Eminent citizens of Odisha urge PM Modi to set up a national task force for migrant workers

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Updated: Apr 13, 2020, 16:22 IST

Migrant labourers rest under a bridge over railway tracks on the way to their respective native places during the government-imposed nationwide lockdown.

Migrant labourers rest under a bridge over railway tracks on the way to their respective native places during ...Read More

BHUBANESWAR: Eminent citizens, civil society organisations and advocacy groups from Odisha have urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a National Task Force to address the hardship and difficulties of millions of migrant workers who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the nationwide lockdown.
The need for a task force has become urgent in view of the imminent extension of the lockdown by another fortnight, according to the Citizens’ Action Group (CAG) on Corona, Odisha.
“We urge the prime minister not lose time and set up a National Task Force, which could oversee interstate coordination, monitoring and resolution of issues relating to migrant workers,” said CAG co-convenor Umi Daniel.
Over 2.4 million migrant workers are said to be currently stranded in some 50,000 camps scattered across the country. Most of them were looking to return home with the hope that the lockdown would end on Monday. But now with lockdown getting extended by a fortnight, we are not sure how impatience and anxiety will shape the behavior of the stranded workers, said Danierl, an expert on migration.
Odisha is among states that send most migrant workers employed in the economically better-off parts of the country. Addressing their interests is the one of the biggest challenges confronting the government of the state.
The Citizens’ Action Group has also suggested a 10-point action plan for the state government. It has urged chief
minister Naveen Patnaik to

Constitute a special state-level task force for coordinating and reaching out to migrant workers both in and outside Odisha

Identify migrant workers living in distress in urban slums, mining clusters and other government and corporate projects and provide them with food, supplies and medical support.

Consider a special employment generation program for migrant workers in urban areas.

Immediately release Rs 1500 in assistance to workers registered with the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

Set up panchayat-level information centers registration of migrant returnees and link them up with effective quarantine, facilitate social inclusion and create access to government entitlements.

Design a special social and economic package for migrant returnees and particularly families undergoing self-quarantine should be initiated. Set up district-level helplines to educate on quarantine procedures, provide mental health support and access to government support.

MGNREGA wage in advance should be paid to self migrants/ families who undergo quarantine for a period of 14 days.
Provide long-term livelihood and employment support keeping in mind these may be needed for at least 6-9 months or even more until the broader national economy begins to recover.

Provide legal and other support that may be needed for migrants who have been duped in such times of distress. A mechanism involving the State Legal Service Authorities, Department of Labour and civil society groups may be designed to register complaints of nonpayment of salary and other labour welfare if any.