Dr. Kingshuk Sarcar, Associate Professor at Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and former Labour Commissioner of West Bengal, delivered the keynote address. He provided an in-depth analysis of the existing labour laws concerning inter-state migration, shedding light on the legal frameworks that govern migrant workers’ rights. His remarks emphasized the urgent need to align policy implementation with the growing challenges migrants face, especially in securing their rights and protections across state borders.

Migrant Support Initiatives

On August 31, 2024, several key speakers presented their organizations’ ongoing efforts to assist distressed migrants. Fr. Joe Nazareth, SJ, of the Migrant Assistance and Information Network (MAIN), along with Ms. Feliza Goes of PRAVASI BANDHU, and Fr. Jose Sequeira, Director of the Migrant Desk at INP (BOSCO SAHARA), spoke of their collective work. They outlined the various support mechanisms, including establishing a short-stay home in Old Goa, securing entitlements, improving access to education and healthcare, and providing skill training for migrants.

Mr. Prashant Edavi, representing the Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED), formerly known as the Central Board for Workers Education (CBWE), provided valuable insights into government schemes available to migrant workers. He discussed the e-Shram card, a vital resource for migrant workers, along with other entitlements that could significantly improve their living and working conditions.

Tech-Based Interventions

Ms. Nidhi Vaigankar from the DISHA Foundation highlighted the role of technology in supporting migrant workers. She elaborated on the SharamaGaurav app, developed by the DISHA Foundation, which provides crucial resources for migrants. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of the ShramiKendra helpline, which offers support and guidance for distressed workers.

Forging a Path Forward: Key Outcomes

The meeting's final session, moderated by Fr. Francis Bosco, Director of DB4M, focused on creating a path forward. Participants collectively agreed on several action points to address the plight of distressed migrants:

• The necessity of collaborative efforts to address the vast issues migrants face.
• Raising awareness of the hardships endured by migrants and advocating for their rights.
• Establishing a virtual platform for exchanging information, suggestions, and quick responses to migrant-related concerns.
• Developing a common advocacy plan to ensure sustained support for distressed migrants

The assembly unanimously expressed its commitment to working together to benefit distressed migrants. With concrete plans and a shared vision for action, the newly formed Migrant Protection Forum, Goa, aims to reduce human suffering, instill hope, and restore dignity to the lives of young migrants.