NEWS
Civil Society Consultation Programme in Support of Migrant Workers
A preliminary conversation to make Rajahmahendravaram a Migrant-Friendly City, a Civil Society Consultation in Support of Migrants, was organized by the Para and Women and Child-Friendly Rajahmundry and DB4M at Ekalavya Children's Home, Rajahmundry, in the presence of Father Francis Bosco, Director of the South Asia Migrant's Network of Don Bosco Institutes, New Delhi.
Addressing the attendees, Father Francis Bosco spoke about the challenges migrant workers face nationwide. He emphasized the role of voluntary organizations in bringing these issues to the government's attention. Father Bosco highlighted that many workers migrate to ten major states in India for employment opportunities and stressed the need for governments to take appropriate protective measures for them. He cited an example of the Odisha government, which has signed MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) with the governments of states where its people migrate for work. These MoUs aim to ensure the safety and welfare of migrant workers from Odisha. Father Bosco suggested that other states implement similar programmes to protect citizens who migrate to other states for employment.
He urged the participants to collectively advocate with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to develop a legally defined framework to safeguard workers migrating to other states, especially from Andhra Pradesh. He further requested that these governments work with representatives of other states to ensure protection for migrant families, including access to education, healthcare, and food security. He called for concrete action plans to address these needs.
The event also included discussions on launching widespread awareness programmes for migrant workers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the coming days. The consultation forum suggested that helpline numbers for migrant workers be displayed at prominent locations like railway stations and bus stands. Furthermore, the members shared initiatives such as identifying workplaces with a high concentration of migrant workers and facilitating online registration for eShram cards.
Director of People's Action for Rural Awakening Thomas Pallithanam called for collective action, urging all organizations and stakeholders to work together. He assured that efforts would be made to meet with state secretaries and ministers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to present the demands and issues of migrant workers to the government.
Representatives from various voluntary organizations, businesses, and government officials from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana participated in the event. CWC (Child Welfare Committee) representative Ms. Prabhavati assured attention to the welfare of migrant workers' children and pledged full support in resolving related issues. ALO (Assistant Labour Officer) and Inspector Mr. Prakash highlighted steps already taken, such as conducting online registrations and working with brick kiln operators to ensure workers' welfare. He also pledged to collaborate with voluntary organizations to resolve any challenges migrant workers face.
Former Chamber of Commerce President Mr. D. Satyam Babu and former RUDA Chairperson Ms. Sharmila Reddy assured that they would bring issues regarding migrant workers' rights to the government's attention. Abdus Subhan, State President of the Welfare Party of India, assured the gathering that WPI would align with the network's efforts. Prominent participants like Mr. Anoop Jain, Mr. Md. Arif, Mr. Chinta Rambabu, Ms. Sarojini, Mr. Nallimilli Adi Reddy, and B Durga along with press representatives and other service organization members, shared their views and insights on addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers. Navajeevan, Vijayawada, Navajeevan Visakhapatnam, and Navajeevan Warangal (joining over a virtual platform) said they would make similar efforts in their cities.