Tragedy of Migration: Odisha's Outbound Workers

The Assembly was informed that at least 518 migrant workers from Odisha died working outside the state and country between 2021 and November 2023. Most deaths were from Kalahandi district. Over 70,000 workers migrated within India in 2025, indicating a growing reliance on external job opportunities.

In a somber disclosure, a minister reported to the Odisha Assembly that at least 518 migrant workers from the state have died while on duty outside their homeland between 2021 and November of this year.

This statistic was revealed in response to a query from BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo. Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia mentioned that out of these, 395 bodies had been repatriated to their home districts.

The data highlights Kalahandi as the district with the highest fatalities, constituting a wake-up call towards the need for safer labor conditions. This comes as over 70,000 workers moved interstate in 2025, raising concerns over labor regulations and safety measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)