Migrant Crisis During the Global Pandemic, 2020

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic swamped the entire world, however, India has managed to do relatively better than the rest. The only way to fight through the pandemic was by advising the population to strictly follow social distancing. The entire country had to be locked down in order to follow these instructions. The lockdown has undoubtedly helped in controlling the spread of the virus but majorly hit the migrant workers. As they were unable to return to their respective hometowns and were left with no access to the necessities. These workers had to stroll on the roads out of desperation out of which few had managed to reach their homes. Meanwhile, the rest were struggling to make their way home.

Significance of Migration

Migration earnings play a vital role in the growth and development of the economy. These earnings are used for house repairs, food, religious pilgrimages and social events. Such earnings are not only utilised in consumption but are also invested in small enterprises, health, agriculture, education and housing; which lead to an improvement in the well being of households. On the contrary, the migration of the male population from nuclear families leads to the burden of work for women. Such workers are most likely not citizens at their workplace. As they do not have the right to vote or the right to free healthcare facilities.

They are often known as illegal residents who are exposed to police harassment. Social networking, historical precedents, caste and creed play a powerful role in sculpting different modes of migration. Members belonging to the backward castes are borne to the migration that involves small industrial units, hospitality industry, security services, carpentry, etc. This kind of migration leads to material remittances, investment and accumulation of assets. These migrants uplift the graph of poverty of the nation rather than its downfall. There are four categories of migrant support which are as under:

1. Social Protection: This category focuses on the reduction of poverty by the promotion of efficient labour markets. It is by helping the poor from loss of income and various hazards.
2. Improving the performance of labour markets:  This category offers services based on the recovery of costs. It further provides information on jobs and various government and insurance schemes.
3. The Labour Union Model: This category is for the betterment of implementation of labour laws. Various NGOs are of the opinion that the workers’ union will help to improvise the power of negotiation in the markets. This would also prevent exploitation of workers.
4. The Rehabilitation Model: This category of migration is victimised to trafficking wherein the workers are often entice to false promises by agents who are paid by recruitment agencies.

Therefore, understanding the significance of migration would result in the development of rural areas and would help people in making the right choices pertaining to their area of work without having to be forced to make a selection.

Repercussions of the Pandemic on Migrants

During the pandemic, many migrant labourers have made use of all the available means to reach their destinations. The basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and healthcare have been the major concerns faced by these labourers. They have also faced harassment and lack of support from the local community. During the period of lockdown, the migrants have survived on minimum or zero food supplies and temporary shelters while trying to reach their homes. During the process, they are in need of social support and various measures can be adopted for the same which are as under:

1. Help the migrants to realise the importance of social-distancing and the consequences if the same is not follow.
2. Listen to their concerns and try to understand their issues.
3. Treating them with empathy and dignity.
4. Apprise them regarding the authoritative bodies that they can approach for support.
5. If some of them are worry about their families, help them realise that it will be safer if they stay in their present location.

The above measures are necessary and may improve the conditions only if not stigmatized.

Government Initiatives

The various initiatives taken by the Government during the pandemic are as under:

1. Equal treatment and non-discrimination of migrants from the local community.
2. Social security schemes.
3. Directions to employees for payment of wages without any deductions.
4. Special counselling in order to deal with the psychological disorders of the migrants.
5. Setting up of relief camps run by the State Government.
6. Financial aid to support the labourers.
7. Free bus services upto the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
8. Packed food kits on a massive scale by IRCTC during travel period.
9. Helpline numbers for emergency contact.

Above all the initiatives undertaken by the Government, it is important to seek the support of the migrant labourers in the spirit of winning over the situation by showing oneness.

Related Cases

Alakh Alok Srivastava V. Union of India

This writ petition file by a practising Advocate of the Supreme Court seeking immediate action for the welfare of migrant labourers and for seeking relief for providing them with the basic necessities like food, water, shelter and proper healthcare facility. In the case, the Supreme Court held that. (i) All concerned shall comply with the directions, advisories and orders pass by the Union of India in the interest of public safety, (ii) stress on the duty of the media to be more vigilant and responsible and ensure that unverify news capable of causing panic is not disseminated; (iii) UOI directed to start issuing daily bulletin through all media avenues including social media and forums to clear the doubts of people.” The matter was adjourn for the Government to present status reports.

Harsh Mander and Anr V. Union of India

This writ petition file by a social activist Mr Harsh Mander and RTI activist Ms Anjali Srivastav for seeking grant of payment of minimum wages by the employees to the labourers during the pandemic. The Court was opine that the Government needs place the missing pages related to the amount of money transferr to the accounts of the labourers on record. However, after the records were present, both the petitions dispose off by the Court.

Conclusion

During the lockdown, the Government has taken various measures to safeguard the concerns of the population. However, the treatment given to the migrant workers despite the initiatives yet need improvement as many parts of the nation are failing implementation of the same. Since this is an unusual situation and the migrants are less familiar to the present environment, they are prone to various psychological disorders. As their families are most likely to be dependent either partially or entirely on the money sent by the labourers. Therefore, it is important to reassure them of their safety and encourage them to fight through the battle of this infectious disease with solidarity.