To prevent exodus, Delhi Govt offers migrants Rs5,000 each

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 21

Even as the mass exodus of migrant workers continues after weeklong lockdown was announced yesterday to contain the Covid-19 spread in the National Capital, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) proposes to give Rs 5,000 each to registered construction workers as relief besides host of other promises.

The move is seen as an attempt to help prevent migrant exodus from Delhi. Following an order by Lt Governor Anil Baijal, the Delhi Government formed a committee to oversee the relief work.

Migrant labourers continue to crowd railway stations and bus terminals disregarding social distancing norms and Covid-19 protocol in a bid to return to their native places.

A senior DDMA official said, “We propose to give Rs 5,000 to the registered construction workers as Covid relief due to lockdown with effect from April 20. The registration and renewal are being kept open and newly registered workers will also be covered.”

Currently, Delhi has 1.71 lakh registered construction workers. In the past one year, the government conducted special camps to register the workers. Last year, the state twice provided an ex gratia relief of Rs 5,000 to the 55,000 registered construction workers during the lockdown.

Officials said the state health department had also been asked to link all major construction sites with dispensaries to provide medical care, while the area district authorities will deploy adequate manpower at the construction sites for the arrangement of food packets/ration provision.

They added that a 24x7 functional helpline number would also be set up for grievance management and all distress calls would be promptly attended.

The seven-member committee comprising senior Delhi Government officials has been tasked to ensure the welfare of daily wagers, migrant workers, labourers and construction workers in compliance with the Delhi High Court directions, the DDMA said in an order.

“The finance department has been asked to arrange adequate funds, if required, in addition to the funds available with the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board for ensuring overall welfare,” the order said.

• 1.71 lakh registered construction workers in Delhi
• 55,000 registered workers got aid twice last year