Taking Unprecedented Steps, Shifted 91 Lakh Migrant Workers Since May 1, Says Government

The lockdown and the great migration that followed was unlike anything that has happened in the country in the past. Migrant workers had been the driving force behind most of the industries and the agriculture sector in India.

AFP

As per the 2011 Census data, 45.36 crore Indians (37 per cent) in India are migrants. This includes inter-state migrants as well as migrants within the state.

The magnitude of India's dependence on migrant workers came to light only in March following the lockdown.

REUTERS

While several states announced that they will take care of the migrant workers who have been left jobless due to the lockdown, the magnitude was something that no one anticipated.

The early signs of the impending crisis were seen along the Delhi-UP border were thousands gathered just days after the lockdown demanding that they should be provided travel facilities. While some of them were ferried on buses, others set out on foot out of sheer desperation.

BCCL

As the lockdown continued to be extended the calls for repatriation became louder and only then several state governments started sending buses to other states to bring their people back.

On 1 May, the central government permitted the Indian Railways to launch "Shramik Special" trains for the migrant workers and others stranded. Now the government has told the Supreme Court that since May 1 they have sent 97 lakh migrant workers home.

BCCL

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central government, also told the apex court that Uttar Pradesh and Bihar account for over 80 per cent of these migrants. ¡°This is an unprecedented crisis and we are taking unprecedented measures,¡± Mehta said.

The Centre further asserted that it would not stop its efforts or the train service ¡°till even a single migrant remains¡±. On being asked by the Supreme Court to provide an estimation of the time needed to transport all migrants, Mehta said the states would be in a better position to determine that. During the hearing, the Supreme Court said the court needs clarity with respect to who will pay the fare of migrant workers.

BCCL

To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, ¡°Some originating state pays, some receiving state paying. Some states are reimbursing¡­ Food and drinking water provided by railways free of cost. The first meal is provided by state govt. Indian railways has given 84 lakh meals¡­ For 80 percent plus migrants state of Destination is UP or Bihar.¡±

BCCL

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday taken suo motu cognizance of problems faced by the migrant labourers who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus outbreak.