Tragic Trend: Odisha's Migrant Labourers Suffer Fatalities

Since 2019, at least 228 migrant labourers from Odisha lost their lives while working outside the state, with 197 deaths occurring within India and 31 abroad. The highest casualties were reported in Ganjam district. The state government issued migration licenses under regulatory provisions and is working on employment generation and safety initiatives.

At least 228 migrant labourers from Odisha have lost their lives while working outside the state since 2019, legislative authorities learned on Tuesday.

Responding to a query by BJD MLA Sanatan Mhakud, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia disclosed that 197 migrant workers died within India, and 31 met their demise abroad by June 2024.

Ganjam district reported the highest number of fatalities, with 42 migrant workers dying while working outside the state. Notably, 25 deaths were recorded in the Chatrapur area and 17 in Berhampur, Singkhuntia noted.

Bolangir district, another area with significant migration, recorded 21 deaths of migrant workers. Other districts reporting fatalities include Kandhamal (19 deaths), Rayagada (18), Kendrapara (15), Boudh (11), and Kalahandi (10), said the minister.

In another written reply, Singkhuntia revealed that 2,821 contractors were issued licenses for the migration of 1,89,705 workers from Bolangir district between 2019 and 2024.

These licenses were granted under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979.

Singkhuntia admitted that migration for better earnings is common among Odisha's workers but assured that the state government is actively creating employment opportunities through existing schemes like the Swarojgar Yojana and various departmental collaborations.

He also mentioned the implementation of a State Action Plan to ensure the safety and welfare of Odisha's migrant workers.