Bhubaneswar: With the migrant labourers affected most by the lockdown imposed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been appealed to draw up a revamped migration policy and set up a migrant support and resource centre.
In a memorandum submitted to the chief minister, co-founder of CYSD Jagadananda said major states from where migrant workers are ‘sourced’ should take urgent steps to create a policy framework for safe living and working conditions for them.
He said while national level authentic data about migrant workers is not available, it is clear that certain key migration corridors exist in the country. Most source states are in the north and east, and most destination states are in south and west, of the country. Therefore, he appealed to governments of source and destination states to formalise an MoU that establishes mutual responsibilities and accountabilities of both state governments.
The Jharkhand government recently signed a similar MoU with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Ministry of Defence for ensuring decent housing, proper health care, communication with family and free transportation for returning home.
While a detailed set of policy recommendations have been forwarded to the Central government and state governments, outlining the key provisions for such an MoU, he appealed to ensure basic requirements of migrant workers and their families.
He also appealed to the state governments to promote Migrant Support Centres in those economic locations where critical information and regular facilitation for the workers and their families could be enabled.
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