States Urged To Stop Migrants From Walking Back Home, Cooperate In Running More ‘Shramik’ Trains

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday directed the state governments to ensure that no migrant workers travel by foot on road and along railway tracks while returning to their home states.

The letter by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla further said they need not resort to this mean as movement by buses and ‘Shramik’ special trains has already been allowed to enable their travel to their native places.

“In case they are found in such condition, they should appropriately be counseled, taken to
nearby shelters and provided with food, water etc. till such time they are facilitated to board the ‘Shramik’ special trains or buses to their native places,” the letter said.

The Union Health Secretary through Video Conference on Sunday had reviewed the assistance provided by all states to the movement of migrant workers.

He also requested the states to cooperate with the Railways in running of more ‘Shramik’ special trains so that travel of stranded migrant workers is facilitated at a faster rate. “I urge upon you all to allow receiving of all Shramik special trains without any hindrance and facilitate faster movement of stranded migrant workers to their native places,” he added.