West Bengal's Migrant Workers: A Strategy for Protection and Support

Governor CV Ananda Bose has proposed comprehensive measures to support and protect West Bengal's migrant labourers, facing exploitation in other states. Recommendations include a registration portal, worker benefits, and interstate agreements. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a rehabilitation scheme, highlighting the challenges faced by these workers.

In a bid to safeguard the rights of migrant labourers from West Bengal allegedly mistreated outside the state, Governor CV Ananda Bose has outlined a series of strategic recommendations. These suggestions, aimed at both central and state governments, seek to address exploitation, social protection deficiencies, and subpar living conditions faced by these workers.

Among the recommendations, the creation of a 'West Bengal Migrant Workers' Registration Portal' stands out, along with formal agreements with key states and the deployment of labour welfare officers. Governor Bose also pushed for initiatives like affordable hostels, a shift to a 'One Citizen One Ration Card' scheme, skill-training centers in high migration areas, and multilingual helplines.

The governor's proposal signifies a pivotal rethinking of migrant worker policy in West Bengal, focusing on digital inclusion, interstate collaboration, and infrastructure support to build a robust safety net for vulnerable labourers. Concurrently, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the 'Sramasree' scheme offering financial aid to returning workers, framing it against a backdrop of alleged discrimination in BJP-ruled states.

(With inputs from agencies.)