COVID-19: Challenges faced by Migrant Workers

SOCIETY/ GOVERNANCE

Topic: General Studies 1 & 2:

• Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. 
• Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. 

COVID-19: Challenges faced by Migrant Workers

In the crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic, some of the worse challenges are faced by the inter-state migrant workers. 

Do You Know?

• The cost of the lockdown is pegged at around $120 billion (nearly ₹9 lakh crore) or 4% of the GDP.
• The lockdown will effectively put over 45 million migrants, working on daily basis, out of work.

Problems of Inter-State migrant worker 

• Sudden announcement of lockdown left them unprepared for it.
• Contrary and uncoordinated government orders caused confusion (Ex: Delhi migrants)
• Dire situation with no work, money or food
• Harassment at the hands of house owners
• Lack of political voice due to their migrant status
• Anxiety about the survival of their families back home
• Physical distancing for the unorganised sector is difficult in India given the realities of high density human settlements (Ex: slums)
• All the above factors lead to their mass exodus from urban areas to their homes often by foot due to suspension of Transport facilities.

Solution: 

• Making arrangements for travel to their home towns is not advisable as there is a danger of spread of virus to rural areas where health infrastructure is meagre.
• People will stay where they are, only if real support is provided.
• School buildings, community halls and stadiums can serve as temporary shelters for migrants (Karnataka model)
• Food grains from excessive buffer stocks to be supplied to these centres.
• Self-managed community kitchens to be set up
• Adequate safety training and safety gear needs to be provided to those housed in temporary shelters

Conclusion

Thus, there needs to be a plan of action based on compassion and understanding of conditions on the ground. 

Connecting the dots:

• Other vulnerable sections of society & problems faced due to lockdown
• Migrants causing the demand for reservation of jobs for local people – legislations passed by State governments like AP, Maharashtra – Critically Analyze