Centre pulls up states on migrants' issue, tells them to actively coordinate with Railways

As migrants continue to walk on foot despite to ir native places amid Coronavirus lockdown in nation, Centre on Tuesday has asked states and union territories to operate more special trains in close coordination with railways. It has said that special attention should be given for transportation of women, children and elderly migrant workers.

In a communication to all state governments and UT administrations, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said fear of COVID-19 infection and apprehension of loss of livelihood are main driving factors for movement of stranded workers towards ir homes. "In order to mitigate distress of migrant workers, I would be grateful if following measures could be implemented," he said in letter.

home secretary suggested that more special trains should be arranged by pro-active coordination between states and Ministry of Railways. He also said arrangement for resting places, taking into account requirement of sanitation, food and health, should be made. Highlighting lack of clarity about train and buses timing, Home Secretary said that re should be more clarity about departure of trains and buses, as lack of clarity coupled with rumours is causing unrest amongst workers. 

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He said: "District authorities may guide workers moving on foot to designated rest places, nearby bus terminals or railway stations by arranging transportation, enlisting migrants with ir addresses and contact numbers, which may be helpful in contact tracing in due course and involvement of NGO representatives at rest places etc. Steps should be taken for alleviation of tion of long quarantine at rest places by district authorities or NGO workers. Besides, entry of buses carrying migrants at inter-state border should be allowed, adequate arrangement of food, health care and counselling to encour workers to remain at places where y are should also be made."

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Stranded migrants issue 

After PM Modi had anunced first phase of lockdown, on March 28, thousands of migrant workers were seen thronging Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border at Delhi's Anand Vihar Interstate Bus Terminal in hope of reaching ir homes, defying lockdown and creating a health hazard. Similarly, after PM Modi anunced extension of lockdown till May 3, on April 14, around 2,000 migrant workers gared at Bandra station, under illusion of boarding 'Jansdharan Express' trains to UP, Bengal and Bihar. Apart from this several visuals have been seen of thousands of migrants walking across state borders to reach ir native homes due to loss of income amid lockdown. Centre in Lockdown 3.0 arranged special Shramik trains for transportation of migrants to ir native places. However, many accidents have occurred since Centre allowed transportation of stranded migrants, and as many as 100 of m have died. 

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MHA issues fresh guidelines

In new guidelines released by MHA on May 17, distinction has been made in permitted activities as far as Red, Orange, and Green zones are concerned. Though, only essential activities will be allowed in containment zones. state governments and Union Territories have been empowered to decide demarcation of three zones. All domestic and international air travel of passengers except medical and security purposes, Metro rail services, all educational institutions, hotels, restaurants, and or hospitality services except for those housing frontline workers, cinema halls, swimming pools, shopping malls, gyms, entertainment parks, atres, bars, and auditoriums shall remain closed.

Also, garings shall be permitted and movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am except for essential activities. On or hand, distance education, running of canteens at bus depots, railway stations, and airports, home delivery of food items by restaurants, and opening of sports complexes and stadiums have been allowed.  All or activities which are t specifically prohibited such as shops, offices, businesses, etc. are also permitted to operate. However, states/UTs have been given power to prohibit restrictions in various zones as deemed necessary. 

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