is the largest modern Hindu mandir outside India, has been celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship. However, the labor practices surrounding its construction have raised significant concerns. Dalit workers, who are historically marginalized in India, were reportedly subjected to harsh working conditions, including long hours for minimal pay, and faced severe health risks due to inadequate safety measures.

The Guardian

The Baps Swaminarayan organization, responsible for the temple, has been accused of exploiting its workers. Darshan Patel, a representative for Baps, has denied the allegations, asserting that the organization provided proper housing, meals, and medical care. However, workers have countered these claims, stating that they were not given adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and were discouraged from seeking external medical help.

The Guardian

Workers have reported working up to 90 hours a week for as little as $1.20 an hour. Allegations include the confiscation of passports, lack of communication with families, and insufficient medical care. Many workers have developed serious health issues, including silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. One worker described the pain associated with silicosis, stating, “A person would prefer committing suicide rather than dying from silicosis because it’s such a painful death.”

The Guardian

Baps has maintained that the allegations are unfounded, emphasizing that their practices were approved by federal and state officials. Patel stated, “The health and safety of the volunteers was a priority,” and highlighted the spiritual aspect of the work as a form of selfless giving. However, workers have expressed skepticism about the notion of religious volunteering, suggesting that the R-1 visa system was exploited to facilitate labor under the guise of religious service.

The Guardian

Human rights advocates have criticized the treatment of Dalit workers, with Gunjan Singh, a human rights attorney, labeling it as “modern slavery.” Critics argue that the historical exploitation of Dalits in India has perpetuated a cycle of abuse, particularly in labor-intensive environments like the temple construction site.

The Guardian

While Baps asserts that all practices were legal and ethical, workers’ testimonies paint a starkly different picture. The Department of Justice closed a criminal investigation into the allegations without charges, but a civil case against Baps is set to resume, raising questions about accountability and worker rights.

The Guardian

As the civil case progresses, workers are seeking back pay and compensation for the alleged harm caused by their working conditions. There are calls for the Indian government to ban R-1 visas to prevent exploitation, with workers hoping for a future where they can work without fear of abuse. As one worker poignantly noted, “People appreciate the art but they don’t know the blood.”

The Guardian