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Consultation on Migration Paves the Way for Greater Engagement with Migrant Communities
In a significant move to address migration challenges, the Baroda Diocese organized a one-day consultation on migration at the Don Bosco Church Hall, Makarpura, Vadodara, on November 19. The event brought together priests, religious sisters, NGO representatives, trade union members, and well-wishers to strengthen collaboration and advocacy for the rights and welfare of migrant communities in Gujarat.
The consultation commenced with a registration session and a warm welcome from Fr. Baptist Monteiro, Rector of Don Bosco Snehalaya, Vadodara. A keynote presentation by Fr. Francis Bosco, South Asia Coordinator for Migrant Ministry, shed light on the critical issues and challenges faced by migrants, particularly informal workers, across India and Gujarat.
Key Insights from the Presentation
Fr. Bosco highlighted:
- The crucial role of state governments, dioceses, religious congregations, and NGOs in addressing the needs of informal workers.
- To curb distressed migration to other states, there is an urgent need to create local employment opportunities, especially in agriculture and related sectors.
- The plight of marginalized communities, including SCs, STs, and OBCs, who often endure exploitation and unsafe working conditions in destination states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Delhi.
- The importance of forming migrant forums in both source and destination states to promote labour rights and solidarity among workers.
Post-presentation, group discussions focused on actionable strategies for developing a comprehensive migrant ministry within Gujarat and the Baroda Diocese. Key suggestions included:
- Connectivity: Creating a WhatsApp group to enhance communication among participants and mobilize active members for migrant ministry.
- Legal Awareness and Aid: Educating migrants about labour rights and providing access to legal support.
- Advocacy: Lobbying for fundamental rights like housing, healthcare, and education.
- Education: Promoting free primary education in migrants' mother tongues.
- Healthcare: Ensuring access to free medical care for migrant workers.
- Document Portability: Facilitating the portability of critical documents like Aadhaar, voter IDs, ration cards, and labour cards.
- Family Support: Advocating for government-funded transport of deceased migrants' mortal remains to their home states.
- Preventive Measures: Improving educational facilities and hostels in source states to minimize migration.
- Skill Training and Counselling: Offering pre-departure counseling and skill development programs.
- Emergency Assistance: Strengthening national helplines managed by Jesuits and Salesians for migrants in crisis.
- Awareness Campaigns: Ensuring awareness and enrolment in government welfare schemes like E-Shram.
A four-member committee, including Father Baptist Monteiro, SDB, Sister Magi, Migrant Secretary, Baroda Diocese, Father Melvin, SJ, Surat, and Mr. Shailesh, NGO Representative, was instituted to oversee the implementation of these initiatives. In collaboration with the Director of Don Bosco Snehalaya, this committee will ensure that the proposed activities take root and flourish.
Father Baptist Monteiro expressed particular appreciation for the organizing team at Snehalaya, including Brother Christopher and staff members Mrs. Sheetal and Mrs. Hiral, for their dedication. Saplings were distributed to key contributors as tokens of gratitude, symbolizing the growth and hope this initiative seeks to inspire.
News Published by
The Regional Councillor, South Asia on DBTech India - Support Skilling
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