Migrant Workers in India – The hypocrisy of our concern for workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel

Source: The post Migrant Workers issue has been created on the article “The hypocrisy of our concern for workers trapped in Uttarkashi tunnel” published in “Indian express” on 25th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society- social issue

News: The article highlights the difficulties faced by migrant workers in India, who are vital for development yet frequently overlooked. It uses the tragic incident of a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand as an example of their dangerous working conditions and societal neglect.

Who are the migrant workers in India?

Migrant workers in India are people who move within the country for work. This movement includes rural-to-urban migration, rural-to-rural, within and between states, and circular or seasonal relocations.

They typically come from poor states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, seeking jobs in richer regions such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Karnataka.

About 35-40% of Indians are part of this internal migration. Their migration is influenced by the low level of formal sector employment in India, which is around 22% as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2021-2022.

What challenges do migrant workers face?

Unsafe Working Conditions: Instances like the Uttarakhand tunnel incident underscore the risks they face, including building collapses and industrial accidents due to inadequate safety measures.

Inadequate Legal Protection: The only law addressing their needs, the Interstate Migrant Workmen Act of 1979, is poorly implemented. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and neglect.

Discrimination and Social Exclusion: They are often treated as outsiders and face discrimination in their host cities. There are no policies specifically designed to protect their rights and well-being.

Poor Living Conditions: Migrant workers frequently live in substandard housing and lack access to basic healthcare and education for their children.

What are the government initiatives for migrant workers in India?

National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW): Aims to create a comprehensive database with Aadhaar-seeded information like name, occupation, and skills, enhancing employability and social security access.

Schemes for Welfare: Includes Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri SVANIDHI Scheme, Aatm Nirbhar Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, One Nation One Ration Card, and financial assistance for construction workers.

All India Survey on Migrant Workers: Conducted by the Labour Bureau for detailed insights into migrant workers’ conditions.

Education and Scholarships: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan provides free education to children of migrant workers. Scholarships are offered through the National Scholarship Portal.

Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH Code) 2020: This code replaces the Inter-state Migrant Workmen Act (1979), ensuring better working conditions, wages, and social security for migrant workers.

What should be done?

Develop Comprehensive Policies: Create specific policies addressing the unique needs of migrant workers, including healthcare, housing, and education for their children.

Enhance Safety Measures: Implement stricter safety protocols in workplaces, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites, to prevent incidents like the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse.

Build Thoughtful Cities: Develop urban areas that prioritize the dignity and needs of migrant workers. Move beyond just “smart cities” to create spaces that are accommodating and respectful of those who migrate for work.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by migrant workers in India and the government initiatives aimed at addressing their issues.