Ranchi: Migration remains a significant challenge for Jharkhand, as a large number of people leave their homes every year for other states or foreign countries in search of employment. While the Jharkhand government is taking steps to support these migrant laborers, the issue of their welfare and registration was prominently raised in the State Assembly on Friday, February 20.
JKLM MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that over 16 lakh migrant laborers from the state have moved elsewhere for their livelihoods. However, he pointed out that the number of workers officially registered with the government is alarmingly low compared to the actual figures.
Responding to the query, Labor Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav informed the House that according to the Shramadhan portal, the number of registered migrant workers in the state currently stands at 2,19,169. He explained that the government provides financial assistance to bring back the mortal remains of migrant workers who pass away—either naturally or in accidents—in other states. For this purpose, the Chief Minister Migrant Laborer Accident Fund has been established, providing provisions for up to ₹50,000 in assistance.
The Labor Minister further stated that the government acts with urgency in the event of a migrant worker’s accidental death to transport the body to their ancestral home via train or plane. Such actions are initiated immediately once the State Migrant Control Room receives the information.
Minister Yadav added that migrant laborers can register themselves for free on the Shramadhan portal. The State Migrant Control Room, which operates out of Doranda, Ranchi, actively coordinates and resolves problems faced by workers both within the country and abroad.
In response to another question from MLA Chandradev Mahato, the Labor Minister revealed that during the financial year 2025-26, the government spent ₹2.25 crore to transport the mortal remains of 148 inter-state migrant workers to their native residences. Additionally, financial aid was provided to several others, including over ₹5 lakh in assistance distributed among seven migrant workers who met with accidents.
