Civil Society Consultation in Support of Migrants: Preliminary Conversation to make Rajahmahendravaram a Migrant Friendly City.
A joint program was organized by the PARA and Women, Child Friendly Rajahmundry & DB4M at Ekalavya Children’s Home, Rajahmundry, in support of migrant workers under Mr Ameer Pasha supervision. The event saw the presence of Father Francis Bosco, Director, South Asia Migrant’s Network of Don Bosco Institutes, New Delhi.
Addressing the attendees, Father Francis Bosco spoke about the challenges faced by migrant workers across the country. He emphasized the role of voluntary organizations in bringing these issues to the attention of the government. He highlighted that a significant portion of 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 Francis Bosco suggested that other states should implement similar programs to protect their 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 programs on migrant workers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the coming days. Plans were announced for displaying helpline numbers for migrant workers at major locations like railway stations and bus stands. Furthermore, initiatives such as identifying workplaces with a high concentration of migrant workers and facilitating online registration for eShram cards were shared.
Director, 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 both 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 Labor 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 faced by migrant workers.
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, Welfare Party Of India assured the gathering that WPI will align with the network’s efforts.
Prominent participants like Mr. Anoop Jain, Mr. Md. Arif, Mr. Chinta Rambabu, Ms. Sarojini, and Mr. Nallimilli Adi Reddy, B Durga along with press representatives and other service organization members, shared their views and insights on addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers.
NAavajeevan, Vijayawada, Navajeevan Visakhapatnam, Navajeevan Warangal (joining over virtual platform)said they would make similar efforts in their cities.
The program concluded with a shared commitment to continuing efforts for the welfare and protection of migrant workers.
