Himachal Pradesh Workers Solidarity seeks relief for labourers

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 20

The Himachal Pradesh Workers Solidarity (HPWS), a voluntary solidarity platform, has demanded the setting up of a joint task force and provision of free ration, housing and economic relief to migrant labourers in Himachal.

The HPSW released a report on the plight of migrant workers during the lockdown in Himachal. “We seek immediate measures to protect the rights of migrant labourers as citizens, by providing them free housing. The dilution of labour laws should be withdrawn and the registration of all workers should be made mandatory,” said Aditi from the HPWS.

She said as per 2011 Census, Himachal had approximately 3.10 lakh migrant workers, but this figure seemed to be severely underestimated due to lack of registration. “During the lockdown, the focus of the state was limited to distributing ration only, due to which the migrant workers had to spend their entire savings on transportation and rent, burdening them under huge debts,” she said. Many labourers were not paid their dues due to the sudden lockdown, she added.

The HPWS said as per the official version, 94,819 migrants had left Himachal and moved to other states by June 23. As many as 14 shramik trains ferried around 13,183 persons out of the state and more than 80 per cent of the migrants took the road route on their own expense. The government provided e-passes for private transportation, and the number of people who went on foot is not known,” said Himshi Singh from the HPWS.

The HPWS demanded that all information about the relief and support provided to the migrant workers should be released.