10 Lakh migrant workers returned to Jharkhand during lockdown

State migrant control room helped workers in getting their outstanding dues

Ranchi, Nov 18:  For the first time in Jharkhand, the government is working with a sensitive approach towards the issues of migrant workers and labourers.

On directive of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the state migrant control room is continuously working towards resolving their issues. From bringing back the trapped workers from other states to helping them to get their outstanding salaries and solving other allied issues.

During the Covid pandemic in the last two years, these workers/labourers had to face hard times. Workers were forced to return to their homes. In this situation, the state government came into action and brought them back from other states through flights, trains and buses. Not only from other states but few migrants struck across the border were also brought back to their homes.

Between 27 March 2020 to 31 October 2021, a total of 9, 66, 393 workers have returned to Jharkhand. Even during lockdown, the State Migrant Control Room was active in bringing stranded workers back. 1,58,652 workers of Giridih returned home during the said period, which is highest among all the districts.

In addition, 1,09,438 workers of Palamu, 78,539 of Garhwa, 78,414 workers of Hazaribagh, 69,752 workers of Godda, 42,932 workers of Koderma, 36,293 of West Singhbhum, 35,455 workers of Bokaro and 35,317 workers of Chatra have returned home. Apart from these, workers from other districts have also returned to their homes.

The State Migrant Control Room and PHIA Foundation are monitoring the condition of these workers. According to the information received from the control room, these workers had to face many problems.

Many of them were suffering from illness, many faced harassment, few of them were not getting their wages and remuneration.

With the efforts of the department, Rs 84,84,640 was provided to these workers in different incidences against their dues. In Khunti district more than Rs 14,52,420  were paid back to the workers whereas in Ranchi Rs 11,06,600,  in Giridih Rs 6,41,900, in Garhwa Rs 4,11,377 and Rs 4,61,100 were paid back to the workers of Godda. 

Apart from this, the workers of other districts have also received their pending compensation. Also, the government is helping workers in getting legal aids in other states.