Migrants returning to Surat greeted with masks, sanitizers

Surat: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) on Tuesday kick-started the four-day long event to welcome the migrant workers arriving in special trains to Surat. It began with the free distribution of sanitizer bottles and face masks under the ‘shramik aavkar suraksha parva’ starting from Tuesday.
The first batch of passengers from Muzzafarpur-Ahmedabad Express train were distributed masks and sanitisers in the presence of municipal commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani and SGCCI president Dinesh Navadiya at the Surat Railway Station on Tuesday.
“Following the strong representation of the SGCCI to the government, special trains carrying migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have been made operational. About 1,800 workers are coming in a single train due to the social distancing norms. To welcome our workers, we are distributing masks and sanitisers with the message of their safety and protection,” said SGCCI president, Dinesh Navadiya.
“About 10 lakh migrant workforce moved out of the city during lockdown. At present, the textile industry is facing an acute shortage of migrant workers. We need more than 300 trains between Surat and Odisha to bring back the migrant workers. We have urged the central government to start Shramik special trains to bring back the workers,” added Navadiya.
Sources said that the distribution of sanitisers and face masks will continue till September 18.
Many organisations including Mangrol Taluka Industries Association, Sachin Industrial Co-operative Society, Pandesara Weavers Association, Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association, True Drug Charitable Trust etc. have given their support.