Centre asks states to ply more Shramik special trains for migrant workers

NEW DELHI: The home ministry has asked all state and Union territory governments to pro-actively coordinate with the ministry of railways to run more Shramik special trains and to deploy greater number of special buses for migrants while also allowing entry of such buses at inter-state borders.
In a communication to the states, the home ministry noted that fear of Covid-19 infection and apprehension of loss of livelihood are the main driving factors behind the movement of stranded workers towards their homes. In order to mitigate the distress of migrant workers, the communication stresses on a number of measures that may proactively be taken by the state governments in coordination with the Centre.
These include, apart from facilitating faster movement of migrant workers via Shramik special trains and buses, offering more clarity about departure of trains/ buses “as lack of clarity coupled with rumours caused unrest amongst the workers”.
The states/UTs have also been asked to arrange designated rest places — with adequate facilities for sanitation, food and healthcare — on routes where migrants are known to be already travelling on foot.
District authorities have been advised to guide workers moving on foot to designated rest places, nearby bus terminals or railway stations by arranging transportation.
The home ministry letter seeks special attention on part of the states to specific requirements of women, children and elderly amongst the migrant workers.
District authorities, it is suggested, may involve NGO representatives at rest places etc, to alleviate the notion of long quarantine at rest places. Workers may also be encouraged to remain at places where they are.
The states have been told to maintain a list of the migrants with their addresses and contact numbers. This is meant to help in contact-tracing in due course.
The home ministry communication reiterates that district authorities must ensure that no migrant worker has to resort to walking on roads or railway tracks to reach his/her destination. They may request ministry of railways for running trains, as per requirement.