Migrant Labour Welfare in Host State Must
MHA
Writes to All States to Ensure Compliance of Supreme Court Directions on
Welfare of Migrant Labourers Housed at Relief Camps
In view of the Supreme Court of India directions regarding
welfare of migrant labourers housed at relief
shelters/camps in different parts of country, Union Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) has written to all States/UTs to take necessary action in compliance of
the directions of the Court, while implementing lockdown measures to fight
COVID-19 effectively.
The Court directed that adequate medical facilities besides
proper arrangements for food, clean drinking water and sanitation be ensured
for migrant workers at relief camps/shelters across the country. Further,
trained counsellors and/ or community group leaders belonging to all faiths
should visit the relief camps/ shelter homes and deal with any consternation
that the migrants might be going through.
The Court also observed that the anxiety and fear of the
migrants should be understood by the police and other authorities, and that
they should deal with the migrants in a humane manner. Further, the State
Governments/ UTs should endeavour to engage
volunteers along with the police to supervise the welfare activities of the
migrants.
The MHA Communication also reiterates the directions given
in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare letter to all States/UTs, on above
lines. The Health Ministry has issued detailed guidelines for States/UTs to
deal with psychosocial issues among migrants, which has been placed at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedPsychosocialissuesofmigrantsCOVID19.pdf
[Click here for Revised
Psychosocial issues of migrants COVID19]