Migrant mass exodus reports in third pandemic wave untrue: Ministry

New Delhi: Media reports that mass exodus of migrant workers was happening in the country during the third wave of the pandemic, similar to that of the first wave, were not true and states were asked to be careful on such fake information, Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav informed Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The said media reports were out of old photographs, he said

The minister, in his written statement, said that 21 monitoring centres were activated across the country by the Central Chief Labour Commissioner and states were advised to reassure migrant labours regarding their safety, security and livelihood, PTI reported.

Further, the minister said that aside from the night curfews and weekend curfews imposed in some states and union territories, there are no restrictions on construction, business, shops or industrial activities. Also, there are no reports of mass movements of migrant workers.

Given the surging Omicron, the Ministry of Labour & Employment Secretary had chaired a meeting with states and UTs on January 12, aiming to stock their preparedness regarding workers in general as well as migrant workers, he said.

Minister said that both the Union and state governments watch the situation closely and are totally prepared for adversities. Some states have restricted attendance to 50 per cent, while most of the states have planned the distribution of ration for labourers. Some states are ready with financial aid from the building and other construction workers (BOCW) cess funds as well as social security funds available with them.

He said that labour supply states and receiving states were asked to work in close coordination so that any migrant worker situation could be tackled.

Further, he said that 24 crore unorganised workers have registered on the eShram portal, and all the states and UTs were asked to register those migrant workers who have not done it yet.

Meanwhile, the railway is also watching main stations like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Secunderabad etc., and it is ready with special trains if the situation demands, the minister said.

The Labour ministry launched the eShram platform for the welfare of unorganised sector workers.