The term “migrant workers” refers to individuals who move from one region to another for work. Various definitions exist. The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers (1990) describes them as individuals engaged in remunerated activities in a country of which they are not nationals. In India, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act (1979) defines them as workers recruited in one state for employment in another.
Push Factors for Migration
- Economic Distress: High rural unemployment and poverty compel individuals to seek jobs in urban areas. The rural unemployment rate reached 7.8% in April 2024.
- Healthcare and Education: Limited access to quality healthcare and education in rural regions drives families to cities. Urban literacy rates are higher than rural rates.
- Climate Change: Environmental degradation and extreme weather events lead to internal migration. For instance, 68% of India’s agricultural land is vulnerable to drought.
- Social Insecurity: Marginalised communities face discrimination and social exclusion, pushing them to migrate for better opportunities.
- Political Instability: Conflicts in regions like Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir have led to displacements.
Pull Factors for Migration
- Job Opportunities: Urban centres offer better-paying jobs in various sectors, including IT and manufacturing.
- Improved Facilities: Cities provide better healthcare and educational institutions, attracting families.
- Social Mobility: Urban areas offer anonymity and reduced social constraints, allowing for greater opportunities.
- Infrastructure: Enhanced transport and digital connectivity in cities facilitate migration.
- Global Aspirations: Exposure to global cultures elevates aspirations for urban lifestyles.
Legal Framework for Migrant Workers
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act (1979) mandates the registration of establishments employing migrant workers. It requires contractors to obtain licenses from both home and host states. Despite these laws, implementation remains weak. Recent labour codes, including the Code on Wages (2018) and Code on Social Security (2020), aim to strengthen protections for workers.
Government Initiatives for Migrant Welfare
- Relief Schemes: The government has implemented various schemes, such as the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) for food security and the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana for financial assistance.
- Skill Development: The Draft National Migrant Labour Policy (2021) aims to enhance skill mapping and training for migrant workers.
- State Initiatives: States like Kerala and Jharkhand have established facilitation centres to support migrant workers and address grievances.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers
- Lack of Social Security: Most migrant workers are informal sector workers without access to social security benefits.
- Wage Discrimination: Many experience underpayment and wage theft, exacerbated by weak enforcement of labour laws.
- Poor Living Conditions: Migrants often reside in overcrowded slums with inadequate facilities.
- Documentation Issues: Migrants face difficulties accessing welfare schemes due to lack of portability of documents.
- Gender-Specific Issues: Female migrants encounter vulnerabilities, including harassment and lower wages.
- Social Alienation: Migrants often face discrimination and xenophobia in host states.
Measures for Welfare and Integration
- Portable Social Security: Establish a nationwide platform for portability of social security benefits.
- Employment Formalisation: Encourage formal contracts and skill certification for better job security.
- Affordable Housing: Develop affordable rental schemes integrated with urban development policies.
- Digital Access: Create mobile applications for migrants to access entitlements and services.
- Gender-Sensitive Policies: Implement targeted policies to address the unique needs of female migrants.
- Healthcare Inclusion: Introduce mobile health clinics and occupational health programs for migrants.
- State Collaboration: Encourage states to harmonise labour policies for better migrant integration.
Best Practices from States
- Uttar Pradesh: The Sewa Mitra platform connects workers with job opportunities and provides skill mapping.
- Maharashtra: The Mahajobs portal links job seekers with employers and offers skill mapping.
- Bihar: The state has implemented cluster-based employment generation initiatives for returned migrants.
- Jharkhand: The State Control Room facilitates registration and skill mapping of migrants.
- Karnataka: The Dasoha portal helps track food requests and provides transportation for migrants.
- Odisha: The Urban Wage Employment Initiative creates temporary jobs for urban poor.
Future Directions for Migrant Welfare
- Policy Integration: Create a national framework for interstate migrant workers to ensure equitable treatment.
- Skill Development: Enhance training programs to improve employability and productivity.
- Community Engagement: Foster partnerships between government and civil society for better support systems.
- Awareness Campaigns: Increase awareness of rights and entitlements among migrant workers.
- Monitoring Systems: Establish robust systems to track the welfare and integration of migrant workers.
